Jamaican authorities are set to commence fortification work on the sea wall at Border, a vital commercial corridor straddling St Elizabeth and Westmoreland parishes, as early as next week. This coastal defense initiative aims to safeguard recently reconstructed vendor facilities against oceanic turbulence and mitigate future hurricane damage.
Industry, Investment, and Commerce Minister Senator Aubyn Hill provided senators with a project update last Friday, confirming that technical clearances have been finalized, paving the way for immediate construction. Minister Hill verified that the quantity surveyor from the Jamaica Business Development Corporation has approved the project scope, which has now been forwarded to the contractor.
The revetment structure represents a critical protective measure for local vendors who have long contended with the threat of storm surges and rough seas. The engineering solution is designed to withstand severe weather events while addressing environmental considerations, particularly wastewater management. Minister Hill emphasized collaborative efforts with the Tourism Enhancement Fund to implement wastewater diversion systems that prevent oceanic contamination.
This infrastructure project responds to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28, 2025, causing substantial damage to the vending complex and disrupting local livelihoods. The sea wall construction complements broader rehabilitation efforts that have already transformed the commercial landscape.
Earlier this January, the ministry inaugurated 51 rebuilt vendor shops—expanding from the original 37—featuring hurricane-resistant roofing with protective straps, reinforced concrete foundations, modern sanitation stations, and a new communal kitchen facility with eleven cooking areas. These enhancements directly support approximately 70 vendors, 26 fishermen, and an estimated 350-400 family members dependent on the Border economy.
The revitalization project has garnered substantial cross-sector support, with J Wray & Nephew contributing to shop beautification and the Tourism Enhancement Fund providing practical equipment for food preparation. New signage now marks the renewed commercial corridor, signaling the area’s economic resurgence.