News from the OPM

Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, has announced the appointment of a new Cabinet for the Government of Jamaica. In accordance with the provisions of Section 70 (1) of the Constitution of Jamaica, Prime Minister Holness advised that the following Members of the House of Representatives and of the Senate be appointed as Ministers with effect from Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Minister of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development – Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace - Dr. Horace Chang Minister of Finance and the Public Service – Mrs. Fayval Williams Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade – Senator Kamina Johnson Smith Minister of Tourism – Mr. Edmund Bartlett Minister of Health and Wellness – Dr. Christopher Tufton Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport – Mrs. Olivia Babsy Grange Minister of Justice – Mr. Delroy Chuck Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information – Senator Dana Morris Dixon Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce – Senator Aubyn Hill Minister of Local Government and Rural Development – Mr. Desmond McKenzie Minister of Labour and Social Security – Mr. Pearnel Charles Jr.…

The Government and people of Jamaica are today deeply shaken and heartbroken by the tragic incident in Moneague, St. Ann, where two young children, one-year-old Ameir Saunders and three-year-old Shamair Henry, were found dead under horrific circumstances. I extend my deepest condolences to the grieving mother, family members, and the wider community, who must now grapple with this unimaginable pain and loss. No parent should ever have to endure such a tragedy, and as a country we mourn alongside them. As a society, we must be vigilant in safeguarding the well-being of our children. Whenever there are signs that they may be at risk, it is important that action is taken to protect them. The Government remains committed to strengthening our systems of support for families and ensuring that our agencies are responsive in situations where children may be endangered. Protecting the most vulnerable among us is not only a duty of the State but also a responsibility of each and every citizen. Today, Jamaica weeps. Let us come together in prayer for the two precious lives cut short and for the mother and relatives who must now face this unspeakable grief. May their souls rest in eternal peace.

The integrity and strength of the cyber backbone of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) remain robust and secure. It has come to the attention of the NIRA that there are reports of a compromise to the national identification system. NIRA states unequivocally that there has been no evidence of a breach or compromise of the national identification system. The robust schedule of monitoring and security checks assures the NIRA of the integrity of the cyber systems, which remain secure. The National Identification System is built on a foundation of strong, multi-layered security, adhering to international best practices for data protection and security. All personal data is stored in a highly secure, encrypted environment with stringent access controls and continuous monitoring. NIRA has a zero-tolerance policy for any threats to the system, and protocols are designed to detect and mitigate risks proactively. The NIRA is assuring all citizens and stakeholders that their data is secure and that the integrity of the National Identification System remains uncompromised. The NIRA will continue to communicate with the public on this matter through its official channels. The public is being reminded that under the National Identification and Registration Act 2021, national identification and…

