Questions are being raised about the Western Imperial Special Economic Zone (WISEZ) project, as nothing seems to have happened in the country since the agreement was signed last year.
Aside from erecting fence posts in an area designated for a marijuana farm, sources say, nothing further has been done. There are other reports that the grass is overflowing and all equipment has been removed from the site.
Over 500 acres of land were sold by private owners to an Indian investor, and the area was designated by the Gaston Browne Administration a special economic zone: 245 acres in Jennings and 304 acres in Five Islands.
Under the agreement governing WISEZ, factories, universities and several five-star hotels were expected to be built and operate in the area.
Algernon “Serpent” Watts, the United Progressive Party (UPP) candidate for St.
Watts makes specific reference to lands in the Morris Bay area where a Middle Eastern investor would have built a luxury resort development known as Callaloo Cay. He says that he is surprised that the people have not agitated for transparency and information about this project.
Watts believes that this latest project – like the YIDA venture – will not take off.
Under the WISEZ licensing agreement – released on September 23, 2021 – the Gaston Browne administration has granted a series of incentives and concessions that will remain in place for the life of the special economic zone.
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The agreement also grants the investor a perpetual license for food, beverage, liquor, entertainment and hotel and casino services, which is effective 365 days each year and 24 hours a day for the life of the Zone’s operation.
The zone was reportedly created to attract local and foreign direct investment.
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