News from the OPM

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to combatting corruption. Speaking at the eighth Summit of the Americas underway in Lima Peru, Mr. Holness said Jamaica will also continue to partner with international stakeholders to battle corruption. “Jamaica remains committed to cooperating with international bodies and other Member States to combat corruption in the forms of bribery, international graft, and organized crime. Organized crime affects us all and Jamaica is currently engaged at the domestic and international levels to find meaningful solutions to these issues,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister also called on leaders of the hemisphere to do more to engage young people as they are most at risk and vulnerable to criminal activity. “Considering that the majority of those engaged in organized crime are typically young people, it is imperative that leaders not only consider the role of law enforcement and justice systems but also social and educational programmes which target unattached youth and promote opportunity, inclusion and empowerment. We have a responsibility, to ensure that we create a social environment that is conducive to the adherence to the rule of law, inclusion, fairness and prosperity,” added Prime Minister Holness. He said the deliberations in…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness left the island this afternoon (Thursday April 12) for an intense working trip overseas where he will hold bilateral talks with key partners as well as participate in the Summit of the Americas in Peru and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in England. The Prime Minister will travel first to Lima Peru where he will deliver a speech at the Business Forum of Summit of the Americas ahead of bilateral discussions with His Excellency Mr. Sebastian Pinera, President of the Republic of Chile. During the Summit in Peru, Prime Minister Holness and other Caribbean leaders will also meet with US Vice President, Mike Pence. On Saturday, Prime Minister Holness will leave Peru for Brussels, Belgium where he will address a special session of the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Committee of Ambassadors and meet with Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council. The Prime Minister will also use the opportunity to meet with the Jamaican community in Brussels, Antwerp and Paris before moving on to the Commonwealth Summit. While in London, the Prime Minister will have a full agenda. First, he will meet with his British counterpart, Rt. Hon.Theresa May, at her office at…

The Vale Royal Talks - a mechanism for the two main political parties to have bipartisan dialogue on critical national issues will take place on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at the UWI Regional Headquarters commencing at 10am. The Jamaica Labour Party’s team will be led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and will include General Secretary Horace Chang, Chairman Robert Montague, Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck and Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries Audley Shaw. The People's National Party’s  team will be led by Opposition Leader Dr. Peter Phillips and will include General Secretary Julian Robinson, Chairman Fitz Jackson, Leader of Opposition Business in the House, Phillip Paulwell and Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate, Donna Scott-Mottley. The items for discussion at the first meeting include national security, electoral re-verification and chairmanship of Parliamentary committees. As agreed by the political parties, all communication from the meetings will be done as joint statements. A joint-statement will be issued at the end of the bipartisan dialogue. The media will have an opportunity at 10am to take pictures of the proceedings. Horace Chang General Secretary - Jamaica Labour Party Julian Robinson General Secretary - People's National Party

