The parish of St. Thomas is benefiting from a multimillion-dollar funding courtesy of Eating places of Jamaica (ROJ), native operators of Kentucky Fried Hen (KFC).
The entity hosted a mushy opening of its latest department in Morant Bay, the parish capital, on Tuesday (December 2).
Located inside the new Morant Bay City Centre, the endeavor represents an funding of $350 million within the location and jobs for 55 individuals, in response to ROJ’s Advertising Supervisor, Andrei Roper.
This milestone marks the forty fifth KFC restaurant to be opened in Jamaica and the primary established in St. Thomas.
Mr. Roper, noting that Jamaica continues to get well from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, underscored that the growth of KFC into a brand new parish is a transparent sign that “brighter days are forward”.
“We all know it’s been very, very, very difficult over the past month for the whole nation, specifically associates of the west and likewise individuals who had been impacted within the parish of St. Thomas. So, we’re actually glad to be right here in St. Thomas, persevering with the funding, persevering with our perception locally and persevering with our growth, and simply sending the message that brighter days are forward and extra development is forward,” he acknowledged.
Mr. Roper suggested that Tuesday’s mushy opening was designed to supply workers with the chance to acclimatise to the brand new location, noting {that a} grand opening will observe “a bit of later within the month”.
“We’re glad to be right here bringing the finger-licking good style of KFC to St. Thomas,” he additional stated.
The sturdy turnout of patrons mirrored the neighborhood’s heat embrace of the brand new department and their gratitude for ROJ’s gesture.
Baggage stuffed with prizes had been offered to patrons reaching notable ‘firsts’, together with the primary buyer to make use of the drive‑by on the new department.
Among the many patrons was Nicholas Chambers, a resident of Botany Bay in St. Thomas, who described the department’s opening as “a beautiful and historic second for the parish”.
He added, “I’m a fan of KFC, however I’m an even bigger fan of St. Thomas,” in his feedback to JIS Information.
Garcia Gayle of Pear Tree River, accompanied by her 4‑month‑previous son and her mom, Sandra Gayle, additionally expressed enthusiasm for the department’s opening.
“The customer support was top-notch; they actually interacted with us on an expert degree. The meal was scrumptious too and… the expertise was very nice,” she instructed JIS Information.
In the meantime, Mr. Roper conveyed his appreciation for the keenness demonstrated by the residents.
“I’m trying ahead, not simply to continued help from the neighborhood however persevering with to create extra jobs, extra alternatives, extra partnerships with organisations, not simply in Morant Bay however in St. Thomas. We’re trying ahead to a unbelievable partnership with our associates in what was as soon as [regarded as] ‘the forgotten parish’ however is a forgotten parish no extra. So, massive issues to come back in St. Thomas,” he declared.
Apparently, December 2 additionally marked the date final yr when the Jamaica City Transit Firm (JUTC) commenced operations within the japanese parish for the very first time.
The Morant Bay City Centre is a landmark $6‑billion growth in St. Thomas, which was formally opened by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in Could 2025.
Constructed on a 25‑acre property that previously housed the Goodyear manufacturing unit, the City Centre represents one of many largest tasks ever undertaken within the parish.
It integrates authorities workplaces, industrial areas, shops, and repair hubs, strategically designed to decentralise growth and ship trendy infrastructure to St. Thomas.
The Morant Bay City Centre is envisioned as a multipurpose hub that helps enterprise development, public companies, and neighborhood engagement.
The undertaking types a part of the Authorities’s broader technique to decentralise development past Kingston, guaranteeing that rural and japanese parishes profit from trendy infrastructure and expanded alternatives.
Positioned as a catalyst for employment, funding, and improved entry to companies in St. Thomas, the Centre represents a transformative step in advancing fairness and growth throughout Jamaica.
