News from the OPM

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic loss of Ceejay Cunningham, a promising young entrepreneur and beloved member of the community of Chantilly District in Manchester. Just two years ago, Ceejay received the Prime Minister's National Youth Award for Agriculture and Agro-Processing. His innovative approach to farming and his dedication to his community were evident in every aspect of his work. His passion for farming and entrepreneurship was recognized as he was the Owner and CEO of Fairwoods Farm JA, with a quarter-acre vegetable farm, equipped with Greenhouse Technology. He was also a graduate of the Southwest TVET Institute, obtaining several HEART/ NSTA certification. Through hard work and dedication, Ceejay exemplified the spirit of resilience and innovation in our youth. Today, we not only mourn the loss of a talented entrepreneur but also a beloved member of the Chantilly District community in Manchester. On behalf of the government and the people of Jamaica, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ceejay's family, friends, and the entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

“Our students must be protected from violence of all forms so that they can live to fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Criminals will not win in our society." -Prime Minister Andrew Holness   Prime Minister Andrew Holness has strongly condemned the killing on Thursday afternoon (April 25) of a school boy in Grange Hill, Westmoreland. Sixteen year-old Carson Bennett, a student of Grange Hill High School was killed when rival gangs engaged in a shoot-out in the community. A female student was also shot and injured during the incident. The Prime Minister said: “This incident and violence in all its forms must be condemned by all Jamaicans. Our children must be free to attend school and live in an environment that promotes peace and safety to help them fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Persons who prey upon our children can expect no mercy. The law enforcement agencies will catch up with them and bring them to justice. Criminals will not win in our society.” Prime Minister Holness noted that the Government has been ensuring the legal framework is in place to decisively deal with gangs and the resources are provided to law enforcement to apprehend gangsters and preserve peace in…

"I am pleased to declare Jamaica a STEM island with a vision of fostering innovation, driving economic growth and empowering our people to thrive in the global knowledge economy.” - Prime Minister Holness   Prime Minister Andrew Holness has proudly declared Jamaica a ‘STEM Island’. This decision signifies a commitment by the government to fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering Jamaicans to excel in the global knowledge economy. Prime Minister Holness said that by embracing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as a national priority, Jamaica will unlock its full potential, driving prosperity, peace, and productivity in a sustainable and equitable way for all Jamaicans. “I am pleased to declare Jamaica a STEM island with a vision of fostering innovation, driving economic growth and empowering our people to thrive in the global knowledge economy. Through our collaborative all hands-on deck approach, government, private sector, academia, and the civil society, we will work towards this goal. Jamaica is now officially declared as STEM Island,” said Prime Minister Holness. Speaking yesterday (April 24, 2024) at the at the STEM for Growth Symposium at the University of Technology (UTECH), Prime Minister Holness stated that the most valuable resource Jamaica has is its people. In…

“The thrust for productivity is the new frontier of the government.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness has emphasized the urgent need to increase productivity to further drive growth in the Jamaican economy. Prime Minister Holness said it is crucial for Jamaicans to focus on a productivity-centred approach within the public bureaucracy. Speaking on Friday (April 19) at the opening of the first-ever Artisan Village in Falmouth, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the government's commitment to fostering productivity. “The thrust for productivity is the new frontier of the government. That is the new effort of the government. I described it now as the partnership for productivity, and we will be pursuing various ways of ensuring that this idea, this principle, this ethic of productivity becomes entrenched in who we are as a Jamaican and part of our identity as Jamaicans.” In this regard, Prime Minister Holness said Jamaicans must strive for excellence to unlock new levels of economic performance and social benefits for our nation. The Prime Minister said there are several opportunities to increase productivity and enhance quality. "Culturally and institutionally, there is almost a block psychologically to embrace the challenge of productivity. It is all entangled with our past, with our history. But…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness delivered a heartfelt tribute in Parliament on Monday (April 23) to the former Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Valrie Curtis, CD. Prime Minister Holness acknowledged Curtis’ remarkable career highlighted by depth, impact, exceptional service and invaluable contributions to the Jamaican Parliament. On April 6, Ms. Curtis attained retirement from her position. In his tribute today during the Sitting of the House of Representatives,  Prime Minister Holness recalled his early days as a Parliamentarian, highlighting Ms. Curtis' guidance and expertise in navigating the complexities of parliamentary procedures. "I found Ms. Curtis to be a valuable resource... indispensable in guiding and, I dare say, protecting us," he added. Reflecting on his interactions with Ms. Curtis during parliamentary conferences and his tenure as Leader of Government Business, Prime Minister Holness praised the former Clerk’s patience, respectfulness, and dedication to maintaining the order and efficiency of parliamentary proceedings. "Her elevation to the post of clerk was well-deserved," he affirmed, emphasizing her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Prime Minister Holness expressed solidarity with the sentiments shared by the Speaker of the House and the Leader of Opposition Business. "As our former Clerk retires and moves on to other things, we wish…

