News from the OPM

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today (November 21) announced in Parliament the areas to be designated as the boundary of the Cockpit Country and of the Cockpit Country Protected Area. Prime Minister Holness says Cabinet adopted the Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr. (2005) Boundary as the boundary of the Cockpit Country. This boundary will be declared and gazetted. Meanwhile, the protected area will include existing forest reserves, significant hydrological and ecological features and cultural and heritage sites.  This area comprises approximately 74,726 hectares and will be referred to as the Cockpit Country Protected Area and will be protected under specific legislation as advised by the Attorney General. “The goal of defining the boundary is to ensure forest conservation, protection of biodiversity, preservation and improvement of traditional livelihoods and the creation of new economic opportunities from heritage, health and wellness tourism and eco-tourism”, the Prime Minister declared. No Mining will be permitted in Cockpit Country Protected Area Prime Minister Holness also announced that no mining will be permitted in the Cockpit Country Protected Area.  In this regard, the Mining Act and any existing mining licences will be amended to close these areas to mining. “The Government is of the view that this area is…

The country is steadily making progress by taking more ownership and responsibility of its economic reforms. Prime Minister Andrew Holness says this ownership is significant as the country implements various institutional management mechanisms necessary for growth and development. He made this comment at a joint press briefing with the Government of Jamaica International Monetary Fund (IMF) this morning (November 17) at the Office of the Prime Minister. He was joined by Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the Fund who is on the island for a working visit. “Country ownership and responsibility mean implementing policies not just to meet a target or to pass a review but also because they are central to our goal of economic independence”, explained Mr Holness. The Prime Minister noted that Jamaica continues to utilize the incredible technical assistance and support of the IMF as the country makes significant strides. “Macroeconomic economic stability is entrenched. Public debt is on a downward trajectory. The labour force is expanding and employment is increasing. Over 50,000 jobs have been created in the last 12 months. Growth is occurring although at rates that could be a little bit faster but we are seeing growth nonetheless,” he stated. He further declared that “Public…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed deep regret at the passing of Chairman of the RJR/Gleaner Communications Group, J. Lester Spaulding, CD, JP. Mr Spaulding died in hospital this morning (November 17) in Kingston after ailing for some time. “Lester Spaulding was a shrewd businessman, his leadership in media and business was exemplary. He was unquestionably one of the most influential business leaders and media innovators in Jamaica’s history,” said Prime Minister Holness. Mr. Spaulding began working with Radio Jamaica some fifty-three (53) years ago and rose through the ranks to become its Managing Director and Chairman. “My prayers and sincerest condolences are with his widow, family and the members of the RJR/Gleaner Group at this time. His passion and drive for the industry will be missed,” he added. Mr. Spaulding has led the company through several mergers culminating with the latest with the Gleaner Company. Mr Spaulding served as Managing Director of Radio Jamaica Ltd. from March 1978 to October 1, 2008. He served as Chairman of Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), Caribbean News Agency (CANA), President, Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU), Head of the Media Association of Jamaica, Board member of the National Crime Prevention Fund (CRIMESTOP), among other Boards.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica will see significant improvements in its Ease of Doing Business ranking when the National Identification System (NIDS) is implemented. Making his opening address at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 2017 High Level Caribbean Forum this morning (November 16) at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Prime Minister Holness declared that, “The National Identification and Registration Act will establish a national civil registry and create a National Identification System (NIDS). This will significantly improve commerce in Jamaica. It will reduce the identity aspect of transaction cost and it will form the basis of a digital economy. We will see significant improvements in our ease of doing business index”. In acknowledging the role of IMF, the Prime Minister said it has been an important partner and a constant source of support for the region in implementing various reforms to end the cycle of low growth and high debt. Country is making significant progress in reducing debt and increasing economic stability Mr Holness noted that Jamaica is making significant progress to reducing debt, increasing economic stability and taking on a posture of growth. This he said is evident in the previous IMF Extended Fund Facility and the…

