News from the OPM

The Government of Jamaica condemns the horrific acts of violence that occurred in the Waltham Park Road area last evening, resulting in six individuals shot. This brutal attack, which claimed the lives of five victims at a bar, serves to remind us of the terror inflicted on communities by criminal gangs. While the motive is still under investigation, this incident bears the hallmarks of gang-related violence aimed at spreading fear and destabilising the peace of our neighbourhoods. This government does not allow such acts of terror to go unanswered. As with similar incidents at Cherry Tree Lane and Rockfort in recent months, the response from the security forces will be swift. These criminals will be brought to justice. To aid in that effort, we have extended the $30 million fund set up after Cherry Tree Lane to reward citizens providing information on the perpetrators of all such multiple casualty events. Our police team has also been to make amendments to the Offences Against the Persons Act to treat with acts of violence with multiple victims more harshly. When warring gangs think of turning their guns on bystanders in order to “send a message”, they should expect the full force of the…

“We will not relent in degrading, eradicating, and eliminating gangs and gang members. These multiple-victim violent incidents are acts of terror, and we are examining legislative changes to impose harsher penalties and stronger deterrents.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government has condemned the brutal attack on Waltham Park Road, Kingston, on Monday evening, which left five persons dead. The police suspect the shooting is gang-related. On Tuesday morning (November 26), Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, and Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, toured the site of the attacks and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice with stronger measures to deter wrongdoers. Prime Minister Holness said the Government will redouble efforts to eliminate gangs and their influence from the society. “We will not relent in degrading, eradicating, and eliminating gangs and gang members. These multiple-victim violent incidents are acts of terror, and we are examining legislative changes to impose harsher penalties and stronger deterrents,” the Prime Minister declared. The Prime Minister noted the evolving nature of homicides, with an increase in multiple-victim violent incidents orchestrated by gangs. He assured the public of the government’s commitment to eradicating these criminal elements, emphasizing a…

The Government of Jamaica condemns the horrific acts of violence that occurred in the Waltham Park Road area last evening, resulting in six individuals shot. This brutal attack, which claimed the lives of five victims at a bar, serves to remind us of the terror inflicted on communities by criminal gangs. While the motive is still under investigation, this incident bears the hallmarks of gang-related violence aimed at spreading fear and destabilising the peace of our neighbourhoods. This government does not allow such acts of terror to go unanswered. As with similar incidents at Cherry Tree Lane and Rockfort in recent months, the response from the security forces will be swift. These criminals will be brought to justice. To aid in that effort, we have extended the $30 million fund set up after Cherry Tree Lane to reward citizens providing information on the perpetrators of all such multiple casualty events. Our police team has also been to make amendments to the Offences Against the Persons Act to treat with acts of violence with multiple victims more harshly. When warring gangs think of turning their guns on bystanders in order to “send a message”, they should expect the full force of the…

“As we come to grips with our road problem and aged infrastructure, it will not only be the application of asphalt. We will be using other solutions as well to treat with the problem comprehensively.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that the government intends to diversify its approach to address road infrastructure issues, including the potential adoption of concrete road solutions. Dr. Holness highlighted the advantages of concrete as an alternative to traditional asphalt, emphasizing its durability, lower maintenance costs, and longer lifespan. “The use of concrete and the science behind it has improved dramatically,” stated Prime Minister Holness. “You now have transparent concrete and advanced mixes with innovative properties. This evolution allows us to address many of the drawbacks previously associated with concrete, making it a viable option for certain applications in our road infrastructure.” Prime Minister Holness acknowledged that the high initial cost of concrete has been a major deterrent to its widespread use on Jamaica's roads. However, he signalled a possible shift in policy. “Our policy is evolving. Through partnerships with CMEX and Carib Cement, we are exploring opportunities to test concrete solutions, particularly in low-use areas and community roads where…

In a policy briefing on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Government of Jamaica has reaffirmed its commitment to making productivity the cornerstone of its inclusive growth strategy, recognizing it as essential to driving sustainable development and reducing inequality. Prime Minister, Dr, the Most Honourable, Andrew Holness emphasised the critical role of productivity in enabling Jamaica to transition from economic stability to economic independence and prosperity. Speaking at the recent policy briefing, the Prime Minister said: “Productivity is not just about working harder but working smarter.  Every Jamaican must embrace innovation, efficiency, and a results-driven mindset to ensure that we move toward real economic independence.” Productivity is central to creating an inclusive society. As our output increases, we can continue expanding investments in healthcare, education, and social safety nets, ensuring our most vulnerable are supported. Prime Minister Holness noted that decades of underinvestment, stemming from the 1990s FINSAC financial crisis, had hampered Jamaica’s ability to invest in infrastructure and human capital development to drive productivity. However, with the nation now achieving fiscal stability, there is now room for strategic investments. The Prime Minister urged a collective effort to foster a culture of productivity, calling on businesses, the public sector, and individuals…

