Sagicor Group Jamaica has officially opened Millennium Mall, its state-of-the-art commercial development located in Mineral Heights, Clarendon.

The $2.4-billion investment, which sits on 10 acres of land, is expected to extend the reach of several businesses in central Jamaica and provide opportunities for residents.  

A welcomed investment in the parish, the development which boasts over 60 units, was opened on July 7 by Sagicor executives and community leaders in a scaled opening ceremony and tour of the facility.

Christopher Zacca, president and CEO of Sagicor Group Jamaica, in his address, positioned the mall as a thriving shopping hub for central Jamaica, given its accessibility and location. 

JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINERAL HEIGHTS RESIDENTS

Zacca noted that the development would serve Clarendon by providing a space for businesses to reach consumers and generate job opportunities for residents of Mineral Heights and surrounding communities.

“This is the actualisation of our company’s strategic objective to increase the potential of the communities we serve by seeing to commercial developments, urbanisation and offering better opportunities to the citizens,” he said.

Zacca also announced plans to construct a residential community on 11 acres of land adjacent to the mall.

“We are looking forward to expanding our investment in Clarendon, as we are about serving our communities and playing an integral role in improving them. We will be working closely with the community and its leaders to assess needs and decide the best solution for that property,” he stated.  

Meanwhile, Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of housing, urban renewal, environment, and climate change and member of parliament for South East Clarendon, where the mall is located, touted the shopping centre as a catalyst for economic development in Jamaica and symbol of Sagicor’s confidence in Clarendon’s potential.

“What you have started here, Sagicor, and what you intend to continue is exactly aligned with the positive goals of the government. At a time when we are going through a pandemic, Sagicor is standing up and saying we will still be making investments in communities across our country because we believe in Jamaica, we believe in the people of Mineral Heights and the parish of Clarendon,” the minister stated.

He added that the mall will also positively impact the psyche of the residents who now have easy access to several amenities within their community.

“I am excited for the youngsters in the community, who will grow up knowing that they can start a business and rent a space at Millennium Mall. I am very excited about the kind of feeling our community members will get knowing that they can come across to a Popeyes or a Devon House in the community,” he stated.

Winston Maragh, mayor of May Pen, in his address, said the mall is an extension of the parish capital, which will help to alleviate traffic congestion in the town. He shared the community’s enthusiasm in witnessing the transformation and urbanisation of its surroundings and lauded Sagicor for the investment in the parish.

MALL HOSTS SEVERAL BUSINESSES

Like Maragh, William Shagoury, custos of Clarendon, Patricia Duncan Sutherland, MP caretaker for South East Clarendon, and Lester ‘Mike’ Henry, MP for Clarendon Central, who were also in attendance, welcomed the development and moves to advance the community. 

Currently, Millennium Mall hosts several business entities, including Knutsford Express, FLOW store, Popeyes and Little Caesar’s, SSMC International, Devon House ice cream outlet, GB Texaco service station, a supermarket, and other business offices in the medical, beauty, electronics, remittance, and bill payment services sectors. The mall also boasts various eateries that specialise in local and international dishes.