News from the OPM

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is ensuring that it is not complicit in any breach of the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) adding that the law will be applied equally to everyone. Speaking to the issue of a party held in breach of the Covid-19 protocols, Prime Minister Holness said, “There is a particular situation that has come on our radar this morning. One that I have to pay careful attention to, because it throws up something with which we are always contending; the unequalness of the society - the haves and the have nots.” In that regard, the Prime Minister noted that the Government has a duty to ensure that the DRMA is not just observed in words but followed by all, and as such, he supports a full investigation into the matter. “I have asked for a report; my own investigations will be conducted and I expect the  various arms of the State that have a duty to ensure the equal application of the law, to move quickly in that direction to ensure that the full application of the law will be guaranteed.” said Prime Minister Holness. In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness urged all Jamaicans…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is calling on the international community to assist the region in bridging gaps within the SDGs as small developing nations recover from Covid-19. Speaking recently at the virtual P4G Summit hosted by the Government of the Republic of Korea, Prime Minister Holness indicated several areas within the SDGs that require attention. He noted that recovery for Jamaica in particular, includes resilience which is linked to categories in the SDGs and the climate change agenda. On the subject of an accelerated approach to the climate change agenda, the Prime Minister stated that financial resources must be “scaled up and access simplified”. The Prime Minister said, “New categories must be established for access to concessional and non-concessional development finance based on vulnerability measures rather than per capita income.” He further noted that there should be more resources dedicated to adaptation in recognition of the vulnerability of countries which are low emitters, and access to appropriate technology, especially for early warning systems, research and development, digitization and modernization should be assured. In this regard, Prime Minister Holness says, now is the time to implement an inclusive approach that is beneficial to all. “Today we have a unique opportunity to…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is anticipating the reopening of the entertainment economy. The Prime Minister says his Government is fully cognizant of the  value of Jamaica’s entertainment economy and noted that one of the ways to ensure the speedy recovery of the sector, is for persons to become inoculated against Covid-19. The Prime Minister was speaking today (June 3, 2021) at the Renaming of  Denham Town Primary and Infant School to the Edward Seaga Seaga Primary and Infant School in West Kingston. The Prime Minister said; “I truly do appreciate the challenges, and as we seek to reopen the sector, taking the vaccine will make that process much faster.” In that regard, the Prime Minister reiterated the call for equitable access to vaccines. He says “hopefully Jamaica will get a significant share of what is available to the region.” In the meantime, in a recent statement in Parliament, Prime Minister Holness said the Government is engaged in discussions with a view to agreeing on the appropriate protocols for a limited reopening of the entertainment sector this summer. Additionally, the Prime Minister says the intention of the Government has been to reopen the industry in a safe and…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government of Jamaica is prepared for the Hurricane Season even while still dealing with the effects of the global Covid-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister said, “The restrictions imposed by Covid-19 will alter our emergency and recovery responses. However, we are not daunted we are focused on strategically putting in place what we need to safeguard our faster and stronger recovery. Like we have done successfully in the past year, our strategy must be to anticipate, plan, and prepare for the threat and not to panic if or when it materializes.” The Prime Minister was speaking yesterday (June 1, 2021) as he delivered the charge to members of the National Disaster Risk Management Council Meeting at the launch of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season under the theme, “Hurricane Readiness in Trying Times.” Prime Minister Holness said the objectives of the National Hurricane Preparedness campaigns are to increase public awareness of all hazards, increase visibility islandwide, create a culture of compliance, and strengthen public knowledge. As chairman of the National Disaster Committee, the Prime Minister instructed the Committee to direct its attention to several priority areas, including the readiness of shelters and shelter operations, cleaning drain…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced recrafted Covid-19 measures under the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA). The amended measures will begin on June 3, 2021, and expire June 30, 2021. Speaking yesterday (June 1, 2021) in Parliament, Prime Minister Holness said, “All through the pandemic, we have been guided by the data and the science in our management. Our approach has been evidence-based, measured, proportionate, and situationally appropriate. We have also been fair and equitable. While we cannot become complacent, the declining numbers do support some relaxation of the measures.” However, the Prime Minister noted that while there has been improvement in the Covid-19 situation in the country over the last two months, significant risks remain as only approximately 5% of the population has received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and less than 1% is fully vaccinated. In that regard, the Prime Minister reiterated that all Jamaicans must remain cautious and diligent in observing the protocols of wearing masks, physical distancing, and sanitizing. “We have now experienced two spikes in Jamaica. We know the behaviours and the carelessness that result in spikes. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past. Let us view the relaxation of the…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government’s primary focus continues to be that of developing the country, creating opportunities, and meeting the needs of every Jamaican. The Prime Minister was speaking today, (June 1, 2021) at the groundbreaking ceremony for “The Residences at Terra Nova” in Kingston. According to the Prime Minister, despite the expected criticisms, he has not lost sight of his duty and commitment to serve the people of Jamaica. While acknowledging that there are indeed challenges, the Prime Minister said we must not neglect the positives. He said, “Immediate issues are inflated and often conflated to create a negative narrative. However, there are also positives.” He continued, “I am doing something every week, whether breaking ground or opening a new space; those messages must override the negative talk perpetuated by those who seem to want to tear down rather than build.” The Prime Minister further stated; “The purpose of politics is to ensure that power is given to people who make things happen and not those who prevent things from happening. Every Jamaican must look at what is happening in front of them and ask themselves; ‘Who is making things happen in this country and who are…

