Government’s New Mission is to End Absolute Poverty in Jamaica
The Government of Jamaica has declared that the total eradication of absolute poverty as a component of its new national mission, building on historic reductions in the poverty rate and major gains in social protection, employment, and education.
According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica, poverty declined from 16.7% in 2021 to a record low of 8.2% in 2023. This is the lowest level recorded since measurements began in 1989. Nearly half of those living below the poverty line in 2021 successfully transitioned out of poverty by 2023.
Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness announced the new component at a special Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Thursday, May 22, 2025. Prime Minister Holness stated: “We are not just reducing poverty — we are going to end absolute poverty in Jamaica. Jamaica’s new mission is clear: to eliminate absolute poverty so that no citizen is left behind. This is the future we are building today. I choose a Jamaica of opportunity, equity, and dignity for all.”
Speaking at the Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., hailed the achievement as a national turning point: “This is not just a statistical victory — this is about real people who are no longer going to bed hungry, who are now able to send their children to school, and who have the dignity of work and income. Jamaica has proven that with deliberate policies, we can transform lives. Now, we set our sights on the complete elimination of absolute poverty,” said Minister Charles Jr.
The historic poverty decline is linked to a combination of prudent economic management and targeted interventions. These include:
- An 18.5% increase in PATH benefits in 2022;
- Expansion of the Social Pension Programme to over 11,700 elderly Jamaicans;
- J$69 million in entrepreneurship grants for vulnerable individuals; and
- A 44% increase in the minimum wage in 2023.
Unemployment also fell to 4.3% in 2023 — down from 7.1% in 2021 — with over 85,000 new jobs created. These policies have since intensified to reach more Jamaicans. Starting June 1, 2025, the national minimum wage will be further increased $16,000 per 40 hour work week.
Minister of Finance and Public Service, the Hon. Fayval Williams, emphasized the critical role of prudent economic management in sustaining poverty reduction: “Building a strong and competitive economy is critical to building resilience. It is because of the work we did to stabilize the economy we can now make the investments and equip the next generation not only with knowledge but with the skills and values to rise above their circumstances.”
Prime Minister Holness also spoke about the upcoming Solidarity Programme which was announced in his 2025/2026 Budget Presentation. To further support vulnerable populations not currently benefiting from existing public services, the Government will soon roll out the $1-billion Solidarity Programme. This initiative will provide one-time cash grants of $20,000 to 50,000 Jamaicans, including elderly individuals in need, youth not engaged in education or employment, microbusinesses affected by disasters, low-income informal workers, medically indigent individuals, and persons with disabilities facing economic hardship.
This mission is a component of the Government’s ASPIRE Growth Strategy to unleash Jamaica’s potential.