Construction of Jamaica’s first licensed casino to begin shortly

Trotta said the project will be completed in three years once approval is granted. He said the casino hotel, with 2,000 rooms, will be constructed in Rose Hall in St James.              

Meanwhile, Celebration Jamaica Hotel and Resort is seeking to secure an exclusive casino licence for St James for its Las Vegas-style entertainment complex. The company hopes to get a temporary casino license during the construction phase to train prospective employees.

Trotta said the complex will consist of 1,000 rooms, full service casinos, an entertainment complex, restaurants and bars. Once completed 4,000 full time workers will be employed and 16,000 jobs created.

“And it will play an extremely important role in developing the tourism base, increasing tourism to Jamaica, and it will have a huge economic impact not only for the country of Jamaica, the employment in Montego Bay, but also the investment capital to fund a project of this kind. So it’s a win-win for everyone,” he said.

In 2010 the casino bill was signed into law paving the way for casinos in the tourist capital of Montego Bay and the northern parish of Trelawny, in the hope of encouraging Las Vegas-style casino hotel resorts.