St James considering incentives for eco-friendly developments

The St James Municipal Corporation is considering offering special rates and incentives to developers who incorporate environmentally sustainable solutions into their projects, as part of efforts to encourage resilient and responsible development in the parish.

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon made the announcement while addressing the Recover and Rebuild Jamaica Expo 2026 on Saturday, where he invited members of the development community to partner with the municipality in creating a more sustainable city.

"The St James Municipal Corporation is flexible, and we are considering special rates for developments with environmental solutions," Vernon said.

"This is how we balance growth with sustainability, and we invite you to submit your proposals."

Vernon said the municipal corporation remains committed to facilitating investment while ensuring that developments comply with building codes, planning regulations and the parish's development order.

"The municipal corporation bears the responsibility to enforce building codes and standards while monitoring lands within the framework of the development order," he said.

The mayor noted that the initiative comes as Montego Bay continues to experience rapid growth and increasing demand for residential, commercial and tourism-related developments.

He argued that new investment must be accompanied by measures that strengthen climate resilience and reduce environmental impacts.

According to Vernon, encouraging environmentally conscious developments is part of the city's broader strategy to build back stronger following the devastation caused by recent hurricanes and storm surges.

He also encouraged developers to take advantage of the opportunity by bringing forward innovative proposals that incorporate sustainable design, energy efficiency, water conservation, and other environmentally friendly features.

Vernon said the Recover and Rebuild Jamaica Expo should serve not only as a marketplace for products and services but also as a forum for dialogue on how Jamaica can achieve economic growth while improving resilience to natural disasters.

The mayor did not outline what form the proposed special rates would take or when they might be introduced, but indicated that the municipal corporation is prepared to work with developers whose projects advance environmental sustainability.

- Albert Ferguson

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