Prime Minister Andrew Holness this morning paid respects to the late Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and hailed her as a champion of freedom. The anti-apartheid freedom campaigner died today (April 2) in her homeland South Africa. She was 81 years old. Prime Minister Holness said Winnie Mandela's death brings into focus the significant struggle of black people throughout the world against racism and in particular apartheid in South Africa. "Winnie Mandela was a symbol of the black struggle against oppression and injustice. We here in Jamaica supported her in that struggle as she maintained the legacy of her then husband Nelson Mandela while he was locked away for 27 years," said Prime Minister Holness. He noted the tremendous impact both Winnie and Nelson Mandela had on him and throughout the world. “As a young man the Mandelas were inspirations to me and many of my peers. We were cognizant of the evolution of the struggle that culminated in the release of Nelson Mandela and majority black rule. We still strongly remember their visit to Jamaica in 1991 as I know do many Jamaicans today”. Prime Minister Holness added that Winnie Mandela is immortalized in the Jamaican socio-cultural consciousness with songs and stories…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that the North-South Highway will be named the Edward Seaga Highway after its completion. Speaking at the Rededication of the Bustamante Museum yesterday (Thursday, March 22) Prime Minister Holness announced that Cabinet on Monday approved a submission to name the North South Highway in honour of Former Prime Minister, The Most Honourable Edward Phillip George Seaga. “It is with good reason why it was selected; he was responsible for the development of downtown Kingston. He was also integral and initiated the development and expansion of Ocho Rios as a tourism destination. The North-South highway creates that link and so it is only fitting that today I have this great honour, distinct pleasure of announcing the naming of the North-South Highway in honour of a man who has also dedicated so much of his life to building Jamaica,” said Mr. Holness. The Most Honourable Edward Seaga was Jamaica’s fifth Prime Minister. He also served as leader of the Jamaica Labour Party from 1974 to 2005. In recognizing the contribution of Former Prime Ministers, Seaga, and Bustamante, Mr.  Holness said it is important to honour past and present leaders. “We must erect monuments for all our leaders,…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness yesterday (Thursday March 22) chaired the regular monthly meeting of the National Security Council (NSC). The Opposition Spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson attended the meeting at the invitation of Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister noted that the invitation signals the Government’s collaborative and bipartisan approach in placing national security matters at the forefront of the Government’s policy approach. Greater relations between the Government and the Opposition will build trust and cooperation in moving the National Security Agenda forward. In the meantime, Mr. Jackson contributed to the discussions on national security matters as well as the assessment of the enhanced security measures in sections of the island. Prime Minister Holness expressed confidence in the security apparatus in the country and was pleased to have the Opposition at the table. For his part, Mr. Jackson was thankful for the invitation to attend the NSC meeting. He further indicated that the Council will have his full cooperation going forward.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today thanked Ambassador Dr Nigel Clarke for his service to Jamaica as Chairman of the National Housing Trust, Chairman of the Board of the Port Authority of Jamaica and Deputy Chairman of the Economic Growth Council. Having been elected as Member of Parliament for NW St. Andrew last week Ambassador Clarke has given up all positions he held on government boards. In expressing appreciation to Dr. Clarke, Prime Minister Holness stated, “In accordance with the policy of my government, Ambassador Clarke’s stewardship of the National Housing Trust has been characterized by a refocusing of the Trust on its central task of providing housing solutions, and in particular, affordable housing solutions.” Under his chairmanship, NHT housing starts have increased dramatically and in the 2017/18 financial year, the NHT is set to achieve approximately 5,200 housing starts, which will be, by far, the highest number of NHT housing starts in approximately twenty (20) years. In addition, under Dr. Clarke’s Chairmanship, the NHT has completed planning for over 20,000 NHT housing starts by 2020 and has spearheaded innovative programs to drive even more growth in affordable housing solutions through partnership with the private sector. With respect to the Port…

A State of Public Emergency has been declared in the St. Catherine North Police Division. The enhanced security measures took effect today Sunday March 18, 2018. Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement this morning (Sunday March 18) during a media briefing at Jamaica House. The measures will last for an initial 14 days. The State of Emergency comes against the background of increasing criminal activity including murders and extortion in the police division in particular the Spanish Town area. “The security forces have advised me, as Prime Minister, in writing that a high level of criminal activity continues and threatens public order and the rule of law. This threat is extensive. The Governor General signed the proclamation under the Emergency Powers Act to bring into effect these enhanced security measures. The proclamation has also been gazetted,” said Prime Minister Holness. Police statistics show that the St. Catherine North division has recorded the highest number of homicides this year with 48 persons being killed since January 1 to March 18. Last year 136 persons were killed in the division. Prime Minister Holness says as a result of the enhanced security measures, the joint forces will have extraordinary powers and some…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared that the Government has been strategic in creating a strong business environment. Speaking at the Jamaica Grain and Cereals Limited official factory opening and launch of Gold Seal Flour this morning, (Thursday March 15), the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Government is on a path of retaking the manufacturing industry by dealing with its security threats. “We are going to retake ground in manufacturing by ensuring that we have an economic policy and financial sector policy that supports businesses in taking risks and I think in general when you survey the landscape, you can see that government policy is moving strategically towards creating an environment where businesses can flourish, where businesses can grow and create jobs and prosperity for the Jamaican people,” said Prime Minister Holness. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that local manufacturers must not only supply local demand but also supply the CARICOM market with Jamaican products. He cited the $5 billion investment in Jamaica Grains and Cereals Limited as a signal of import substitution and export which will improve supplies to the regional marketplace. “I am hoping, I’m expecting that this investment will not merely be seeking to compete here in Jamaica…