News from the OPM

The Government and people of Jamaica have learned with profound sadness of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on the evening of 24 June. On behalf of the people of Jamaica, we extend our deepest condolences to the Government and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones, with the injured, and with the many still searching for those trapped beneath the rubble. As a Caribbean nation that knows well the suddenness with which natural disaster can visit our region, Jamaica stands in full solidarity with Venezuela in this hour of grief and recovery. The bonds of friendship and regional kinship that unite our peoples are never more keenly felt than in moments of shared adversity. Jamaica stands ready to support the relief and recovery effort in whatever way it can, and we join the wider Caribbean and international community in offering our assistance. We pray for the strength of the Venezuelan people and for a swift and full recovery.

Prime Minister Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has expressed strong optimism about the future of energy security in the Caribbean. He highlighted an unprecedented opportunity for regional cooperation, energy independence, and sustainable economic growth through the development of indigenous energy resources. Addressing regional leaders, investors, and industry stakeholders at the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition (SEOGS 2026) yesterday (June 23, 2026) in Paramaribo, Suriname, Prime Minister Holness underscored the importance of a balanced and practical energy strategy. He emphasised the need to combine traditional and renewable energy sources to secure the region’s future. “Because we are realists about the climate, we must also be realists about energy. The responsible path is oil OR renewables. It is a pragmatic mix. Oil, gas, solar, hydro, and eventually nuclear. That keeps the lights on while we build a cleaner future our children deserve,” Prime Minister Holness stated. The Prime Minister noted that the Caribbean is now positioned to achieve a level of energy security previously beyond reach, driven by significant discoveries and developments in Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and potentially other nations across the region. “Something historic is now possible. Among Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and perhaps…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says Jamaica is strengthening the conditions necessary to become a destination of choice for talent, investment, and tourism by positioning the country to compete and succeed in a world where nations are increasingly competing for people, businesses and investors. Speaking yesterday at the RIU Hotels & Resorts 25th Anniversary Gala in Montego Bay, Prime Minister Holness said that the countries that succeed in today's global economy are those that create the environments that attract visitors, inspire investor confidence, retain talent, and offer opportunities for future growth. Dr. Holness said Jamaica must reject any notion that small nations cannot compete globally and instead embrace a mindset that sees the country as an active participant on the world stage. "Countries are competing for visitors. They are competing for investments. They are competing for businesses. But you know what else they are competing for? They are competing for talent. That, in fact, is the biggest competition. Because no matter what investment, capital, business, rare earth elements, or lithium you have, you need talent," the Prime Minister said. He underscored that Jamaica must evolve beyond being primarily an exporter of talent and position itself to attract…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says Jamaica has significantly strengthened its international security partnerships to combat increasingly transnational criminal networks, stating that criminals will have "no place to hide." Addressing the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference today in Montego Bay, Prime Minister Holness said criminal organizations now operate across borders, requiring an equally coordinated response from law enforcement agencies. “The criminals have representatives in the diaspora as well. As they become more transnational, the Government of Jamaica has increased its transnational cooperation with other countries and security forces to make sure that criminals have no place to hide," Dr. Holness said. The Prime Minister highlighted expanded cooperation with the United States and other international partners, which has contributed to major law enforcement operations, including recent actions targeting lottery scamming networks and the illegal trafficking of firearms into Jamaica. Dr. Holness said the strengthened security strategy is delivering measurable results. Homicides have declined by 67 per cent over the past four years, including a further 22.5 per cent reduction as of May this year compared to the same period in 2025. "These are not just numbers. These are lives saved. Communities where people are…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has called for a national cultural revolution focused on efficiency, productivity, and accountability, highlighting that Jamaica must become "the fastest economy and society in the world to do business." Speaking today at the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, Prime Minister Holness said Jamaica's next phase of development will require a fundamental shift in attitudes, values, and systems to support faster decision-making, faster execution, and greater productivity across society. "We are the fastest people in the world. So, we need the cultural revolution in the way in which we do business so that we can match the speed on the track with the speed of doing business," the Prime Minister said. "We must become the fastest economy and society in the world to do business. We definitely need to develop the kind of social movement towards that," he added. Dr. Holness said efficiency should be viewed as a national asset and a source of competitive advantage. "Efficiency is a resource like oil, bauxite, and tourism… People are moving to countries that are efficient. And so, we need to add that to our value proposition: Jamaica, the…

