News from the OPM

“We have underutilised capacity in our population which we must bring into the labour force in a structured and organised way,” said Prime Minister Holness. Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is seeking to expand the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC), to facilitate the training of more young people and to promote the meaningful engagement of unattached youth. Noting that Jamaica is currently experiencing challenges in meeting the demand for labour, the Prime Minister says the programme will ensure growth in the labour force, while simultaneously empowering our youth to be productive members of society. Importantly, the Prime Minister says the programme will absorb significant 'leakage' from the education system and divert young men from illicit activities including gang culture, the underground society, and a life of crime. Prime Minister Holness says the challenge with labour could become chronic and could have significant negative impacts on Jamaica’s growth and development outlook. Importantly, Prime Minister Holness clarified that, “It’s not that we are short of people; that’s not the problem. We are short of labour.” In order to be counted as a part of Jamaica’s labour market, one must be 14 years or older and actively seeking employment over a…

The Prime Minister says Jamaicans should be able to enjoy their country’s natural assets Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will be providing the financial resources to upgrade designated public beaches for the enjoyment of Jamaicans. The Prime Minister said: “The upgrades will improve the overall experience for the benefit of the Jamaican people.” Prime Minister Holness says where applicable, each beach will receive changing areas and restrooms, perimeter fencing, parking, children’s play areas, seating, walkways, electricity and sewage treatment facilities. The Prime Minister reported that three beaches have benefited from these enhancements thus far, with several more being targeted. Prime Minister Holness also emphasised that the Government remains sensitive to the issues of the public. Considering this, the Prime Minister said that the Jamaican people must be able to access and enjoy the natural assets of their country. Additionally, the Prime Minister encouraged investors to ensure that community members are involved in the development process and that their rights are also protected. Prime Minister Holness says residents must be viewed as key stakeholders in this regard. The Prime Minister was speaking today (April 20, 2022) at the ground-breaking ceremony for the RIU Aquarelle resort in…

Says There Will be Greater Enforcement of the New Road Traffic Act Prime Minister Andrew Holness is cautioning road users to be extra vigilant while traversing the nation’s roadways, this following a spate of traffic accidents over the last few days. Prime Minister Holness stated; “There is no need to be reckless, there is no need to be irresponsible. You can get to where you are going even if you drive a bit slower; even if you drive with greater care; even if you stop and allow someone else to go. There is no need for this kind of abandonment of responsibility on the road.” Speaking at a groundbreaking event in the Parish of Trelawny, Prime Minister Holness noted that the National Road Safety Unit has reported an increase in traffic accidents. The Prime Minister also stressed that the increase in accidents presents additional stress to Jamaica’s health system. He also used the opportunity to caution particularly bike riders, to utilise the necessary protective gear while riding. Together with his public plea for safe road usage by all stakeholders, the Prime Minister underscored that there will be greater enforcement of the new Road Traffic Act.

1. At the invitation of the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, paid a State Visit to Jamaica from 13th to 15th April 2022.  The Visit, initially planned for 2020, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was rescheduled for 2022 as a part of the year-long celebration of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence. 2. The visit provided the opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between Jamaica and Rwanda and to foster greater trade and investment; promote technical cooperation; as well as to develop a formalised framework for engagement between the two Governments. 3. The President was accompanied by Dr. The Honourable Uzziel Ndagijimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning; Ms. Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board; His Excellency Claver Gatete, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations and High Commissioner for the Republic of Rwanda to Jamaica, resident in New York and several members of his support team.4. President Kagame was received upon arrival by His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J, Governor-General, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP and other senior government officials.5 The…

