(Jamaica Observer – Design Building and Construction Magazine Article, Kingston, Jamaica)
“I believe that we are on target to being the most developed country in the Caribbean. Currently, there is a surplus of new residential projects and a promising pipeline of upcoming commercial ventures. However, there is untapped potential for further growth in the industrial and institutional sectors. What I’d like to see is more investment in construction for these sectors, and renovations to better the overall country.”
A seasoned professional in the field of construction and process management, Peta-gaye Simpson has roots which trace back to her start in the city Kingston.
She honed her early interest in building and assembly growing up in a household influenced by her father, a former Electrical Engineer.
This she has brought to bear on her present role as Senior Real Estate Development Manager at Sygnus Group.
After completing her high school education at Wolmer’s High School for Girls, Peta-gaye pursued her passion by obtaining a degree in construction and process management from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.
“My journey was one that took me to many different places. Upon graduating from the University of Florida, at one of the most challenging times for the US economy (2009), I was not able to find a suitable position in construction as there had been major layoffs industrywide,” she told Design, Building & Construction (DB&C).
Peta-Gaye Simpson, Senior Real Estate Development Manager, Sygnus Real Estate.
“In 2011, I made the bold decision to return to Jamaica. I worked at Chin’s Construction for a short period and then went on to become a production/fabrication manager at Image One.
“In 2016, I got an opportunity to join one of the leading general contractors in the US, Clark Construction Group. I then returned to Florida to pursue my dream of being a construction superintendent.”
Peta-gaye went from Miami Beach to Jacksonville to Savannah and back to South Florida, completing four major projects totalling about US$1.7 billion.
She did this all while becoming a mother. Her journey took her back to Jamaica, taking all her knowledge from the experiences overseas. Her new mission is helping to build a better Jamaica.
“I have always yearned to work in construction in Jamaica and raise my children here, so it was a win-win for me. There are many construction opportunities here, and being on the
developer/financier side of the world has opened another world of opportunities,” she shares with DB&C.
With a dynamic background combining a keen understanding of construction processes and effective people management, Peta-gaye has spearheaded numerous high-profile projects. Her notable endeavors include the US$750-million renovation and expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center, the construction of the US$90-million Global Home of the PGA Tour in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and the US$270-million renovation and expansion of the Savannah Convention Center in Georgia.
The tertiary programmes here are top tier, producing a lot of good talent in Jamaica and an increasing number of Jamaicans are returning home with valuable knowledge gained overseas. People in Jamaica are now taking more care and caution and building with integrity, in adherence to most international standards, which signifies a positive shift in the industry.
Additionally, Peta-gaye has played a pivotal role in the US$600million Estates at Acqualina project in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, and Sygnus’s One Belmont project in Kingston, Jamaica.
Her professional prowess lies in her exceptional skills in people and process management. Her ability to assess complex situations, implement effective problem-solving strategies, and manage risks through meticulous planning and communication have set her apart in the industry.
Peta-gaye excels in fostering collaboration and coordination among diverse project teams, ensuring successful outcomes from conception to completion. Her hands-on approach, coupled with her ability to communicate seamlessly with all stakeholders, from laborers to company owners, underscores her effectiveness as a leader in the dynamic and rewarding field of construction and process management.
Asked about the future of the industry, sporting a knowing look, shares:
“I see the industry in Jamaica blossoming. The tertiary programmes here are top-tier, producing a lot of good talent in Jamaica and an increasing number of Jamaicans are returning home with valuable knowledge gained overseas. People in Jamaica are now taking more care and caution and building with integrity, in adherence to most international standards, which signifies a positive shift in the industry.
“So I believe that we are on target to being the most developed country in the Caribbean. Currently, there is a surplus of new residential projects and a promising pipeline of upcoming commercial ventures. However, there is untapped potential for further growth in the industrial and institutional sectors. What I’d like to see is more investment in construction for these sectors, and renovations to better the overall country. Our schools and hospitals require significant attention. They need a lot of work and, in some cases, replacements are needed.
“There is a pressing need for the construction of factories and warehouses, which would not only address the infrastructure gap, but also provide job opportunities for countless amounts of people. This can contribute to a more self-sufficient economy, reducing our reliance on the importation of goods and services,” charged Peta-gaye.
Source:Jamaica Observer
