News from the OPM

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today left the island for a three-day visit to the state of Israel. The Prime Minster will return to Jamaica on January 15. The Working Visit arises from an invitation to Jamaica issued several months ago, and forms part of Prime Minister Holness’ ongoing commitment to seek opportunities for Jamaica through deepened bilateral relations with various countries. In Israel, he will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the two leaders are expected to discuss areas of potential cooperation on growth and economic development between both countries, such as security, agriculture, water resource management and Diaspora bonds. Meetings will also be held with key Israeli officials and members of the private sector. Through these engagements, Jamaica will seek to identify and capitalise on opportunities for collaboration and expanded exposure to best practices. This aligns with the Administration’s drive to foster economic growth and prosperity through pioneering and sustainable policies. Prime Minister Holness will be accompanied by representatives from the National Water Commission, the National Water Resources Authority, the National Security Council as well as the Economic Growth Council and Ambassador Nigel Clarke. During the Prime Minister’s absence, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, Minister without portfolio…

Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Housing, Water and Works, Dr. Horace Chang, says the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) will focus on administering Public Private Partnerships (PPP’s). At present a major reorganisation of the HAJ is being done. Dr. Chang says the government’s move to reorganize the entity is to make it viable. Minister Chang disclosed that “in the medium term we will be looking at a completely different agency, because government’s involvement in housing construction over the years has proven not only unsatisfactory but some point it becomes characterized with nepotism and corruption.” According to Minister Chang the Agency will administer the Housing Act and provide effective construction monitoring of these areas. Additionally, Minister Chang said, “it will ensure that the titles are ready quickly and the mortgages from the National Housing Trust (NHT) can move smoothly to the beneficiaries. With this mechanism we hope to reduce the traditional levels of nepotism that will take place in the sector.” Minister Chang also revealed that since taking office early last year, the HAJ has moved off the dependency list and has been made operationally viable. He noted that several projects which have…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is making a plea for persons to stop supporting criminals. In his address at the 12th Annual Heal the Family, Heal the Nation service, at the National Arena yesterday (Wednesday, January 4) he said “Now is the time when  law abiding Jamaicans must turn their backs on the criminals. Don’t let them survive in your community. Don’t give them safe haven in your community.” Insisting that persons must do their part in the fight against crime, Prime Minister Holness noted that the society must reject criminals. “We can’t continue as a society where when we act, you have persons defending the criminals.  We can’t continue as a society that when we act you’re hearing this was a good man - a protector of the community. The only protector of the community must be the government of Jamaica, the police force and Jesus Christ the Almighty Saviour. We don’t need any dons and criminals to protect us,” said Prime Minister Holness. The prime minister also said physical violence should be rejected as normal in the society. He stated, “We need to change that. We need to transform that and the first place in which we can stop…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has conveyed his deep sympathies to the family of the Jamaica Defence Force soldier who died yesterday in a motor vehicle incident while on duty. The soldier, Private S. Hewitt of Moneague St. Ann was on operational duty in Hanover when the patrol vehicle in which he was travelling was involved in a tragic accident. Private Hewitt died while three other soldiers sustained serious injuries. Prime Minister Holness this morning telephoned the relatives of Private Hewitt to extend condolences. “Private Hewitt gave dedicated service to our country. He was part of a team of Jamaicans in the security forces who allowed us to enjoy the joys and festivities of the season. He toiled quietly behind the scenes, ensuring that we were safe and secure,” said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said the country stands with the JDF and Private Hewitt’s family and friends in their moment of grief, Mr. Holness also wished those injured a speedy recovery. The Prime Minister who is also head of the Defence Board also conveyed a heartfelt thank you for the sacrifices made by the JDF in protecting our country. --30--

