News from the OPM

Jamaica’s borders are now more secure following the commissioning into service of a surveillance aircraft acquired by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Andrew Holness says the investment in the new aircraft demonstrates the Government’s commitment to secure Jamaica. Speaking at the Commissioning Ceremony for the Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Hangar and Helicopters at the JDF Air Wing Manley Base today (Wednesday, November 14), Prime Minister Holness said the acquisition of the fleet of aircraft for the JDF is historic and a demonstrable step that the Government is securing Jamaica’s future for the present and generations to come. “What we are doing here today, is ensuring that we make an investment in securing our borders, increasing our domain awareness not just because it sounds great but because it will have a practical effect for the man on the street in Jamaica. You will see crime going down in your communities as a result of this investment. But more than that, it also signals Jamaica’s intention to do more with our blue economy,” said Prime Minister Holness. In that regard, the Prime Minister explained that Jamaica must utilise available assets to combat crime. “There is a plan to…

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) wishes to make clear that, contrary to assertions by the Parliamentary Opposition, the Prime Minister of Jamaica The Most Hon. Andrew Holness played no part in the appointment of the new Acting Executive Director of the Integrity Commission. Prime Minister Holness was neither consulted nor advised of the recent appointment of an Acting Executive Director at the Integrity Commision. The OPM also wishes to emphasize the independence of the Integrity Commission as outlined in statute and by practice in the actions of the Government. The administration led by Prime Minister Holness has never and will never attempt to interfere in the functioning of the Integrity Commision which is an Independent Commission of Parliament The OPM asks that statements are properly researched and associated with the facts to ensure that the public is not misled by pronouncements. For more information please contact: Robert Nesta Morgan Director of Communications and Public Affairs The Office of the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaicans must reject dons and gang leaders within their communities. Addressing students of the Penwood High School in West Central St. Andrew today (Tuesday, November 6) the Prime Minister declared that for Jamaica to change its status as one of the murderous countries in the world, the don culture must be repudiated. “The dons are illegitimate, evil, corrupt and we must get them out of our society and until we have this very strong, empowered youth who have that view, then the gang members will always feel like they have a little protection in their community. They must have no protection in their community, they are not Robin Hood, they have not served us. They are criminals, that’s what they are and that’s what we must call them,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister further underscored that there should be robust cooperation between the citizen and the police. “You as good citizens should cooperate with the police and give as much information as you have on these criminals. It is the right thing. It is the honourable thing. It is the good thing to do (and) that is the only way that we are…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared that the sovereignty of Jamaica is foremost as the Government enters relations with bilateral partners. Speaking at the Official handing over ceremony for the Jamaica China Goodwill Infant Schools 1 & 2, in Olympic Gardens West Central St. Andrew today (Wednesday, October 31) the Prime Minister explained that the country’s pre-eminence is critical, and will be preserved and protected especially as the relationship between Jamaica and its international partners increases. In specific reference to the Government's infrastructure and development in partnership with the Government of China, Prime Minister noted that there is much fear mongering being spread in the society. “I don’t think that there needs to be any fearmongering. The Government of Jamaica has been very strategic, and the sovereignty of Jamaica is always foremost in my mind. So when we engage, we engage with that as a non-negotiable part of the partnership,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister stressed that it would be “tantamount to the ridiculous” for Jamaica to not engage in business relations with China, which is the second largest economy in the world. “We are part of a global village. Where we are located in the world, shipping passes…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Thursday, October 25, 2018, chaired the monthly sitting of the National Security Council. During the deliberations of the Council, concerns were raised by the Security Forces regarding the granting of parole to offenders whose release has been assessed as being contrary to the public interest, given the magnitude of their criminal antecedents. In response to these concerns, the Council has directed that a comprehensive review of the parole process within the Department of Correctional Services be undertaken by the Ministry of National Security. The Council further instructed that strong interim measures be considered until this review process has been completed. The Prime Minister emphasised that the foremost priority of the Government remains the assurance of community safety. However, the Government continues to support the process of rehabilitation and reintegration of reformed prisoners back into the society. Eligible persons will receive due consideration within a framework that does not compromise public safety. The Council also reviewed the information campaign for the reduction of firearms. It was agreed that further actions would be taken to expand the remit of the campaign to include focus on vulnerable groups, in particular women and children.