One hundred new jobs have been created with the opening of the fifth branch of JTA Supermarket at C3 Centre, Corinth, Ste Madeleine, yesterday.
Scores of customers crowded the entrance as south Trinidad’s latest multimillion-dollar investment was opened by chairman emeritus of JT Allum and Company Ltd, Carl Mack, and San Fernando Mayor Kazim Hosein.
JTA Supermarkets managing director, Christopher Mack, said the multi-storey building was a significant investment and was a statement of the company’s confidence in the future of T&T. He said JTA Supermarkets will do what it can to invest in the growth and development of the local service sectors.
“I think for us, certainly in south Trinidad, if you look at the ambience here, it certainly raises the bar. I think anybody from South would know JTA has the best prices and value so for us, it is about raising the bar.
“Especially in a recessionary time, knowing that you have a destination that is first-class, yet when you are looking for value, it is going to be here in JTA,” Mack said.
With 50,000 square feet of shopping area, JTA C3 includes an in-store pharmacy, fresh meats depot, produce area, bakery, deli, juice bar and sections for wines and spirits, party items, fresh flowers, bulk items, appliances, home items and prepared foods.
Located between Corinth Road and the Solomon Hochoy Highway, Mack said it allows for easy access from its surrounding communities.
“It is a great location because of the congestion inside of the city of San Fernando. Traffic is becoming more of an issue, so certainly a development such as this, located strategically along the Solomon Hochoy Highway has the benefit of an easy access.
“From the highway, there is Princes Town in the East, the communities extending South and we have San Fernando to our West as well.”
Already with a large employee base through their Carlton Centre, Cross Crossing, Marabella and Couva branches, he said JTA C3 has created at least 100 new jobs directly and has provided opportunities for service partners.
The supermarket is the first business to open at the 600,000 square-foot C3 Centre, which is still under construction. Its plan includes a mall, plaza and the much anticipated MovieTowne’s eight-screen cineplex. Other businesses expected are Chuck-E-Cheese’s and Galactica. A food court and outdoor courtyard, casual dining restaurants and solar-powered skylights are some of the other features included in the project.