Government still undecided about location of Logistics Hub

Anthony Hylton, Industry and Investment Minister, has dismissed suggestions that the Government has all but agreed to a Chinese proposal, to make Goat Islands a trans-shipment port which is part of a phased plan starting 2015, to make Jamaica a logistics hub to accommodate cargo ships heading to and from an expanded Panama Canal.

Hylton is the latest Cabinet Minister to insist that a proposal to use Goat Islands as a trans-shipment port is not a done deal, however at a press briefing on Friday he disclosed that he hopes the project, estimated to cost approximately US$1.5 billion comes to fruition.

The Minister emphasized that the development of the islands would not be pursued without determining how the environment would be affected.

Several groups have stated that building a port in the area likely destroy an environmental treasure, given the scale, but according to Hylton, that judgment is premature

Environmental groups have said fisher folk would be displaced and fish sanctuaries affected but the Investment Minister insists the proper studies would have to be done.

Meanwhile, he has denied suggestions that the Cabinet is not of one accord where the logistics hub is concerned.

The suggestions emerged after comments reportedly made by Hylton at a meeting with the Jamaica Exporters Association (JEA) on Thursday.

According to reports, the Minister expressed frustration about Jamaica's current trade policy and said he had spoken to the Foreign Affairs Minister about his concerns.

But at Friday’s press briefing, Hylton said his comments were taken out of context and that he was referring to the country’s trade policy, which is being reviewed, and not criticising his colleagues.