The National Partnership Council (NPC) convened a special meeting bringing together representatives of the Government of Jamaica, unions, public sector, the private sector, civil society, and the Fiscal Advisory Committee. The meeting focused on the ongoing public sector wage negotiations within the broader context of Jamaica’s fiscal position. The meeting was chaired by civil society leader Professor Alvin Wint. The discussions were fruitful, and the meeting concluded with firm commitments to move forward in the best interest of all Jamaicans. Minister of Finance and the Public Service, The Hon. Fayval Williams, stated: “The Government is committed to engaging in good faith as we work through these negotiations. Our duty is to ensure that the well-being of public sector workers is protected while also safeguarding Jamaica’s hard-won fiscal stability and long-term growth. We are determined to find a balanced solution.” Mr. St. Patrice Ennis, President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) added: “The JCTU remains committed to dialogue that is respectful, transparent, and grounded in the realities of our members’ needs and the country’s fiscal circumstances. We will continue to negotiate in good faith with the shared goal of achieving fair outcomes for our workers.” A smaller group of…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced a significant policy decision under the Systematic Land Titling Programme. The Government is to write off outstanding amounts of $150,000 or less to ensure more Jamaicans can obtain legal land titles without delay. Speaking on Monday (August 11) at the Norwood, St. James Titling Ceremony, the Prime Minister explained that this decision will benefit property owners who have consistently made payments but remain just short of full settlement. The initiative is intended to eliminate small outstanding debts that have hindered residents from securing their titles and fully exercising their property rights. The Prime Minister also announced that the Government has made a payment of $2.6 billion to the National Housing Trust towards the Housing Agency of Jamaica’s debt of $3.49 billion. This debt had previously created encumbrances on titles and limited the ability of persons to obtain full ownership. “Now we are in a position where not only can we give you the titles for small balances owed, but whatever liens were on the titles before, we can remove those liens because we have paid down the loan that the previous government had taken out on your title.” Since April 2021, more than…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the Government has implemented a new model of tourism development where investments are heavily focused on the well-being of workers. This will create genuine value, increase productivity, and grow the economy without exploiting labour. Speaking on Monday (August 11) at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Moon Palace Grande Jamaica Resort in St. James, Prime Minister Holness said the days of building world-class hotels while workers struggle in poor living conditions must end. “If we are going to be fostering the development of any hotel, that development must include housing,” Prime Minister Holness emphasized. “While the workers are treating with guests who are enjoying themselves, they go home to really deplorable circumstances. Any hotelier or any person involved in the hospitality business would have to contend with this issue: how do I get my workers to genuinely smile if a smile is the essence of the hospitality service?” The new Moon Palace Grande development will feature 1,200 rooms, including overwater bungalows. Importantly, 500 apartment units will be built for workers, which is stipulated by Government for the well-being of workers. The hotel will also do upgrades to the John Rollins Success School, the creation of…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced plans for a sweeping transformation of the Naseberry Villa area in St. Catherine into a modern, master-planned community. The initiative will deliver legal ownership, upgraded infrastructure, and long-term security to hundreds of families who have lived in uncertainty for over 20 years. Speaking last week (August 5) at the land title handing over ceremony for the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ), Prime Minister Holness described the moment as transformative and one that holds national significance. “Today we gather to mark an important step towards the life of this community, a moment that symbolizes not only the transfer of land, but the transfer of dignity, opportunity, and security to the people of Naseberry Villa,” Dr. Holness said. The Naseberry Villa community, established more than 20 years ago under the failed Operation PRIDE programme, has faced decades of infrastructural and titling delays, leaving many residents in legal and emotional limbo. Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the shortcomings of past approaches under previous administrations and emphasized his administration's deliberate shift to a systematic, equitable, and lawful process of land settlement and titling. “My administration has taken a different approach to land settlement. We are going to continue the…

The Government is accelerating investments in solar, hydro, wind, and pumped storage while also preparing the country to adopt emerging technologies, including small modular nuclear reactors. Speaking earlier last week (August 5) at the launch of Jamaica Broilers’ Renewed Energy Project in Spring Village, St. Catherine, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to energy independence, cost reduction, and climate resilience. The Prime Minister emphasized that while significant progress has been made, including the transition to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which now powers 60 per cent of the grid, high energy costs remain a burden to households and businesses alike. Dr. Holness stressed that this challenge is being directly addressed through strategic reforms. “In the same way we have tackled the big problems, debt, fiscal management, crime, we are going to tackle and bring down the cost of energy to households and firms, but the cost of energy is not just in terms of the economic cost. We are a government that is also very much concerned about the climate and its impact on the environment,” said Prime Minister Holness. Dr. Holness noted that energy independence remains a core national goal. To support this transition, the Government has…

The Government of Jamaica continues to advance its vision of a well-connected nation through deliberate, long-term infrastructure planning that will ultimately improve the lives of all Jamaicans. Prime Minister Andrew Holness says road expansion projects such as the proposed North-South Highway extension are key to unlocking housing, productivity, tourism, and economic opportunity. Speaking at the signing of the MOU for feasibility studies to extend the highway both westward to Discovery Bay and eastward to Tower Isle, Prime Minister Holness said the expansion is part of a broader push to prepare Jamaica for orderly, inclusive development. “We cannot allow development to outpace critical infrastructure. That has been the problem in Jamaica. Private developers have said, I want to build this, I want to build that… but the infrastructure has lagged behind,” the Prime Minister noted. Dr. Holness explained that the area between Mammee Bay and Discovery Bay is experiencing a boom in housing and commercial activity. Dr. Holness said without supporting infrastructure, this growth can lead to congestion, inadequate services, and unsustainable expansion. In addition to relieving traffic congestion, the highway extension will open new lands for structured housing developments and give the Government greater control over planning and zoning in…