News from the OPM

Members of the Board of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) Named
Over 600,000 Jamaicans to Get Improved Water Supply from the New Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant
Caring for Jamaica Through a Fiscally Responsible Budget  
Prime Minister Holness Commits to More Economic Resilience and People-Centered Progress
Government Assessing Proposals for Future Use of Vale Royal
Government Allocates Funding for Urgent Repairs in Weather-Affected Resort Towns
Members of the Board of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) Named

Members of the Board of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) Named

March, 18 2024
“This office is there to carry out a function of the State that continues regardless of who is the government or what the political policies are. This is about the establishment, the protection and the utility of citizens’ identity, citizens’ records, and the civil registry within which these are entailed and protected." -Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In a historic move, the government of Jamaica has named a nine-member Board for the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA). Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness on Friday  (March 15) met with the newly appointed nine-member board of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) at Jamaica House, where he charged the members to ensure the efficient operation of the entity. The historic establishment of the Authority is a precursor to the launch of the National Identification System (NIDS). This marks a significant milestone in Jamaica's journey towards enhancing citizen services and strengthening identity protection.  "This is so critical for Jamaica to be able to fully become a digital society and not a digital society where there is a digital divide where only some people can participate and others can’t," Prime Minister Holness emphasized. The nine (9) member Board is chaired by the Hon. Bishop Conrad…
Over 600,000 Jamaicans to Get Improved Water Supply from the New Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant

Over 600,000 Jamaicans to Get Improved Water Supply from the New Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant

March, 18 2024
“If you are honest with yourselves and look at what the government has done, we are the only government that has made investments in improving infrastructure and in dealing with the issues that affect people.” - Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------- More than half a million residents in Kingston, St Andrew, Portmore, and St Catherine are set to benefit from the expansion in water supply from the new Rio Cobre Water Treatment facility. The move is part of the government’s commitment to improve archaic water supply infrastructure and give more people access to greater volumes of the precious commodity.Prime Minister Andrew Holness says improvements in water are part of the Government’s mission and commitment to improve the long-standing situation and implement sustainable water solutions.In his address at the ground-breaking ceremony yesterday (March 14) for the construction of the modern treatment facility, Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the challenges faced in the past, particularly the delayed implementation of infrastructure projects due to redirected funding to address severe drought conditions.“This [Rio Cobre Water Treatment Plant] was intended to be a medium-term initiative geared towards meeting the growing water supply needs in St Catherine as well as reducing the shortfall between the demand and supply…
Caring for Jamaica Through a Fiscally Responsible Budget  

Caring for Jamaica Through a Fiscally Responsible Budget  

March, 18 2024
“We will leverage our economic stability to usher in the largest ever period of public investment designed to address the problems experienced by Jamaicans every day.” - Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance, and the Public Service.  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Jamaican government is listening. That is the message being sent by the measures announced to stimulate economic growth and further ease economic burdens. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described the budget as one to build a caring economy. In opening the 2024/2025 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (March 12) Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Honourable Nigel Clarke, announced a series of initiatives to enhance the lives of Jamaican citizens while remaining fiscally prudent so as not endanger the Jamaican economy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Holness, supported by the economic management of Minister Nigel Clarke, Jamaica has been able to present a budget of with no new taxes for 7 consecutive years. This has been possible due to the government’s emphasis on growth and economic stability even in the face of global challenges and external shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and inflation. The 2024 budget features key announcements totalling 1.3 trillion JMD including: The Removal of guarantors for…
Prime Minister Holness Commits to More Economic Resilience and People-Centered Progress

Prime Minister Holness Commits to More Economic Resilience and People-Centered Progress

March, 18 2024
“We are running the economy in such a way that we will care for the most vulnerable and the poor.” -Prime Minister Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Poor economic management, a soaring inflation rate that reached 77%, government borrowing at high interest rates crowding out businesses, low growth, and the devastating FINSAC crisis that wiped out the business class in Jamaica; this was the condition of Jamaica under previous administrations. Prime Minister Holness urges that Jamaica must never go down that road again as he commits to a caring economy that looks after the poor and most vulnerable. In assuring Jamaicans that the government is listening and responding to their needs, Prime Minister Holness said only a strong economy, which this administration is building, can deliver for the Jamaican people, and they must protect it. While acknowledging the real concerns raised by Jamaicans, who have been suffering for 50 years, the Prime Minister says the government has started to improve Jamaican lives and will be doing even more to meet their needs. In looking at what more needs to be done so Jamaicans can feel greater improvements in their lives, the Prime Minister highlighted that no other government has been able to create…
Government Assessing Proposals for Future Use of Vale Royal