The Government of Jamaica wishes to state that the protocol surrounding the holding of funeral services continues to be strictly enforced. The official memorial service for the life of the late Ambassador the Honourable Anthony Johnson, OJ, took place yesterday, Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the St Augustine Chapel, Kingston College Chapel, North Street, Kingston. In accordance with the Disaster Risk Management Act, the ceremony held was not a funeral. Additionally, in keeping with the COVID-19 measures under the DRMA the service was restricted to 30 persons. Those who participated included public officials, Head of State, the Head of Government and the Leader of the Opposition in keeping with their ceremonial roles. Other public officials and some family members participated in the Service virtually. The mortal remains was also not present at the sanctuary. The burial will be restricted to 15 persons at a later date. The Government has in no way broken its own rules on the holding of funerals.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is calling for greater access to resources such as vaccines for the Caribbean and Africa particularly in light of the global pandemic COVID-19. Addressing Africa Day Webinar yesterday (Tuesday, May 25,2021), Prime Minister Holness said: “Africa cannot be denied opportunities, nor can the Caribbean, if we are to truly advance the ethos that ‘no one must be left behind.” The Prime Minister continued: "It cannot be morally justified that rich countries, many of whom gained their wealth and scientific advantage through the exploitation of Africa and its people, now use this wealth and scientific advantage to hoard and stockpile vaccines while the poor and historically exploited and deprived countries, wait in uncertainty to access equitable and consistent supplies, their populations at risk and their economies on pause. It would be the greatest setback for mankind, if inequitable vaccine access were to cause uneven recovery and a widening of the development gap between rich and poor globally.” In the meantime, the Prime Minster commended the Government of the Republic of South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa for his vision in establishing the African Union’s African Vaccine Acquisition Trust and the African Medical Supplies Platform.  He further expressed appreciation…

As Jamaica joins Africa in celebrating and recognizing Africa Day 2021, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says there are significant opportunities for lucrative trade, investment and tourism links between Africa and the Caribbean. The Prime Minister says connectivity is the greatest link between the region and Africa. In his remarks during the Africa Day webinar today (May 25, 2021), Prime Minister Holness highlighted major bi-lateral agreements signed between the Republic of South Africa and Jamaica. Agreements signed so far, include direct flights from Nigeria to Kingston; other flight arrangements are being pursued. It is envisioned that this will create “more powerful engagement, and exchange of a range of goods and services between the Continent and its Sixth Region.” Additionally, the Government of Jamaica recently appointed its first Ambassador/Special Envoy for Investment to Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Togo. Prime Minister Holness said the Government has been actively pursuing trade and investment routes that support our business opportunities. “We are preparing to unleash new strategies for travel, trade and investment, anchored in the will of our people to unite.  There is the need for Government policies and inter-governmental arrangements to facilitate contacts between our countries to foment even higher levels of trade…