A section of the southern coastal highway leading to Morant Bay, St Thomas, will be renamed in honour of one of Jamaica’s national heroes, Paul Bogle.

The prime minister announced this on Thursday, March 21 during his contribution to the 2024/2025 Budget Debate.

“At the completion of works on the stretch of road leading to Morant Bay, I intend to officially name the highway, the Right Excellent Paul Bogle Highway, in honour of our national hero who gave his life in the struggle against oppression and injustice in Jamaica,” Holness said.

The Harbour View to Yallahs Bridge of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project was officially opened in February.

“This impressive 17.4 kilometres of roadway has significantly reduced travel time between Kingston and St. Thomas from 45 to 15 minutes. Along with the roadway, there has been the installation of approximately 28 kilometres of water lines, 350 metres of sewer lines, and 17.8 metres of fibre optic ducts, benefiting 348 properties.  This Government gets things done,” Holness added.

The prime minister said the government is now focused on completing the Yallahs Bridge to Port Antonio and the Morant Bay to Cedar Valley sections of the highway, which will allow for the installation of water, broadband and sewerage lines in some areas.

“The Government is now concentrating efforts on commencing the Port Antonio Bypass Project in the coming fiscal year. The bypass will unfold in two phases. Phase 1 from Norwich to Turtle Crawl
Harbour (7 km) and Phase 2 from Turtle Crawl Harbour to Boston Bay (11 km), aligning with the goals of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project. Currently, GOJ is exploring Phase 1, estimated at approximately US$82 million, with a duration of 24 months, aiming to improve access to growing townships and mitigate coastal risks,” Holness added.