Above: Digicel’s new headquarters in Kingston
By the Caribbean Journal staff
In what could prove to be a significant lift for Jamaica’s capital, Digicel has officially opened its new regional headquarters in downtown Kingston.
The property will house more than 1300 employees for both its group and Jamaica operations.
The company, which launched in Jamaica in 2001, previously operated in two separate offices in New Kingston.
“In looking where we are now I am incredibly positive about Jamaica. In my mind, Jamaica has an incredibly bright future and everybody has to beat the drum to bring foreign direct investments in the country,” said Digicel Group Chairman Denis O’Brien.
The new property combines the operations of both wings.
Digicel said the facility used alternative energies and conservation measures, including low water consumption through sensor taps, LED lighting and un-tinted glass facades for natural light.
The facility “clearly demonstrates that Digicel has caught both the vision of the redevelopment of downtown Kingston and positioning Jamaica as the ICT hub in the region,” Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said.
It also includes a retail store with what the company says is the largest touchscreen in the Caribbean, a fitness centre open to the public and a food court with three public restaurants.
“Let’s give God thanks for this new headquarters, which serves as a beacon of Digicel’s faith in Jamaica and their commitment to Jamaica,” said Jamaica Opposition Spokesman on Finance Audley Shaw. “Let us best celebrate this act of faith by Government and private sector alike, to fulfill the dream of renewal of downtown Kingston, the dream of an international financial centre downtown, and the dream of a renewed and vibrant business district for Kingston and Jamaica.”