Raising Productivity is Key to Unlocking Higher-Value Jobs and Economic Transformation
Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says that raising national productivity is the next major step in Jamaica’s economic journey, emphasizing that the country’s focus must now move beyond achieving full employment to creating higher-value jobs and sustained economic transformation.
Speaking at the Amber Group’s 10th Anniversary Gala and AI Robotics Showcase, the Prime Minister highlighted that Jamaica’s unemployment rate stands at 3.3 per cent, the lowest in the nation’s history, a milestone that demonstrates strong economic recovery and resilience. However, Prime Minister Holness noted that the challenge now lies in improving how Jamaicans work, not just how many are employed.
“We are very proud to say we have 3.3 percent unemployment, but that is just the base, that solves step one of the problems. Step two is to increase the productivity and the level of task and undertaking that our people perform. That’s how we move from employment to empowerment, upskilling to higher-level jobs and higher pay,” said Prime Minister Holness.
The Prime Minister underscored that Jamaica’s growth depends on the profile and performance of its workforce, as the services sector accounts for 70 per cent of the economy. To grow the economy, he explained, the services Jamaicans provide must either expand in scope or improve in sophistication and quality.
Prime Minister Holness said, “If our economy is to grow, the services that we provide must either expand or improve in quality and sophistication. That is why productivity and skills development are not optional; they are fundamental to building a modern, competitive Jamaica.”
In this regard, Dr. Holness emphasised that Jamaica must embrace a new economic model that links training, technology, and innovation to productivity-led growth, equipping workers to take on higher-value tasks that yield greater income and competitiveness.
The Prime Minister stated, “For decades, we have hidden from this issue of productivity,” he noted. “If we are to thrive as a country that cannot rely on natural resources, we must build a labour force capable of performing more complex, higher-value work that earns higher incomes and drives innovation.”
In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in skills development, digital innovation, and institutional reform to ensure that Jamaica’s labour force continues to evolve, moving from low-value employment to high-value work that fuels sustained economic transformation.