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says his vision for Christmas in Jamaica is one where persons exemplify the ethic of love for neighbor and peace and goodwill toward everyone that Jesus Christ displayed. “I have a vision of a Christmas with peaceful Jamaican communities, where people look out for one another’s interests and are actively engaged in spreading the Christmas spirit of peace,” he said. The prime minister added that his vision is a Jamaica which prizes cooperation and collaboration over confrontation and conflict, and where concern for the poor and vulnerable is inculcated in each child and becomes infused in our culture. “Christmas reminds us of all this and gives us an opportunity, yet again, to recommit to the things of lasting value,” he said. Prime Minister Holness further stated his vision for a Christmas where economic prosperity will be equitably shared, providing a solid foundation for children and inspiring hope in youth that they can achieve all their dreams “right here on this rock of ours.” He also appealed for persons to remember the sick, lonely and depressed. “At this time, let us especially remember those in the hospital and those sick at home. Let us remember those who…

Dear Mrs Jackson Miller, The Office of the Prime Minister acknowledges your concerns regarding the staging of press briefings with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Hon. Andrew Holness. We wish to point out that since his ascendancy, the Prime Minster has done more than 30 interviews with both local and international media on a wide variety of national issues. These interviews include several with your News Group and cover all major news stations in Jamaica. We are of the view that there can be no conclusion that the Prime Minister has not been accessible to the media and the facts will show that he has been the most accessible Prime Minister is recent Jamaican history. We ask you to alert us of any issues that the Prime Minster or the government has not responded to whether via statements, interviews, addresses or releases. The Prime Minister’s approach to communication seeks to diversify engagement using a myriad of tools and several approaches over the short and long term, including but not limited to Social Media engagement, Traditional Media engagement and face to face interaction with the public. The government has been consistent and proactive in responding to issues that affect…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness left the island this morning (December 15) for Florida, United States to meet and discuss with tourism interests major investments in tourism beginning early next year.   He will also attend the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association reception to be hosted by Carnival Cruise.   The Prime Minister returns to the island on Saturday, December 17. During his absence Dr. Horace Chang will be in charge of the government.   -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:  www.twitter.com/opmjamaica    

The Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Horace Chang says Jamaica’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector will be improved through specialized training. The government is targeting the BPO sector for significant growth which will positively impact the administration’s 5:4 target to grow the economy. Speaking at a meeting with representatives of some of the island’s tertiary institutions and key government agencies on Monday (December 12), Dr. Chang said specialised training in the BPO sector will increase the governments’ ability to create jobs. “BPOs are often viewed as call centres offering cheap labour and I want persons to stop looking at the industry as a sweat shop,” said Minister Chang. “We must change the image of the sector through skills training,” he added. In this regard, Minister Chang stated that the “the HEART TRUST/NTA will lead the national effort and will develop a programme to have persons trained in the particular areas.” It is expected that the work plan for the programme will be submitted by mid-January. For the past six years, Jamaica’s BPO industry has experienced tremendous growth, with over 40 companies operating in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT)/BPO Sector. Employment has steadily moved…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has emphasized Jamaica’s strong and long standing relationship with the European Union (EU) in a meeting this morning (December 14) with EU Ambassador to Jamaica Malgorzata Wasilewska. The Prime Minister and Ambassador Wasilewska spoke on many areas of support and partnership established over the years between Jamaica and the EU. Prime Minister Holness noted that the government will continue to develop strong ties with the 28 countries of the EU. He also highlighted Jamaica’s focus on economic growth and job creation as a means of transforming the society. He further reiterated the country’s commitment to reducing crime and violence and outlined several government initiatives as part of Plan Secure Jamaica. Meanwhile, Ambassador Wasilewska pointed out EU’s strong contribution to justice and issues related to the development of Jamaica. In addition, she expressed support to the administration’s interest in promoting transparency, women’s rights and its focus on social development. The Prime Minister and Ambassador Wasilewska pledged to collaborate closer to fine tune areas of mutual interest between Jamaica and the EU. He also thanked the EU for being a significant partner and largest provider of grant funding to Jamaica. --30--     Contact:    Communications Unit-OPM Tel:   926-0244, 927-4101       …