The requirement for persons travelling to Jamaica to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate for a test conducted no earlier than three days prior to the date of departure for Jamaica; and the requirement for each person in an enclosed place to which the public has access, to wear a mask fitted to that person’s face so as to cover the person’s nose and mouth will expire on April 15, 2022. The measures were implemented for the period March 18 – April 15, 2022, under the Public Health Enforcement Measures (Coronavirus COVID-19) Order 2022 which was issued on March 18, 2022. All other measures under the Public Health Enforcement Measures (Coronavirus COVID-19) Order 2022 remain unchanged at this time. These include: A requirement for persons who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate at their abode until they have recovered; Directions relating to the conduct of COVID-19 testing and the handling of samples and reports by private laboratories; Provisions to protect the identity of persons who test positive for COVID-19; and A requirement for owners or operators of businesses, places of worship, educational institutions or other establishments to which the public has access to ensure that handwashing stations, or hand sanitizing…

The Office of the Prime Minister is pleased to announce that the President of the Republic of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame, will be paying a State Visit to Jamaica. President Kagame will visit Jamaica over the period April 13-15, 2022.  The visit is of special significance as it takes place during Jamaica’s diamond jubilee. The visit represents an important opportunity for the deepening of the bilateral relationship between Jamaica and the Republic of Rwanda, and reinforces the steadily burgeoning relationship between the African continent and the CARICOM Region. The invitation to President Kagame was extended by Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness some two years ago, but the visit was unexpectedly delayed by the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020.

Says the history of the use of emergency powers, shows that they have been effective Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that special legislation known as the Enhanced Security Measures Act (ESMA) will be brought before Parliament and made public shortly. This follows the announcement of the New Bail, Firearms and Corrections Acts.Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Little London police station in Westmoreland today (April 7) Prime Minister Holness said special emergency powers are required as part of the crime fighting strategy and plan.“I do hope that a wise position will prevail on the use of the emergency powers. It is an important tool to give communities at war a sense of peace”, said Prime Minister Holness.The Prime Minister further stressed that there is an emergency in the country and the Government and Judiciary must be cognizant of same. He emphasized that generally,  the perpetrators and victims of crime are young men between the ages of 16 and 24. He underscored, that the ESMA will place specific focus on this area. In the meantime, the Prime Minister indicated that the Government has taken a comprehensive approach to crime fighting through Plan Secure Jamaica; a component of that is…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today (April 1) held bilateral discussions with the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on strengthening partnerships.The Prime Minister underscored that Jamaica wants to further its partnership in human resource development.“We are now at a point where we can pivot to other areas of our economic and social development, and our human capital development. Jamaica has been a net exporter of talent to the United States, and I think our long-standing people to people relationship with migration back and forth would have been mutually beneficial, but Jamaica is in a state now where its growth horizon, could potentially be limited by its human resource development,” said Prime Minister HolnessIn that regard, the Prime Minister emphasized that a small shift in economic policy could result in gains that are significant to both the economies of Jamaica and the United States. Moreover, Prime Minister Holness noted that it would be in the interest of the United States to strategically position its production capacity in countries like Jamaica, to improve the stability of production chains and the supply of goods and services.Furthermore, the Prime Minister stated that he took note of the recent announcement by the United States to release strategic oil…

The Government of Jamaica is pleased to announce the candidature of Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, for the post of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.  A decision on the appointment of a Secretary-General is to be made during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, to take place from 20th to 25th June 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda. Minister Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s first female Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, who was first appointed in 2016, is eminently qualified for the post. She has held several crucial leadership posts both regionally and internationally, having served as President of the OACPS Council of Ministers, Chair of CARIFORUM and the CARICOM Council on Trade and Economic Development. She has represented Jamaica at numerous bilateral, regional, hemispheric and international encounters, and was the first Jamaican Foreign Minister to be invited to G7 and G20 ministerial meetings.  Jamaica is currently the African, Caribbean and Pacific Coordinator within the World Trade Organisation, a role headed by Minister Johnson Smith. Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, “The Government of Jamaica has every confidence in Minister Johnson Smith’s abilities to build bridges and consensus, bringing governments and peoples to a common understanding. Her qualifications…