"We are now undertaking a socio-economic impact assessment, while also looking to re-scope the initial phase of the project to US$100 million, in keeping with a loan proposal to the China Ex-Im Bank," Henry disclosed.

At the same time, a number of proposals are being assessed from local and overseas interests to operate rail services in Jamaica, and for the Jamaica Railway Corporation to transport aggregate.

overall plan

The overall plan for the rail service includes freight services, initially between Williamsfield and Spanish Town, and between Linstead and Spanish Town. The freight haulage would involve the movement of aggregate, mostly destined for export, from Williamsfield to Port Esquivel in St Catherine, Henry said in his presentation to the Sectoral Debate.

There are also plans for the hauling of sugar cane from St Catherine to the Monymusk Sugar Factory in Clarendon.

Henry said that the ministry was increasing the capacity of the Jamaica Railway Corporation to effectively manage the revitalisation process.

"It took really steady hands to get us this close, and I look forward to the employment which the rail service will generate," he said.