Government Assessing Proposals for Future Use of Vale Royal

March, 18 2024
The Vale Royal property is over 300 years old. It was renovated in the 1980s and designated as the official residence of the Prime Minister.  In recent times, successive Prime Ministers have not used it for this purpose as the facilities are insufficient.  In 2013, the building was assessed as having significant structural problems that would limit its use. The state of repair of the building is such that routine repair work would not be sufficient, and it would require extensive rehabilitation.   Given its status as a heritage site, options for its repair or rehabilitation must be carefully considered. The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JNHT) has proposed that the facility be repurposed to include a library and museum that would be a repository of documents and memorabilia of all Prime Ministers of Jamaica. Another proposal involves the development of Vale Royal as a protocol complex, which will host dignitaries that visit Jamaica from time to time, or as was done previously, to host functions. A team from the JNHT recently conducted a site inspection and will be submitting a report for assessment.  The Government is currently in the process of effecting temporary protective works on the building. and evaluating proposals for future use considering its…
Government Allocates Funding for Urgent Repairs in Weather-Affected Resort Towns

Government Allocates Funding for Urgent Repairs in Weather-Affected Resort Towns

February, 25 2024
“We have found within the budget, even though we are drawing to the end of the budgeting period, a small amount of funds to assist with the cleanup of the beaches in Negril.” ________________________________________________ - Prime Minister Holness   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says has the government has allocated funds to address the aftermath of a severe weather event that occurred two weeks ago in resort towns in the north-western region of the island. In a statement on Tuesday (February 15, 2024) during the Parliamentarians luncheon at Jamaica House, Prime Minister Holness stated: "We have the fiscal buffers. I can stand here and say we have found within the budget, even though we are drawing to the end of the budgeting period, a small amount of funds to assist with the cleanup of the beaches in Negril. We have found funds to reopen roads and we are now doing preliminary assessments as to what it would cost to repair the damage to our sea walls, the wave breaker and the groins in Ocho Rios." Expressing the urgency of the situation, Prime Minister Holness addressed the bureaucratic challenges in responding swiftly to emergencies within existing procurement rules, saying, "What we have…
Organized Violence and Crime Becoming Serious Threats to the State  

Organized Violence and Crime Becoming Serious Threats to the State  

February, 25 2024
“We have to change the legislation to create this understanding that gangs, violence and crime are a threat to the existence of the Jamaican State.” _________________________________________________ - Prime Minister Holness   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the twin issues of organized violence and crime are threats to the very existence of the Jamaican State. Prime Minister Holness is also stressing the need for greater understanding, a recalibration of perspectives and collaboration to effectively combat the multifaceted challenges faced by the nation. Speaking last week at the Annual Security Council Seminar, Prime Minister Holness highlighted that the problems faced by Jamaica are not unique to the nation and have transcended borders, even impacting countries traditionally considered crime-free. Explaining the complexity of the issue in modern algorithmic terms, the Prime Minister said: "The algorithm's terminology is saying that the present problems we have are as a result of the structure of society, economy, and politics. It is the things that we do that create the problem. We have to study it so that we can figure out what we need to do differently in order to create a new algorithm of peace, productivity, and prosperity." In that regard, the Prime Minister noted:…
Prime Minister Holness and Churches Join in Urging Jamaicans to Pray for the Nation on Ash Wednesday

Prime Minister Holness and Churches Join in Urging Jamaicans to Pray for the Nation on Ash Wednesday

February, 25 2024
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called on all Jamaicans to unite in prayer for the nation as the Lent season begins. The Prime Minister's comments came during the meeting of Cabinet on Monday (February 12, 2024) at the Office of the Prime Minister during a prayer session with the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches, where religious leaders prayed for the country, public servants, leaders, and the government. The Prime Minister said: "In discussions with members of the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches, it was agreed that I should encourage every Jamaican to take time out [to pray] this Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, the period of time when we reflect and make personal sacrifice, which marks the start of the period when Jesus himself made the ultimate sacrifice for our salvation. I therefore encourage all Jamaicans to pray for our nation." In this regard, the Prime Minister acknowledged that everyone may not have a special prayer, and reminded that the national anthem is a prayer in itself, emphasizing the personal connection with God and the power of supplication. The Prime Minister said “Prayer recognizes the limit of man, and man is humbled by the awesome power of God”. Meanwhile,…
Government Taking Steps to Address the Challenges Posed by AI and Deepfakes to Democratic Process

Government Taking Steps to Address the Challenges Posed by AI and Deepfakes to Democratic Process

February, 25 2024
In light of recent discussions and concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technologies on the integrity of Jamaica's democratic process, the Government of Jamaica wishes to reassure the public of its awareness and understanding of these issues. The emergence of AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes, has been recognized as a significant threat that could undermine the democratic process, especially as the country approaches crucial electoral milestones. Senator Dr. Dana Morris, Minister with responsibility for Skills and Digital Transformation in the Office of the Prime Minister, commented: "Central to the Administration is our commitment to preserving democracy and the democratic process. The government understands the critical importance of maintaining trust and transparency in our electoral system." The government is actively taking steps to formulate a comprehensive response to this emerging threat. A National AI task force, comprising experts and stakeholders from private sector, academia, civil society, and the public sector, was established in July 2023 to explore effective strategies for mitigating the risks posed by AI and deepfakes whilst safely unlocking opportunities. This task force is considering the beneficial applications of AI, ensuring that our approach balances innovation with the protection of our democratic values…