Government Building a Stronger Economy to Deliver Results for Jamaica’s Youth
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says his government remains committed to building a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous Jamaica through bold investments in young people.
Speaking Saturday evening (May 31) at the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence, Prime Minister Holness outlined how Jamaica’s growing economy is now delivering real results for youth in every parish across the country.
“Your government is building a new Jamaica, a Jamaica that begins with education and training. We firmly believe that your development is the cornerstone of personal and national development,” Prime Minister Holness stated.
From eliminating tuition fees for HEART/NSTA Trust training up to level 4, to removing guarantor requirements for student loans, the Prime Minister emphasized that young Jamaicans now have unprecedented access to skills training, education financing, and employment pathways. Since waiving fees at HEART, over 100,000 Jamaicans, primarily youth, have enrolled and are gaining certifications in high-demand areas.
Dr. Holness added that the administration’s Community Action for Rewarding Engagement (CARE) and Learning and Investment for Transformation (LIFT) programmes are already benefiting more than 1,250 unattached youth, equipping them with tools to transition from school to work. In addition, strategic partnerships like the Amber HEART Academy have introduced cutting-edge digital and AI training, including Jamaica’s first Prompt Engineering course to prepare youth for the evolving demands of the global workforce.
“These initiatives are not promises or policies on paper. This is the work of an active government that cares about you,” said the Prime Minister.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Holness noted the government’s efforts to address structural inequality through deliberate, long-term initiatives like the Hope for Children Trust Fund. Seeded with $200 million, the fund establishes savings accounts for children born into low-income households, providing them with an asset to help fund their university education, business startup, or home ownership by age 18.
“We are breaking the chains of poverty in Jamaica. No Jamaican youth should start life at a disadvantage, without assets or support,” the Prime Minister said.
In addition, the government will soon launch the $1 billion Solidarity Programme, providing one-time cash grants to 50,000 Jamaicans, including youth outside the formal economy, to support immediate needs and transition them into long-term development support.
Highlighting that youth unemployment has dropped from 33.2% in 2015 to approximately 10–11% today, the Prime Minister underscored the success of job creation, business support, and housing initiatives:
- The Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) has allocated $2 billion in grants and loans for youth-led businesses.
- A Cultural Apprenticeship Programme will give 200 young creatives training and stipends in music, art, and entertainment.
- The National Housing Trust (NHT) has been directed to reserve 10% of all new units for youth under age 35, with a further push for affordable housing solutions.
Prime Minister Holness also highlighted the government’s increased budget for youth with disabilities, ensuring equal access to education and employment.
“Without any fear of contradiction, I can confidently say that this government is the most youth-friendly and youth-centered government in the history of Jamaica. Every Jamaican youth is a winner, and every ghetto youth is a star,” he affirmed.
Prime Minister Holness said this government remains committed to building a society where all youth benefit from the nation’s prosperity.