News from the OPM

"This Artisan Village is a serious attempt by the government to ensure the diversification of the tourism product. Culture has value, and when our visitors come, they want to experience our culture." - Prime Minister Holness  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica is at a fundamentally crucial stage of development as the country's fiscal situation has improved. Prime Minister Holness said despite vulnerabilities, the economy has improved to positively impact all Jamaicans. Speaking at the opening of the first ever Artisan Village in Jamaica and the Caribbean in Falmouth, Trelawny, Prime Minister Holness stressed that investments in the tourism product and culture are positively impacting the lives of not only people who live in Falmouth or Trelawny, but it has a multiplier effect on households across Jamaica. “All Jamaicans are better off because of this investment. Today, the country's fiscal situation has improved. Our fiscal situation is better, but we still have many risks. We have created what economists call more fiscal space. Now, the government has more freedom to expend on things like the Artisan Village, on things like buying more buses for the public transportation system or more garbage trucks for public sanitation, or building more highways and more schools,” stated Prime Minister Holness. Highlighting the…

“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Princess Lawes. Her passing marks the end of an era, not only for the Jamaica Union Conference but for our nation as a whole.” - Prime Minister Holness  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am deeply saddened by news of the passing of former Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Community Development, Princess May Lawes. Ms. Lawes died on Friday, April 19, 2024. She was 79 years old. The passing of Princess Lawes marks the end of an era. She was a trailblazer in Jamaican public life. Her contributions as a Member of Parliament, Junior Minister, and Senator were invaluable, particularly in advocating for women, children, and the marginalized in our society. Ms. Lawes was an important figure in Jamaica’s political landscape serving in the Senate from 1976 (sworn in January 13, 1977) until 1980. After serving as senator for several years, Princess Lawes became the first Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) member to win the St. Ann Northwest seat when she beat the People's National Party's Arnold Bertram in 1980. Thereafter, she served in the House of Representatives from…

“Jamaica is at a turning point where your generation will see the benefits of the sacrifices of the previous generations of Jamaicans. Your generation will also become responsible for continuing the progress of our nation.” – Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says that his administration is providing more opportunities for Jamaica’s Youth to achieve and excel. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to empowering the youth and building a future where every young person can thrive and realize their full potential. Speaking at the Prime Minister's National Youth Awards for Excellence on Saturday (April 20, 2024), Prime Minister Holness said Jamaica stands at a turning point where the contributions of the youth are pivotal to the nation's progress. In this regard, the Prime Minister said the government is creating the best opportunities for the success of this current generation. Prime Minister Holness highlighted the significance of ‘GenZ’ in driving Jamaica towards increased productivity and efficiency: The Prime Minister stated: “Jamaica is at a turning point where your generation will see the benefits of the sacrifices of the previous generations of Jamaicans. Equally, your generation will also become responsible for continuing the progress of our nation. The…

“This is a very innovative solution that will help ease the housing shortage that is right across Jamaica.” – Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says there is great anticipation and greater interest particularly from young people on homeownership as a result of the announcements to stimulate the housing market. Speaking in East Central St. Andrew on Friday (April12) during the handing over ceremony of two housing units under the New Social Housing Programme to persons who lost their home following a fire, Prime Minister Holness said there is there renewed hope from young people. “There are many persons working in all kinds of industry who earn relatively decent salaries that instead of paying rent they could use the money (for rent) to pay for a mortgage which preserves their equity in a property. They can then build upon (the equity) in future years. The Government thinks  this is a very innovative solution that will help to ease the housing shortage that is right across Jamaica,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister says the new NHT house ownership option is particularly attractive to young people who do not have a large household and want to live…

“The government is building out the public bureaucracy with rules, oversight and proper governance to make sure public resources are not wasted.” – Prime Minister Holness ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Government continues to work to deliver tangible services and programmes to improve the lives of Jamaicans. Prime Minister acknowledges that in some instances it takes too long for projects to be completed to lead to improvements for the people. The Prime Minister says the process of change is underway to improve the pace of project implementation and completion for greater service delivery to Jamaicans. “We understand the difficulties and the pain points you are experiencing but the process of change is underway and the process is sustainable. You have economic performance and the government is building out the public bureaucracy with rules, oversight, proper governance to make sure that the public resources are not wasted. We need to increase the pace and that is where were are now.” The Prime Minister says the country must focus on increasing productivity and peace for greater economic growth. “I started the year by saying Jamaica needs to focus on peace and productivity and those two lines of effort will create…

