00:00Did you know that in Jamaica there are many projects that are going to totally change the way of life?
00:06Jamaica is an island country located in the Caribbean Sea, being the third largest island after Cuba and Hispaniola.
00:15Today we are going to uncover the biggest mega projects and find out if they will really help Jamaica expand
00:22or not.
00:23Before we continue, make sure to like this video and subscribe to Outerside.
00:28In the last year, the government announced that it will start a new road improvement project worth $40 billion to
00:36modernize 2,000 roads along the island.
00:39On March 7th, the minister said that repairs will begin in the next financial year and will be phased in
00:45over three years under the theme upgrading our roads for our shared prosperity.
00:51After this project is completed, the government claims that road safety will be improved and economic growth will be catalyzed
00:58by restoring badly damaged public infrastructure.
01:03Considering the traffic fatality statistics at a staggering level after the completion of this project, Jamaica will become much safer
01:11on the road.
01:12An example of a road under construction is the Highway 2000 project is a major highway infrastructure project that aims
01:20to improve transportation in Jamaica.
01:23The project includes building new highways and upgrading existing roads.
01:29The project helped improve connectivity in Jamaica and economic growth by facilitating the transportation of goods and people.
01:38In January 2022, the Minister of Tourism announced that Jamaica will go through a boom in the development of hotels
01:46and resorts.
01:47A total of $2 billion will be invested to bring 8,000 rooms up and running, resulting in at least
01:5424,000 part-time and full-time jobs and at least 12,000 jobs for construction workers.
02:01At least 12,000 construction workers, several construction contractors, engineers, project managers and a variety of other specialists will be
02:10needed to ensure the timely completion of these projects.
02:13In addition, thousands of tourism workers need to be trained in areas such as management, cooking, housekeeping, tour guides and
02:23reception.
02:26Currently, like many island nations, Jamaica is highly dependent on imported fossil fuels.
02:32More than 94% of the island's electricity is generated from petroleum-based fuels, leaving it vulnerable to oil price
02:41and currency fluctuations that have a direct impact on the cost of electricity.
02:47But, recently, the government wants to develop renewable energy as much as possible.
02:52They want to reduce oil consumption until 2030, renewable energy will account for at least 30% of that mix.
03:02They will install solar panels and many other special devices for energy generation.
03:08In addition, geographically, this country is perfect for generating energy thanks to the sun.
03:16A Kingston port expansion project has been launched that will allow Jamaica to remain competitive in the region's maritime trade
03:24sector following the launch of the new canal locks in Panama.
03:28The project involves the rehabilitation, consolidation and modernization to seismic standards of 1,200 meters of docks as well as
03:39dredging operations in the Access Channel and Kingston Harbor.
03:43The initiative to expand the port of Kingston stems from the Panama Canal expansion project.
03:50In 2016, after nine years of construction work, the expansion of the Panama Canal was inaugurated.
03:58The facility has doubled its capacity and now accommodates increased traffic.
04:05Two lock systems were built, new channels were excavated, existing channels were widened and deepened, and the maximum operating level
04:13of Gatun Lake was raised.
04:16The expansion and rehabilitation of the port of Kingston by the consortium is a strategic issue for the region.
04:22It will increase the draft to accommodate the very large post-Panamax container ships for which the Panama Canal was
04:30expanded.
04:30Since 1940, when bauxite was discovered in Jamaica, several mines have been built.
04:38Now, bauxite plays a crucial role in the country's economic development.
04:44Bauxite is the primary raw material used to produce aluminum,
04:48and Jamaica is one of the world's largest producers of bauxite, producing over 9 tons per year.
04:55This country is one of the world's largest producers of bauxite, representing 10% of the country's annual income.
05:03The bauxite mining industry has been a major contributor to Jamaica's economy, providing jobs and export earnings.
05:12The industry has undergone significant modernization and expansion in recent years,
05:18with new investments in infrastructure and technology to improve efficiency and sustainability.
05:24The Vernomfield Aerotropolis development aims to transform the Vernomfield Airfield into a modern aviation hub
05:32that will serve as a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin American regions.
05:36The development is expected to attract significant investment, create job opportunities and promote economic growth in the region.
05:45The development plan for Vernomfield Aerotropolis includes the construction of a new airport terminal, cargo and logistics facilities, hotels, convention
05:56centers, business parks and other infrastructure to support air transport and related activities.
06:02The project also includes the development of an aviation training academy that will provide training for pilots, engineers and other
06:11aviation professionals.
06:13The development of Vernomfield Aerotropolis is expected to attract significant investment from both domestic and international sources.
06:23The project is financed through a public-private partnership with the Jamaican government providing infrastructure support
06:30and private investors providing funding for specific projects and activities.
06:35The project is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth and attract foreign investment.
06:42It will also improve Jamaica's connectivity and logistics capabilities, making it a more attractive destination for international businesses and investors.
06:54What do you think about these mega projects?
06:57Do you think they should all be part of this top?
07:01Some of these projects are planned to be modified and to assign them a utility.
07:06Do you think this will be achieved?
07:09Tell us what you think in the comments and if you liked this video, don't forget to subscribe!
07:14Don't forget to subscribe!