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that the Government is exploring the possibility of introducing an intergenerational or sixty-year mortgage programme, through the National Housing Trust (NHT). The Prime Minister was speaking on Wednesday (October 24) at the NHT Groundbreaking Ceremony for Friendship Oaks in Goshen St. Elizabeth. According to Prime Minister Holness, the proposed intergenerational mortgage programme would allow for the older members of the population to access a mortgage and have it carried on by a family member. In that regard, the Prime Minister pointed out that the Government is exploring creative solutions to ensure that all persons in Jamaica are able to access a housing benefit from the NHT. “We are committed to building houses, homes and communities indeed in order to build Jamaica,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister stated that with the policy changes to come, the Government is of the view that there should be no discrimination by virtue of age in the pursuit of homeownership. In the meantime, civil service groups will be specially facilitated by the NHT. Prime Minister Holness said he has taken note of the concerns of civil service groups particularly the police. According to the Prime Minister, the Government…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government has moved to capitalize on infrastructural works now underway to modernise the city of Kingston. Speaking at the official opening of the ‘20 South’ residential development, on Saturday, (October 20) the Prime Minister stated that developers are seeking to make use of land in the city, therefore, the Government is ensuring the relevant infrastructure is right to accommodate. "People’s don't take risk in an economy that is generally not doing well and for Arthur [Von Strolley] to take the risk, it would have been that the Jamaican economy is on the right track, that there is business confidence, that the Government has in place the right policies,” explained Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister also noted that Kingston is well on its way to becoming the premier city in the Caribbean with the possibility of rivalling city of Miami in the United States. "The Government is already taking on the infrastructure problem, and once we solve the infrastructure problem, people will take the risk putting up structures like this," stated Prime Minister Holness. In that regard, Prime Minister Holness underscored that security is the priority of the Government as it seeks to position…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says providing housing solutions is a major part of the Government’s strategic plan to decisively deal with the issue of informal settlements. Speaking at the National Housing Trust’s (NHT) handing over ceremony for Castlewood at Granville, Trelawny, the Prime Minister said the Government is making every effort to provide housing solutions to foster greater development for Jamaica. “All Jamaicans must come to the recognition that you can’t settle wherever you choose,” said Prime Minister Holness. He explained that the government understands the need for housing and the historical challenges however the government has a no tolerance policy for unplanned developments. He continued, “the Government has to get ahead of informal settlements and provide the solutions so that we can say to the people who have it in their mind to develop informal settlements, NO! – We (The government) are building enough houses and we are providing the modalities - that is, the ways in which you can access the housing that are reasonable.” In that regard, the Prime Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to giving everyone a fair chance of owning their own home and living in a secure environment. “What we have tasked the NHT…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that Jamaica will officially increase its target for use of renewable energy to 50 percent. The previous target of 30% renewables was set as policy by Cabinet. However, speaking at the handing over ceremony to install solar panels at the Office of Prime Minister yesterday (October 16), Prime Minister Holness said the previous target of 30% renewables to Jamaica's energy mix was not ambitious enough. “We are working even harder to a more ambitious target to reach 50% of our electricity generation being from renewables by 2030. Pushing our energy generation to be 50-50 by 2030; fossil fuels and renewables is in our national security interest, in our survival interest,” declared Prime Minister Holness. He said at present pace the previous target of 30% could be achieved by 2020 if the country remains on track in diversifying its energy use. He called on all Jamaicans including Government agencies to remain committed to using renewables. In the meantime, the Prime Minister is calling on Small Island Developing States to embrace renewables in a larger way. According to Prime Minister Holness, those countries more susceptible to the effects of climate change are SIDS like Jamaica. “People…