"The government, in making the investment in developing this town, is creating a new economic engine that will power the development of St. Thomas." - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Morant Bay Urban Centre is a transformative force driving economic growth in St. Thomas. The Centre is strategically envisioned to significantly propel prosperity in the parish and foster a vibrant economic landscape. During a tour on Thursday (April 11) of the Morant Bay Urban Centre, Prime Minister Holness stressed the importance of translating development initiatives into tangible improvements to impact people's lives. In this regard, the Prime Minister said the government is committed to showcasing tangible examples of progress, citing the Urban Centre as a testament to the positive change of his administration. “The parish of St. Thomas is better off today than it was 10 years ago, without question," said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister also highlighted the diverse opportunities offered by the 28-acre development, including educational institutions, training facilities, government services, recreational amenities, and commercial ventures. He said these will have broader economic implications. "The government, in making the investment in developing this town, is creating a new economic engine that will power…

“There is no other way to address poverty, to get your children into school, to get you the housing, to improve your security and your healthcare, unless we fix our economy.” - Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government's steadfast commitment to sound economic management has ushered in a new era of sustainable social interventions, bringing tangible benefits to the people of Jamaica. Prime Minister Holness said, for past almost nine years, the administration has diligently worked to foster economic stability, laying the foundation for transformative change. Speaking on  April 12, 2024 at the New Social Housing Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in St. Andrew, Prime Minister Holness emphasized the pivotal role of economic stability in addressing poverty, improving access to education, healthcare, and housing, and enhancing overall security. The Prime Minister said: “There is no other way to address poverty, to get your children into school, to get you the housing, to improve your security and your healthcare, unless we fix our economy. Those who want to devalue the performance of the government on getting the economy right are doing you no favours. Because their intention is to get into power without having the wherewithal, because…

"Our response must be grounded in empathy and compassion for those enduring the hardships of drought. To the farmers and rural communities on the frontline of this crisis, I offer my unwavering commitment to stand by your side and provide the assistance you need to survive and thrive." - Prime Minister Holness  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a series of measures, including the allocation of one hundred and fifty million dollars (J$150M), aimed at alleviating the effects of the ongoing drought impacting the island. As part of a comprehensive strategy to support farmers and citizens affected, the government is providing emergency funding, distributing water storage tanks, and ensure compassionate responses to those in need. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (April 9, 2014), Prime Minister Holness expressed unwavering commitment to stand by the people of Jamaica and provide the assistance necessary for survival and growth during these challenging times. The Prime Minister Holness said: “The Government is implementing a range of measures to support our farmers during these challenging times. This includes the emergency funding in the amount of One Hundred and Fifty Million Dollars (J$150M), from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, to facilitate the…

"The Government of Jamaica three years ago gave a directive to the board of the NHT that all their policy efforts must be focused on the delivery of affordable housing solutions.” - Prime Minister Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government remains committed to providing affordable housing solutions tailored to different income brackets. In a significant move aimed at addressing Jamaica's housing challenges, the government has directed all National Housing Trust’s (NHT) resources towards the delivery of affordable housing solutions. This strategic focus will ensure that every Jamaican has access to quality and affordable housing. Speaking on Wednesday (March 27) at the Jamaica Mortgage Bank Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of The Vineyards at Deanery apartment complex, Prime Minister Holness stated: "The Government of Jamaica three years ago gave a directive to the board of the NHT that all their policy efforts must be focused on the delivery of affordable housing solutions.” Prime Minister Holness outlined the NHT's strategies, including the Developers Programme and Guaranteed Purchase Programme, aimed at mitigating market risks for developers and ensuring the availability of affordable homes for Jamaican citizens and NHT contributors to purchase. "The objective is that the NHT will bring to market…