Employees at the Montego Bay Free Zone now have an Engagement Centre to facilitate their non-work activities, such as Internet access and resting between shifts, in a comfortable environment.

The first of its kind at a local free zone, the centre which will benefit 7, 200 workers, is newly refurbished, covering 630 square feet.

It is divided into four sections inclusive of a bathroom, small office, and eating and lounge, areas.

The project was funded through a partnership between Montego Bay Free Zone and Columbus Business Solutions (CBS), parent company of FLOW, while Singer Jamaica, provided the furniture and appliances.

At the launch of the facility on Friday, May 2, Minister of Industry Investment and Commerce, Hon Anthony Hylton said the historic move makes the Montego Bay Free Zone a unique one.

Despite its small size, the centre will be impactful, Minister Hylton said, describing it as an integral factor in the drive to increase productivity at the free zone.

“This is a service-based industry and one that can only succeed if its human resource is skilled, trained, happy, and productive,” he said.

Minister Hylton noted that it is not only physical infrastructure, which drives productivity but also worker satisfaction and well-being.

Meanwhile, State Minister, Hon Sharon Ffolkes Abrahams, in whose constituency the Free Zone is located, lauded the partners for their “big step forward, not just for the workers of the free zone, but for our country as a whole”.

By Sharon Earle