After two years of construction, the 90,000-square-foot Rogers Commercial Centre on Kingston’s Lady Musgrave Road was officially launched yesterday.

This four-storey edifice was developed by Fritzwarien “Ripton” Rogers of Ripton International Capital Holdings Limited.

It is a mixed-use commercial space with all the units already leased out. The demand was great.

This development is on par with what one finds in Miami, London, and Dubai.  The Rogers Commercial Centre houses an automobile dealership (CAR Jamaica), retail outlets, office spaces, and a healthcare and wellness venture. It is a testament to Jamaican entrepreneurship and announces Ripton Rogers as a player on the local business scene. The construction saw 600 jobs created.

JMMB provided financing, and this was led by its County Chief Client Partnership Officer, Alwayne Cousins.

Speaking at the launch event on an early summer afternoon, the founder and Executive Chairman of ARC  Manufacturing Limited, Norman Horne, said: “  As I stand here and look at this magnificent development, I do see a beautiful building, but I also see perseverance, sacrifice, determination and without a doubt, hard work.

“But equally, I see a man who refuses to think small. Jamaica needs more people like Ripton who are willing to dream big, invest and build big. Every time a Jamaican entrepreneur creates something extraordinary, our country moves forward and all of us benefit. That is exactly what this development represents.

“Rogers Commercial Centre is not just another building; it is a statement. It is a statement that Jamaican businesses can create world-class developments. It is a statement that Jamaican entrepreneurs can compete with the very best worldwide. A statement of confidence in Kingston, a statement of confidence in Jamaica. A statement of confidence in our future.”