"This Artisan Village is a serious attempt by the government to ensure the diversification of the tourism product. Culture has value, and when our visitors come, they want to experience our culture." - Prime Minister Holness  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica is at a fundamentally crucial stage of development as the country's fiscal situation has improved. Prime Minister Holness said despite vulnerabilities, the economy has improved to positively impact all Jamaicans. Speaking at the opening of the first ever Artisan Village in Jamaica and the Caribbean in Falmouth, Trelawny, Prime Minister Holness stressed that investments in the tourism product and culture are positively impacting the lives of not only people who live in Falmouth or Trelawny, but it has a multiplier effect on households across Jamaica. “All Jamaicans are better off because of this investment. Today, the country's fiscal situation has improved. Our fiscal situation is better, but we still have many risks. We have created what economists call more fiscal space. Now, the government has more freedom to expend on things like the Artisan Village, on things like buying more buses for the public transportation system or more garbage trucks for public sanitation, or building more highways and more schools,” stated Prime Minister Holness. Highlighting the…

“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Princess Lawes. Her passing marks the end of an era, not only for the Jamaica Union Conference but for our nation as a whole.” - Prime Minister Holness  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am deeply saddened by news of the passing of former Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Community Development, Princess May Lawes. Ms. Lawes died on Friday, April 19, 2024. She was 79 years old. The passing of Princess Lawes marks the end of an era. She was a trailblazer in Jamaican public life. Her contributions as a Member of Parliament, Junior Minister, and Senator were invaluable, particularly in advocating for women, children, and the marginalized in our society. Ms. Lawes was an important figure in Jamaica’s political landscape serving in the Senate from 1976 (sworn in January 13, 1977) until 1980. After serving as senator for several years, Princess Lawes became the first Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) member to win the St. Ann Northwest seat when she beat the People's National Party's Arnold Bertram in 1980. Thereafter, she served in the House of Representatives from…

“Jamaica is at a turning point where your generation will see the benefits of the sacrifices of the previous generations of Jamaicans. Your generation will also become responsible for continuing the progress of our nation.” – Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says that his administration is providing more opportunities for Jamaica’s Youth to achieve and excel. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to empowering the youth and building a future where every young person can thrive and realize their full potential. Speaking at the Prime Minister's National Youth Awards for Excellence on Saturday (April 20, 2024), Prime Minister Holness said Jamaica stands at a turning point where the contributions of the youth are pivotal to the nation's progress. In this regard, the Prime Minister said the government is creating the best opportunities for the success of this current generation. Prime Minister Holness highlighted the significance of ‘GenZ’ in driving Jamaica towards increased productivity and efficiency: The Prime Minister stated: “Jamaica is at a turning point where your generation will see the benefits of the sacrifices of the previous generations of Jamaicans. Equally, your generation will also become responsible for continuing the progress of our nation. The…

“This is a very innovative solution that will help ease the housing shortage that is right across Jamaica.” – Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says there is great anticipation and greater interest particularly from young people on homeownership as a result of the announcements to stimulate the housing market. Speaking in East Central St. Andrew on Friday (April12) during the handing over ceremony of two housing units under the New Social Housing Programme to persons who lost their home following a fire, Prime Minister Holness said there is there renewed hope from young people. “There are many persons working in all kinds of industry who earn relatively decent salaries that instead of paying rent they could use the money (for rent) to pay for a mortgage which preserves their equity in a property. They can then build upon (the equity) in future years. The Government thinks  this is a very innovative solution that will help to ease the housing shortage that is right across Jamaica,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister says the new NHT house ownership option is particularly attractive to young people who do not have a large household and want to live…