June 17, 2022

Investors from across the globe are being wooed to plough millions of dollars into the 650-acre Caymanas special economic zone (SEZ) that has been described by Gary Lawrence, senior vice-president of engineering at the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ), as the largest single project ever to be embarked on in Jamaica. Following years of gestation, the project is being brought to life by the PAJ, whose principals told prospective investors Thursday that the Government was taking steps to put in utilities and other critical infrastructure in preparation for persons who are already knocking on the door. The project is poised to be among the top-tier logistics free zones across the region. Gordon Shirley, chairman of the PAJ, told The Gleaner Thursday while touring Caymanas that his agency has been tasked with getting the SEZ started. The authority will spend between $40 million and $60 million to install infrastructure at the property. He said that multiple subdevelopers could take on some components of the project. Shirley said that the authority was in discussions with a number of investors, including some from the United States. “We are open for business, but we intend to proceed along the lines that the Government has outlined, so regardless of how quickly they come along, our mandate is to get this in a position to be operational as quickly as possible,” he added. Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce, told prospective investors that the Government will be providing 50 years of tax-free benefits in a long-term lease arrangement. “If you bring in stuff as you would have to (in order) to build it out, no taxes on it. You take it out, no taxes on it, but you can’t sell into Jamaica when you are in the special economic zone,” he said. Hill said that the build-out of the SEZ would create jobs for Jamaicans. The industry and investment minister, however, sounded a warning to those who might want to use dirty money to invest in the SEZ. “If it is not clean, we don’t even have to find it. Other people will find it and tell us you are not clean,” he said. The PAJ said it has already engaged other government departments that are part of the approval process such as the National Environment and Planning Agency in relation to the area to be developed. The Port Authority of Jamaica owns five free zones that now employ close to 20,000 people. The latest is the Kingston Logistics Park, which has more than 200 square feet of new facilities.

Potential investors/developers who decide to operate within the proposed Caymanas Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in St. Catherine will enjoy tax-free benefits for an extended period. This was disclosed by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill, who said the Government is looking to attract interest in the development of the property as it seeks to get the Caymanas SEZ project started. “They will get 50 years tax-free benefit – no taxes, no income tax for 50 years. In contract, by lease, you’ll get this wonderful piece of land,” he said. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has mandated the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) to get the project started. SEZs are areas created within a country to facilitate rapid economic growth by leveraging tax incentives as a way of attracting foreign investments and technological advancement. Senator Hill was speaking yesterday (June 16) to global investor delegates/participants from the World Free Zones Organization’s Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE), 2022, being held in Montego Bay from June 13 to 17. As part of the conference, they were participating in the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) Investor Tour of SEZs, ports and logistics facilities, which began at the proposed site of the Caymanas SEZ, where more than 650 acres, to comprise industrial and commercial spaces, will be developed for logistics purposes. Senator Hill further noted that 50 years without any taxes on dividends will be beneficial to the developer/investor who can arrange to have as many business operators rent their property, as they will have a long-term lease that will be renewable. “You will get that profit; no taxes on it and then… if you bring in [items] as you will have to build it out, no taxes on it; you take it out, no taxes on it, but you can’t cross the border, you can’t sell into Jamaica when you’re in the SEZ,” he advised. Senator Hill further informed that the Government will be investing between $40 million and $60 million in the property to put in place the necessary utilities, including water. It will also have broadband access. He informed that the investors/developers who wish to develop the property will have a negotiated period of time within which it must be developed. Senator Hill pointed out that the Central Bank will allow investors to take in “clean money”, because if it’s not clean, “we don’t even have to find it, other people will find it and tell us you’re not clean… so don’t bother with it – clean money in clean money out, no currency restrictions”. He also reminded investors that Jamaica has an ample workforce available, noting that mainly young, trainable persons comprise the 1.5 million people living in the Kingston and Portmore, St. Catherine, areas. From an elevated platform on the property, investors were given a clear vantage point to see the site’s proximity to key commercial and residential developments. The tour also included the Kingston Logistics Park, Kingston Freeport Terminal Ltd., and the Port Royal Cruise Port. Held annually, the conference is a marquee event for free zones and associated entities. Being hosted by the Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) this year’s conference features global business leaders, multilateral organisations, and policymakers from some 140 countries, who are driven towards the development and expansion of SEZs. The PAJ, which has been charged with leading the promotion of Jamaica’s Special Economic Zones and Logistics offerings, is a main sponsor for the conference.   Source: https://jis.gov.jm/long-term-tax-free-benefits-for-investors-in-caymanas-sez/