Works Minister reaffirms commitment to Jamaican contractors and suppliers

Minister with responsibility for Works, Robert Nesta Morgan, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that national infrastructure projects strengthen Jamaica’s local construction industry while building long-term technical capacity.

Speaking at the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Recover and Rebuild Expo 2026 on July 11, Minister Morgan said the Government’s infrastructure programme is designed not only to improve roads and bridges, but also to develop Jamaican contractors, engineers and suppliers.

Addressing concerns about the role of international contractors, the Minister noted that of the approximately US$1.19 billion spent on road infrastructure over the past 15 years, about 56 per cent has gone to local companies. He added that 99 per cent of the Government’s recurrent procurement over the last decade has been awarded to Jamaican firms.

“You cannot build a society by importing all the expertise from overseas,” Minister Morgan said. “Our objective is to partner international firms with local contractors so that Jamaicans gain the experience, capacity and opportunities needed to lead major projects in the future.”

He pointed to the $45-billion SPARK Programme, where more than 26 local contractors and suppliers are working alongside international partners. He also noted that local businesses continue to play significant roles on major projects, including the Montego Bay Perimeter Road.

The Minister said the benefits extend beyond construction companies, with Jamaican suppliers providing materials, equipment and services that keep more of the investment circulating within the local economy.

He further highlighted the $10-billion (programmed so far) Special CAPEX Programme, under which all road contracts have been awarded to local companies, and the Accelerated Bridge Programme, where Jamaican contractors are constructing the bridge foundations across the island.

Minister Morgan said the Government’s long-term goal is to build the institutional capacity needed for Jamaican firms to independently deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.

“Our objective is not simply to create work for contractors,” he said. “It is to build the technical and institutional capacity that will allow Jamaica to become increasingly self-sufficient in delivering major infrastructure projects.”

He added that future contracting arrangements will continue to require international firms to mentor Jamaican engineers and project managers, ensuring that expertise remains in the country long after projects are completed.

The Minister concluded by emphasising that resilient infrastructure is about more than roads and bridges.

“Resilience is not simply about concrete and steel. It is about building infrastructure that protects our people, strengthens our economy and prepares Jamaica for the challenges of a changing climate,” he said.