Morant Bay Urban Centre: A Ribbon-Cut Before Ready – Questions Over Haste and Accountability

By: Wayne Forbes /GTV Editor

February 16, 2026

Morant Bay Urban Centre: A Ribbon-Cut Before Ready – Questions Over Haste and Accountability

Last March, Prime Minister Andrew Holness joined renowned entertainer Grams Morgan for a high-profile opening ceremony to cut the ribbon on the Morant Bay Urban Centre, billed as a transformative hub for business, culture, and community in St. Thomas. Yet, more than a year on, the facility remains closed to tenants and the public – a situation that has sparked criticism over premature celebrations, project management, and the use of public funds.

The Grand Vision vs. Current Reality

The $120 million development was designed to house 24 retail units, a food court, a performance space, and administrative offices, with promises of creating 150 jobs and boosting local economic activity in one of Jamaica’s most underserved parishes. The opening event, which featured live performances and speeches highlighting the centre as a symbol of progress, drew widespread media attention and public optimism.

Today, however, the site stands largely empty. Construction barriers still line the perimeter, essential utilities including electricity and water remain incomplete, and safety inspections have not been signed off by municipal authorities. Prospective tenants who signed preliminary agreements report being left in limbo, with no clear timeline for when they might be able to move in or recoup their deposit payments.

Points of Concern

Premature Ceremony: Symbolism Over Substance

Critics argue that the decision to hold an opening before the centre was operational was driven by political optics rather than practical progress. The timing coincided with local government elections in the region, leading to accusations that the event was staged to bolster support for the ruling party. This approach, they contend, undermines public trust in government announcements about development projects.

Project Management and Oversight

Questions have been raised about the oversight of the construction contract, which was awarded to a consortium with limited track record in large-scale commercial developments. Reports indicate that delays stemmed from both supply chain issues and cost overruns – problems that some say could have been anticipated or mitigated with more rigorous planning and monitoring. The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has yet to release a detailed breakdown of how funds have been spent or what steps are being taken to get the project back on track.

Impact on Local Businesses and Communities

The delay has had tangible consequences for Morant Bay’s small business community. Several entrepreneurs who had planned to relocate or expand into the centre have been forced to put their growth plans on hold, while others have incurred financial losses from halted preparations. Additionally, the community’s expectation of improved access to goods and services – and the jobs that were promised – remains unfulfilled.

Calls for Action and Accountability

Opposition leaders, along with local civic groups, are calling for an independent audit of the project to assess spending, identify the root causes of delays, and determine responsibility for the setbacks. There are also demands for clear communication from the government about revised timelines and support for affected tenants.

Grams Morgan, who lent his public profile to the opening, has stated that he is “deeply disappointed” by the delay and has urged authorities to prioritize completing the work so the centre can deliver on its promise to the people of St. Thomas.

Looking Ahead

The Morant Bay Urban Centre controversy serves as a reminder that development projects must be measured by delivery, not ceremonies. As the government works to resolve outstanding issues and get the facility operational, it faces pressure to demonstrate that public investments are managed with transparency and a genuine commitment to serving community needs – rather than being used as tools for political parties.