The United Kingdom (UK) is throwing its support behind Jamaica’s infrastructural development through a multimillion-dollar Accelerated Bridge Renewal Programme.

This transformative initiative, financed by UK Export Finance (UKEF), will see the replacement or
upgrading of approximately 55 bridges across the island, enhancing connectivity, public
safety, and economic growth.

The signing of the framework agreement for the programme took place last Thursday (January 23) at a reception hosted by British High Commissioner Judith Slater.

The event, held at the high commissioner’s residence in Kingston, was attended by Jamaican Government ministers, overseas partners, members of the private sector, staff of the British High Commission, members of the media and other officials.

Speaking at the reception, Slater described the deal a milestone in the longstanding partnership between the UK and Jamaica.

“I talk a lot about building bridges between our two countries, but that is in the abstract. Tonight, we’re building bridges for real! This is a significant step in the shared commitment to modernise infrastructure,” she said.

Meanwhile, Robert Nesta Morgan, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Works, informed that Jamaica has over 800 bridges and many are dated and have been ravaged by both old age and climate change.

“I want to really thank the UK Government for being a friend of Jamaica for a very long time. I think that this bridge programme is another step in building stronger bonds or as we say building stronger bridges between both countries,” he mused.

The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in April 2024 by the Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, and UKEF.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams also expressed the Jamaican government’s appreciation for the initiative, stating, “It’s a signal of us moving the discussion along further to dismantle old bridges. I’m delighted!”

“This is a serious undertaking and it demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Jamaica to move forward with this and I’m sure that the people of Jamaica when they get the news about this will be very happy. Building bridges, updating the ones that we have will mean that our network infrastructure is that much more resilient,” Williams added.

Key partners in the implementation of the programme are UK-based companies Acrow Bridge and Lagan.

Acrow Bridge is a global leader in bridge infrastructure for more than 75 years. They will supply the new modular bridges; while Lagan, a specialist contractor from the UK specialising in civil engineering on complex projects will lead the installation programme. Both entities already have experience with Jamaica and will work closely with Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA).

UKEF, the UK Government’s export credit agency, has allocated up to £5 billion pounds in financing capacity for Jamaica, enabling support for critical infrastructure projects.

Jessie McDougall, UKEF’s director for the Caribbean, highlighted, “We feel that many things are aligning, this is a beautiful thing that is happening with this project, and I could not be more delighted with it.”

The Accelerated Bridge Renewal Programme reflects the enduring partnership between the UK and Jamaica, reinforcing shared priorities to improve infrastructure and drive economic advancement across the island.