News from the OPM

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has commended investors for their role in contributing to the transformation of the island’s logistics sector. Speaking at the opening of the island’s newest facility, the Kingston Wharves Total Logistics Facility on Thursday (January 25), Prime Minister Holness said the company is enabling a positive metamorphosis that is well needed. “The demand is there but the critical wherewithal is also there in our private sector and with the government. Port Authority is supporting these kinds of initiatives and the government is supporting these initiatives, so there is yes, this, positive confluence of events to enable us to realize that positive future that we all hope for,” said Prime Minister Holness. He added that “the demand for logistics services now is the greatest it has ever been in the world, and more things are happening to suggest that logistics will grow even greater.” He said that a part of the government’s mandate is to create employment for all Jamaicans and similar kinds of investments in logistics will bring more jobs to Jamaica. “Employment is independence in your hands. We support and endorse all investment activities that will not just bring growth but create employment.  So I am…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government is in the process of developing a comprehensive policy to deal with securing the integrity of the security forces. He was responding to questions from journalists at his quarterly press briefing held this morning (January 24) at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston. The Prime Minister noted that the security forces is not just the police and the army; but, it also includes Jamaica Customs, Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Financial Investigation Division and the Tax Authority. “Those persons who have enforcement powers of the law must be beyond reproach and should not be easily suborned. If you have enforcement powers you should not be susceptible to being suborned to any other interest than the interest that you have sworn to in the enforcement of the law”, stated Prime Minister Holness. The policy being developed will seek to specifically put measures in place to assure the society that those persons who have enforcement powers are enforcing the law. He said persons found to be corrupt in the security structure should be removed. He added that this will see a unified and holistic approach to security, which some persons may not want…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is determined to undermine and uproot crime in the country. Mr. Holness noted that even as the Sate of Public Emergency continues in the parish of St. James, the Government is monitoring its impact on the economy and markets. “It is the intention of the government to not just disrupt, but to totally undermine and uproot criminal gangs and the networks that they have formed. It is the intention of the government not just to address the street level criminals but to address those who facilitate, support and give succour to the street level criminals. We should never believe that the street level criminals operate on their own, they are financed, they use our banking network, they are well connected, they use our telecommunications infrastructure, they have good transportation, they use our roads, they buy our cars and they use them in the commission of crimes,” said Mr. Holness. Speaking at the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) 13th Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference in Kingston last night (Tuesday, January 23) the Prime Minister sought to allay fears of a negative effect on the economy. “My view is that the market will interpret this…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says consideration has been given to the citizens and businesses even as the parish of St. James is now under a State of Public Emergency. The State of Public Emergency for the Parish of St. James was announced today (January 18) during a press briefing held at Jamaica House. Prime Minister Holness noted that the action of the Government is not arbitrary as it required a great deal of strategic planning. “Several stakeholders have written to me to say that they are of the opinion and would support the necessary actions to bring the parish of St. James under control and restore public safety,” stated Prime Minister Holness. He reassured members of the public and business interests that the security forces will act in a way that will be a credit to Jamaica. The proclamation declaring the State of Public Emergency for the parish of St. James took effect at midnight. A State of Public Emergency is: A tool to ensure enhanced security for all entering and leaving a particular geographic area. Will ensure the enhanced security of all persons. Law enforcement agents are trained in human rights and how to appropriately interact with all persons.…

Former State Minister in the Ministry of Social Security in the 1980s, the Honourable Enid Bennett will be accorded an official funeral. The service will be held on Saturday, January 20 at the St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Linstead, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Bennett died at the Andrews Memorial Hospital on December 22. Her body will be interred at Heartfield Cemetery, Linstead. Ms Bennett served as Member of Parliament from 1976 to 1997.  She first represented the people of Central St Catherine and later West Central St Catherine. Ms. Bennett was awarded the country’s fourth highest the honour, the Order of Jamaica, in 2012. --30-- Contact:    Communications Unit-OPM Tel:   926-0244, 927-4101        Email:  [email protected]/[email protected] Website:      www.opm.gov.jm  Facebook:  www.facebook.com/jamaicahouse  Twitter

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared a State of Public Emergency in the parish of St. James effective Thursday, January 18. The Prime Minister made the announcement this afternoon (January 18) at a press conference held at Jamaica House. “Crime and violence in particular murders have been escalating in the parish of St. James. I have been advised by the security forces in writing that the level of criminal activity experience continued and threatened, is of such a nature and so extensive in scale as to endanger public safety”, said the Prime Minister. The Governor General signed the Proclamation to bring into the effect the state of public emergency. The Proclamation has also been gazetted. The constitution provides that a period of public emergency can be declared by a proclamation if the Governor-General is satisfied that action has been taken or is immediately threatened by any person or body of person in such a nature and on so extensive a scale as likely to endanger public safety. Last year, 335 murders were recorded in St. James, which is twice the number of any other parish. Prime Minister Holness outlined that under the state of emergency the security forces will have…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says he appreciates and acknowledges the sacrifice public sector workers have made and is asking for consideration and understanding. The Prime Minister called a special meeting this morning (January 17) with union representatives to discuss the ongoing wage negotiations. The meeting was held at the Banquet Hall, Jamaica House. Mr Holness said the meeting is in response to the calls by the various bargaining units and to ensure that there is symmetry in the response. “This meeting is not meant to replace the formal process of negotiation but to reset them on a path where the foundation of respect is established; that the foundation of flexibility for negotiation is understood; but more importantly the atmosphere where creative solutions can be brought into the mix. Where there is the sweet spot where your economy and the national economy reaches equilibrium and co-exist together in a way that enhances each other”, explained Prime Minister Holness. Mr Holness also expressed that the “purpose of government is not only to make the national economy grow but it is to make your personal economy grow”. In the meantime, he declared supreme confidence in the social capital that exists in Jamaica and…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government is ready to take firm and resolute measures within the context of the law and the preservation of human rights to deal with the scourge of crime. Speaking in Mandeville Manchester at the 50th Anniversary of Fontana Pharmacy on Wednesday, January 17, the Prime Minister used the opportunity to address the matter of crime affecting the country. “We have reached the point where we are prepared to take these firm and resolute measures to ensure that the crime monster does not destabilise the promising future that is in store for Jamaica,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister said the fight against crime is not just the police or the government. He said it will take everyone to reach the point of understanding that the government must act and act in a resolute fashion with respect for the rights and dignity of the people. The Prime Minister went on to say that the government must now put in place the laws and the measures to deal with those who are destabilizing the country. “The truth is that the people who are committing the crime is a minute percentage. 99% of Jamaican’s are decent…

The Cabinet commenced day one of its three-day retreat today (January 10).  The meeting began at 10:30 this morning. It’s the first Cabinet Retreat for 2018 and is being held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston. Prime Minister Andrew Holness opened discussions this morning with an overview of the government’s programmes last year. Mr Holness indicated yesterday that the Cabinet will discuss matters relating to the on-going public sector wage negotiations, issues of national security and safety, economic growth and the upcoming 2018/2019 Budget.