The National Identification System (NIDS) Bill today (November 13) successfully passed the Senate despite strong attempts to delay by the opposition. In hailing the passage of the bill, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith noted that “Despite challenges, the interest of the majority of Jamaicans won the day. I thank the many members of the society who participated in the formulation of this law”. Senator Johnson Smith noted that “We had wide consultations and these consultations included members of civil society, the church, law enforcement and numerous other groups including those representing the physically challenged. We want to thank members of the technical team for their work and the clerk and her staff for going beyond the call of duty to ensure the passage of this most important piece of legislation.” “Part of the reason we had so many amendments, is that we wanted to ensure that sector groups had a voice in this law. A lot of the amendments were suggested by these groups as well as the opposition”, Senator Johnson Smith added. Senator Johnson Smith is confident that as the people of Jamaica learn more about the law, they will continue to recognize that it is formulated to make their lives better. She says Jamaicans should pay close attention to the public…

Government Senators are currently locked in a special sitting of the Senate to further deliberations on the National Identification and Registration Act, 2017. This is in an effort to ensure that the passage of the NIDS Bill is in the best interest of all citizens as the government pushes for the country to have a trusted centralized database to verify a person’s identity. The special sitting was convened this morning (November 13), after the Senate suspended the debate on the Act on November 11 at 1:18 a.m. A National Identification System (NIDS) will provide a comprehensive and secure structure to enable the capture and storage of identity information for all Jamaicans. Each citizen will be provided with a randomized nine-digit National Identification Number (NIN), which they will have for life. The layered roll-out and management of the NIDS will be handled by a new agency, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), pending the passage of the NIRA Act, 2017. NIRA will replace the Registrar General Department (RGD) and will provide more enhanced services. NIDS FACTS The National Identification System is important because for the first time Jamaicans will have a single source of trusted identity verification and better access…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica must capitalize on the availability of renewable energy.  He explained that the country would be in a far better position if it can convert naturally occurring forces into energy. “It is possible for Jamaica to go to approximately 50% of its energy needs provided by alternatives,” the Prime Minister declared. Prime Minister Holness made the comment yesterday (Wednesday, November 8) during a tour of BMR Jamaica Wind Limited in Potsdam, St. Elizabeth. BMR Jamaica Wind Limited is the builder, owner and operator of Jamaica’s largest privately funded renewable energy project. The 36.3MW wind generating facility has been in operation since July 1, 2016. At a cost of $US 89.9M, this represents a major investment in the parish of St. Elizabeth. “From a policy perspective we would much prefer to have more of our energy locally generated and from that perspective renewables are very important to us,” said Mr Holness. He pointed out that there is great potential between the parishes of Manchester and St. Elizabeth for an expansion in wind generating plants and that the significant investment made by BMR Limited is an indication that there can be even greater investment in wind energy…

The 26-member Social Intervention Committee for the Denham Town Zone of Special Operations has been named. The Committee will oversee the build phase of the Denham Town Zone. The Committee is established under section 23 of the Act. They are: The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Chairman Mr. Omar Sweeney, Deputy Chairman Mrs. Sancia Bennett-Templer Dr. Richard James Miss Dianne McInosh Mrs. Audrey Sewell Mr. Dean-Roy Bernard Mrs. Colette Roberts Risden Lieutenant Colonel Dionne Smalling Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor Dr. Dwayne Vernon Mrs. Elizabeth Stair Mr. Charles Clayton Mr. Mark Barnett Mr. Varden Downer Hon. Desmond McKenzie Mr. Denzil Thorpe Dr. Alwyn Hales Mrs. Hillary Alexander Hon. Steadman Fuller Mr. Delroy Williams Mr. Jermaine Hyatt Dr. Herbert Gayle Mr. Dellon Gayle Ms. Alicia Nelson Ms. Kathryn Phipps   The appointment of the members of the Social Intervention Committee has been Gazetted.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reassured the business community that the government is working assiduously to curtail crime in the country. Mr. Holness says the reality is that crime is an impediment to business growth in Jamaica. Prime Minister Holness commented on the crime situation in St. James at the official opening of the GWEST Medical Centre in Fairview, Montego Bay yesterday (November 2). He says the business community in Montego Bay is especially sensitive to this reality. “I listen to the radio, I hear your cries and I get all the messages that are sent through the various channels about your concern regarding crime in your wonderful city. I take them seriously and we’re doing all that we can and move to ensure that we bring the situation under control very quickly,” he declared. Private Sector must drive growth in the economy In the meantime, Mr Holness stated that: “We (the country) need a new set of investments to start to take effect on the economy for us to see the growth numbers move”. He explained that the government is very sensitive to the difficulties in the current business environment and as a result, a policy of broadening financial…