The Government of Jamaica has unveiled a bold new framework to guide the nation’s pivot to inclusive economic growth: ASPIRE Jamaica. This strategy, announced by Prime Minister, Dr, the Most Honourable, Andrew Holness, outlines six pillars critical for transforming Jamaica into a modern, peaceful, productive prosperous society. ASPIRE stands for: Access to Economic Opportunity for All (Inclusive Growth) Safety and Security People (Human Capital Development) Infrastructure Development Reform of the Bureaucracy (Ease, Speed, and Cost of Doing Business) Economic Diversification/New Industries Prime Minister Holness noted the enduring impact of the financial sector crisis of the 1990s, which led to decades of underinvestment and delayed infrastructure development by over 30 years. Despite these challenges, the administration has delivered unprecedented investment in infrastructure and public services, laying a strong foundation for future growth. “With ASPIRE Jamaica, we continue our commitment to bold action and visionary leadership,” said Prime Minister Holness. “This framework ensures that no one is left behind as we pursue economic independence and shared prosperity.” Key initiatives under ASPIRE include human capital development through education reform, significant investments in infrastructure, promoting safety and security, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to attract investments. The government’s focus on economic diversification is exemplified by…

The Government of Jamaica is currently evaluating a range of forward-thinking initiatives designed to solidify the nation’s economic stability while fostering transformative, inclusive growth. These initiatives are aimed at addressing legacy challenges, including the 30 years of underinvestment in infrastructure resulting from the 1990s FINSAC financial sector crisis, which cost the country 40% of its GDP and severely constrained fiscal space for critical investments. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized that these ideas are under careful review to assess their fiscal implications before formal adoption. Key proposals unveiled by Prime Minister, Dr, the Most Honourable, Andrew Holness at a policy brief on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 include: Urban Renewal Tax Credit: Expanding the tax credit to incentivize private investments in underserved areas, promoting economic activity and community development. National Infrastructure Fund: Establishing a vehicle for funding public-private partnerships, allowing institutional investors to contribute to critical infrastructure projects. Accelerated Tax Write-offs for Technology Investments: Providing tax benefits to encourage businesses to modernize and adopt advanced technologies, enhancing productivity and competitiveness. No Tax on Tips: Removing taxes on tips as a gesture to reward service excellence in industries such as hospitality. Increase in GCT Threshold for Small Businesses: Building on the 2019 threshold…

“Today is a great day. We have now issued the first set of national identification cards and the process begins in earnest.” - Prime Minister Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government of Jamaica achieved a monumental milestone on Friday (November 15, 2024) with the official issuing of the first set of national identification cards under the Integrated National Identification System. This landmark event signals the beginning of a new era in secure identification and digital transformation for Jamaicans. Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, who was the second individual to receive the card, following His Excellency the Governor-General, said event was a significant achievement for Jamaica. "Today is a great day. We have now issued the first set of national identification cards, and the process begins in earnest. This is a moment long in coming and a moment that the entire Jamaica can be proud of. As a nation we have been talking about a national ID from as long ago as in the 70s. Several cabinet submissions, pieces of legislation, were drafted but we have never found a wherewithal to actually engage in and complete the process," the Prime Minister declared. The National Identification System (NIDS) is designed to provide…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says building a strong, self-reliant economy is crucial to Jamaica’s long-term success and independence. Speaking last week (November 13) at a Stakeholders Engagement at the soon-to-be-open Morant Bay Urban Centre, Dr. Holness emphasized that true independence goes beyond political freedom. The Prime Minister declared that real sovereignty can only be achieved with economic strength and resilience. "As a post-independence Jamaican, I have never believed that my progress, my prosperity, and my development rest on anyone else. You must build your own country. Build your own household. Together, we must build the future we want," said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister’s remarks highlighted the need to move away from dependence on borrowing, foreign aid, and debt, reinforcing a vision of Jamaica as a self-sufficient nation driven by its own resources and initiative. Prime Minister Holness called on Jamaicans to see the broader purpose behind infrastructure projects, such as the Urban Centre in St. Thomas, as essential steps towards economic empowerment. Dr. Holness noted that issues like poor road conditions and lack of water stem from a lack of economic investment, urging residents to embrace a long-term vision for Jamaica’s growth. "It is the pursuit of…