The Government of Jamaica will accord an Official Funeral to former Cabinet Minister and prominent attorney, the Honourable Hugh Cecil Edmund Hart, OJ, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to public service, the legal profession, and Jamaica’s economic development at large. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the University Chapel, The University of the West Indies, Mona. Mr. Hart, who passed away in April 2026 at the age of 96 in the Cayman Islands, served Jamaica with distinction across the fields of law, business, and government. As a founding partner of the law firm Hart Muirhead Fatta, he established a reputation as one of the country’s leading legal minds while also contributing significantly to national development through public service. He served in the Senate on two occasions, from 1972 to 1976 and again from 1983 to 1989 and was appointed to the Cabinet as Minister of Mining and Energy. He also served concurrently as Minister of Tourism. Throughout his tenure in government, Mr. Hart contributed to the development and stewardship of sectors critical to Jamaica’s economic growth. His leadership in mining, energy, and tourism helped strengthen industries that continue to play a…

JMD $545 Million National Workforce Transformation Initiative to Deliver AI Certification to Every Constituency in Jamaica The Government of Jamaica today announced GAINS, the Growing AI Innovation and National Skills Programme. GAINS is a national workforce transformation initiative designed to deliver AI skills certification and direct employment pathways to each of Jamaica's 63 constituencies. The announcement was made in Parliament on Tuesday by Dr. the Honourable Andrew Wheatley, Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, during the Sectoral Debate. GAINS is designed to ensure that Jamaica's AI economy is inclusive from the outset, reaching rural communities, at-risk youth, low-skilled workers, and unattached young people who risk being displaced by automation rather than empowered by it. HOW GAINS WORKS GAINS will utilize enhanced Universal Service Fund Community Access Points. These are digital infrastructure already present in communities across Jamaica. GAINS will deliver a six-week AI Mastery Curriculum built around Jamaica's national priority sectors. Every participant will graduate with a nationally recognised HEART/NSTA Trust certificate, a live portfolio and a direct pathway to employment, freelancing, or enterprise creation. For qualifying at-risk youth, a participation stipend of JMD $50,000 per month will be available. This gesture is in recognition…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says Jamaica must uphold the standards, conventions, and seriousness that have guided public life, warning that the country must resist any attempt to weaken the principles that have supported national leadership and governance for decades. Speaking at the recent floral tribute for former Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga, at National Heroes Park, Prime Minister Holness said Mr. Seaga’s life and legacy are a reminder that politics must be treated as an instrument for national development, not as a stage for applause, short-term attention, or political theatre. The Prime Minister said Mr. Seaga approached public service with discipline, structure, and seriousness, noting that his contribution to Jamaica was reflected not only in the institutions he built, but also in the standards he upheld. “To remember Edward Seaga properly is not to freeze him in history. It is to study the seriousness with which he approached Jamaica’s future. It is to recognise the value of institutions. It is to uphold standards in public life,” Dr. Holness said. Dr. Holness said Jamaica must reject any approach to politics that demeans public office, lowers the quality of leadership, and weakens national purpose. “Today, there is…

  Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness today announced the appointment of Ambassador Major General (ret’d) Antony Anderson as Chief Executive Officer of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA). The announcement was made at today’s Special Post-Cabinet Press Briefing. Ambassador Anderson will assume duties on June 1. The Prime Minister said the appointment comes at a critical stage in Jamaica’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery and reconstruction programme, as the Government moves to accelerate implementation while maintaining strong systems of accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline. NaRRA has been established to coordinate and drive Jamaica’s national reconstruction and resilience agenda following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, with a mandate to support the timely delivery of major infrastructure, social and economic recovery projects across sectors. “Major General Anthony Anderson brings to NaRRA the discipline, integrity and operational command required for this moment. Jamaica is entering a period of reconstruction that must be defined by speed, but also by transparency, proper planning and accountability. His experience leading national institutions, responding to crises, and strengthening disaster risk management systems makes him well suited to drive this mandate. NaRRA’s mission is to build stronger, safer and more resilient communities. My Administration will ensure that every dollar…