The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is actively considering the development of a new export port in St Thomas, a strategic move aimed at positioning Jamaica as the leading supplier of construction materials across the Caribbean. This initiative is particularly targeted at Guyana, where an oil-driven infrastructure boom has created unprecedented demand for aggregates, limestone, and cement. PAJ Chairman Alok Jain revealed these plans during a recent address at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica (ICAJ) annual business conference, emphasizing the need for additional ports to meet regional demands. While a specific timeline remains undisclosed, Jain highlighted the importance of locating ports near mining sites to minimize transportation costs and logistical challenges. The St Thomas port is envisioned as a dedicated bulk export facility, designed to streamline the movement of heavy materials to regional buyers. This development aligns with Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s March 2023 call for local quarry operators to expand production to serve Caribbean markets, particularly Guyana. Guyana’s infrastructure projects have surged in recent years, driven by its oil wealth, leading to a 250% increase in gravel and crushed stone imports in 2023, totaling $47 million. While Suriname’s State-owned Grassalco has been a primary supplier, Guyana has also sought materials from Jamaica and other Caribbean nations. The proposed St Thomas port is part of a broader strategy to transform Jamaica into a global logistics hub, with Jain envisioning the island as the fourth global logistics node after Singapore, Dubai, and Rotterdam. This ambition is supported by significant investments in Jamaica’s port infrastructure, including over $400 million in the Kingston Freeport Terminal since 2016 and the development of the Caymanas Special Economic Zone, a modern logistics and light-manufacturing hub. Jain believes that shifting global trade dynamics, including tariff upheavals and supply chain disruptions, present a unique opportunity for Jamaica to leverage its geographic advantage and emerge as a key player in international trade.