News from the OPM

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a strategic driver of labour force transformation, productivity, and economic growth. Speaking at the Amber Group’s 10th Anniversary Gala and AI Robotics Showcase last Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the Prime Minister emphasized that the integration of AI technology in Jamaica’s development strategy is intended to enhance human capability, not replace it. “The solution is not to hide from technology or fear it,” Prime Minister Holness said. “The solution is to use technology to increase the level of training and skills in our society so that our people can take on higher-order tasks that bring higher-order pay.” The Prime Minister underscored that the Government’s focus is on leveraging AI to improve national productivity and competitiveness, noting that the global shift toward automation and advanced technologies presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Jamaica. “AI is an advantage for us if we embrace it and use it in the right way, not as a displacement of labour, but to ensure our labour force gets the training and experience to take on higher-skilled, more sophisticated tasks that will grow our economy,” the Prime Minister…

The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is assuring the nation that the current seasonal increase in mosquito populations and dengue fever cases is under control. The Ministry has significantly ramped up vector control operations across the island and continues to urge the public to play their part in preventing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. While Jamaica is seeing typical seasonal mosquito activity due to the recent transition from drought to heavy rainfall, dengue case numbers remain well below epidemic levels. As of October 13, 2025, there have been 23 recorded cases for the month of September, significantly under the epidemic threshold of 257. Year to date, there have been 379 cases, a stark contrast to the 1,819 reported during the same period last year. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (October 14, 2025), Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Honourable Christopher Tufton, outlined the Ministry’s strengthened response and ongoing public education. The Minister stated: “While our dengue numbers are low at this time, persons must continue to take precautions to prevent illness. Personal responsibility must become priority. Madam Speaker, we continue to reinforce the message that Jamaicans must search and destroy mosquito breeding sites even…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says Jamaica is forging ahead with a clear and transformative strategy to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key driver of national growth and productivity. Speaking on Tuesday (October 14, 2025) at the Amber Group’s 10th Anniversary Gala and AI Robotics Showcase, Prime Minister Holness laid out the Government’s vision to integrate advanced technologies into the fabric of Jamaican society and economy. Linking technology, economic growth, and national development, the Prime Minister emphasized that Jamaica’s strategy must be focused on upskilling citizens to thrive in a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI, robotics, and cyber physical systems. Dr. Holness also reiterated that the future of work in Jamaica must move beyond traditional roles and prepare its workforce for higher order tasks and sophisticated services. The Prime Minister said, “The solution is for us to use the technology to increase the level of training and skills in our society. So that our people can take on higher order tasks which bring higher order pay. For decades we have hidden from this issue of productivity. Seventy percent of our economy is on services. It means that if our economy is to grow, the services…

The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Tourism, has announced the Local First policy, which is an impactful and transformative initiative designed to ensure that Jamaicans are the primary beneficiaries of the country’s booming tourism sector. Minister of Tourism, Honourable Edmund Bartlett, made the announcement on Tuesday (October 14) during his address to Parliament, describing Local First as a home-grown framework rooted in the extraordinary success of the Tourism Linkages Network (TLN), a model that has already created tangible economic opportunities for thousands of Jamaicans. “Tourism has once again proven to be the engine driving Jamaica’s economic momentum by generating jobs, attracting investment, and transforming communities across the island. Yet as we expand our reach globally, our focus must remain firmly rooted at home. The growth of tourism must mean the growth of Jamaica,” said Minister Bartlett. Under this new Local First Policy, the Government will prioritize Jamaican farmers, artisans, manufacturers, transport operators, entertainers, and micro-entrepreneurs as the first suppliers to hotels, attractions, and other tourism enterprises. The initiative builds on the solid foundation of the TLN, which has driven measurable local development through programmes such as Christmas in July, which is generating over J$200 million in sales for Jamaican producers, and the Agri-Linkages Exchange (ALEX),…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says the Government is taking decisive steps to properly plan and build out Jamaica’s major roadways to accommodate high commerce and heavy traffic, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas such as Drax Hall, St. Ann. Speaking on Friday (October 10) at the groundbreaking ceremony for the BOOT 2 Commercial Complex, Prime Minister Holness underscored the importance of future-proofing infrastructure to match the pace of development and urban expansion. “The roadway in its present form cannot serve the new and emerging needs of this urbanized and commercial district that is emerging. We have to acknowledge and incorporate the developments that already exist and plan for those to come but do it in a way that is future-proof,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister explained that the Drax Hall corridor, originally built to function as a highway, has evolved into a bustling urban space due to the rapid increase in housing, hotels, and commercial developments. With traffic volumes now exceeding twice the intended capacity, Dr. Holness noted that a new design approach is necessary. “We can’t have a road that is playing two roles because a highway dissecting an urbanized commercial area will eventually…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says the construction of the new St. Catherine North Police Divisional Headquarters represents a major investment in the security and development of Spanish Town, signaling the Government’s firm commitment to reclaiming the old capital from criminal elements and restoring it as a thriving centre of growth and opportunity. Speaking on Wednesday (October 8) during a tour of the construction site, Prime Minister Holness said the $2.3 billion project demonstrates the State’s resolve to restore order and stability in Spanish Town while laying the foundation for sustained economic and social renewal. “This investment is a clear signal that the Government of Jamaica is taking back Spanish Town. By placing a state-of-the-art, well-designed divisional headquarters in Spanish Town, we are staking the Government’s claim against the gangs and criminal enterprises that have for too long operated in this space. This facility is a statement of confidence and commitment to the people,” the Prime Minister said. The new Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Divisional Headquarters will house nearly 300 personnel and serve as the operational and administrative command centre for policing across the St. Catherine North Police Division. Designed to strengthen the JCF’s capacity to combat…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the vital role of contractors in advancing Jamaica’s capital investment programme, noting that their performance directly influences the country’s pace of growth and the successful delivery of national infrastructure projects. Speaking on Wednesday (October 8, 2025) during a tour of the construction site of St. Catherine North Police Divisional Headquarters in Spanish Town, Prime Minister Holness said the Government’s development strategy depends on strong partnerships with efficient and accountable contractors. “When the Government undertakes capital works, those projects can only be delivered through contractors. Contractors play a central role in the Government’s ability to achieve its capital expenditure goals. If they do not perform, the budget cannot be expended, and when the budget is not expended, the growth of the country slows,” said Prime Minister Holness. In this regard, the Prime Minister emphasized that contractors play a decisive role in ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and at the highest standard. The Prime Minister stated, “As Jamaica enters a new phase of development where we intend to expand and intensify our capital works, we need reliable and capable contracting partners…It is the contractors who transform the plans we…

Government Mobilizes Full Support for Victims and Offers Reward for Information   Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has condemned Sunday night’s brutal attack in Commodore, Linstead, St. Catherine, describing it as an “act of criminal terror” that has claimed the lives of five innocent Jamaicans, including a four-year-old child. During his visit on Monday to the community to meet with grieving families, Prime Minister Holness expressed deep sorrow and assured residents that the Government will provide comprehensive support to the victims’ families, including counselling and other forms of assistance. “I'm here to personally express to the family members my sincere and deep condolences on this very tragic incident which has taken the lives of four innocent Jamaicans and has threatened the lives of members of the community,” the Prime Minister said.  He continued: “The entire government will be mobilized to give support to the victims and the loved ones of the victims.” Dr. Holness emphasized that while Jamaica has made steady progress in reducing murders over the past three years, the incident underscores the continuing threat posed by “dangerous and evil persons” who terrorize communities. “This crime amounts to what I would describe as an act of…

Jamaica has taken strong steps over the past ten years toward becoming a cyber-secure nation, with significant milestones reached in protecting the country’s digital space, people, and sovereign interests. With the upcoming commemoration of Cybersecurity Awareness Day on October 30, 2025, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Godphey Sterling, Director of the Jamaica Cyber Incidents Response Team, JaCirt, reflected on the nation’s progress since the promulgation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy in 2015 and the establishment of the division tasked with safeguarding Jamaica’s cyberspace. Speaking this morning (October 1, 2025) at a Post Cabinet Press Briefing at Jamaica House, Mr. Sterling highlighted the country’s journey since the National Cybersecurity Strategy was first introduced in 2015. He noted that the creation of the Division gave Jamaica its own visibility into the risks and threats within its cyberspace. Sterling stated: “[In the] Ten years that we’ve been delivering cybersecurity on behalf of Government of Jamaica to the people, our sovereign interests has fundamentally changed the way we view, manage, and respond to threats. What began in 2015 as a foundational step with the National Cybersecurity Strategy has grown into a robust national infrastructure that allows us to not just see and understand our vulnerabilities but to…