News from the OPM

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today (Tuesday, December 13) met with members of the Opposition led by Opposition leader Portia Simpson Miller at the Office of the Prime Minister.   The Prime Minister extended the invitation to discuss several matters.   Prime Minister Holness explained the elements of the $548 Million Islandwide Mitigation Programme. He informed the Opposition of changes to the mitigation programme which will see the remainder of the funds being used exclusively to address cleaning the island’s drains. In response, the opposition said the changes are appreciated across the board.   The Prime Minister also noted that the Opposition is a key partner in the country’s governance structure.   Prime Minister Holness instructed the National Works Agency, NWA, to share their template of priories with all Members Parliament so that they are fully up to date.   --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 Holness administration has reaffirm its commitment to uphold, preserve and advance human rights in Jamaica. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has joined with the rest of the world in celebrating International Human Rights day today (December 10) under the theme ‘Stand Up for Someone’s Rights Today’. “My administration is unequivocal, human rights of all citizens must be protected. Where there are gaps to ensure all Jamaicans are treated equally under law, we will work to correct those areas and put safeguards in place for the most vulnerable among us. We are committed to do all we can to deal with human rights abuses,” said Prime Minister Holness. The administration has pledged to examine a raft of policies and legislative initiatives relating to human rights. The government recently ratified the convention on domestic violence. In addition a joint select committee of Parliament will examine the sexual offenses and sexual harassment bills to help safe guard citizens. “As an administration we reject violence of all forms. As part of addressing issues of human rights, we are taking a comprehensive approach to deal with our crime and violence problem, to safeguard our citizens. This requires the support of all citizens. We want a…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to social partnership. The Prime Minister, who is the Chairman of the Partnership for a Prosperous Jamaica (PFPJ), says “the government understands the importance of building partnerships and we are committed to having genuine exchanges towards building stronger partnerships.” Mr. Holness who met recently with stakeholders in the PFPJ said the government is committed to expanding and strengthening the PFPJ’s capacity to ensure it becomes a permanent institution in the Jamaican society. Prime Minister Holness pointed out that the government will continue to provide whatever institutional and capacity building support needed to ensure the partnership is effective. “We are not merely interested in having a conversation; we want that conversation to result in meaningful action and that meaningful action will often require additional support,” he said. The Prime Minister explained the idea of consensus building around national priorities cannot be the sole responsibility of the government. However, the process must be built on public trust and genuine understanding of national priorities. He further added that PFJF should operate as the umbrella group that will interact with other social partnerships such as EPOCH and the Economic Growth Council, to determine the national…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government has an unremitting resolve to address crime and build a bond of trust between citizens and the security forces through professional conduct and mutual respect. To this end, The National Security Council (NSC) will be spearheading an integrated and comprehensive set of measures and actions, which will significantly and sustainably reduce crime in the country. “The areas to be carefully examined will include deployment, mobility, investigative capacities, procedures and legislation as we move to secure Jamaica,” said the Prime Minister. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of Major General Rocky Meade as the new Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force held at King’s House on December 1, Prime Minister Holness noted that the increased business and consumer confidence the country is now experiencing, which encourages both local and foreign investment in our country, must be bolstered by improving and safeguarding the security of citizens. Meanwhile in congratulating Major General Meade, Prime Minister Holness stated that he has the experience, education and training to continue building on the solid foundation and development trajectory that has been set by his predecessors. “I have confidence that the legacy of the JDF and its value…

The government and people of Jamaica join with our Cuban neighbours in mourning the passing of former Cuban President Fidel Castro. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has written to President Raul Castro extending deep sympathies on behalf of Jamaica. “The Government and people of Jamaica join me in extending to you, the entire Castro family and the Government and people of Cuba our deepest condolences on this occasion,” said Prime Minister Holness. Prime Minister Holness remembered the former President Castro for his revolutionary leadership and guidance of the Cuban state. “He will go down in the annals of history as one of the leaders who, though coming from a Caribbean island developing state, has had the greatest impact on world history.  Many Jamaicans still vividly remember his visits to Jamaica and his passionate speeches in defence of the right to self-determination,” the Prime Minister added. Jamaica has enjoyed strong bilateral relations with Cuba for more than four decades particularly in the fields of health and education. Cuba was also a leading champion of strong south-south outreach and cooperation. “His building of excellent education and health systems in Cuba, has become an outstanding model for the world. The people of Jamaica remain…

The Jamaican flag will fly at half-mast tomorrow (Friday, December 2), on all government offices and national buildings as a tribute to the late former President of the Republic of Cuba Fidel Castro Ruz who died on Friday, November 25. Jamaica will join the rest of Caricom in the symbolic gesture of condolence to mark Mr. Castro’s passing and mourn with the people of Cuba. Prime Minister Holness expressed condolences to the people of Cuba and Mr. Castro’s family as he led a Jamaican delegation on Tuesday, November 29 to attend the official private mass for the former President in Havana, Cuba. The Prime Minister said Mr. Castro was an outstanding leader who though coming from a Caribbean island developing state, has had the greatest impact on world history. He added that Castro will be remembered for his passionate speeches in defence of the right to self-determination. Cuba is observing a period of national mourning which will end on December 4. Jamaica and Cuba have strong bilateral relations particularly in the areas of education and health. --30--

Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, has noted, with concern, the recent comments of the Contractor General, on the grant of a Domestic Mobile Spectrum Licence to Symbiote.   In reviewing the comments, the Prime Minister has instructed the Minister of Science, Energy and Technology to prepare and issue a statement, setting out the timeline and sequence of events surrounding the grant of the licence.   The Government of Jamaica will continue to engage the United States Government through its Embassy in Kingston, via normal diplomatic channels, with a view to addressing any concern they may have about the grant of the licence.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today (December 1) received a telephone call from Vice President-Elect of the United States of America, Governor Mike Pence.   The Prime Minister congratulated Governor Pence on his administration’s election to the Presidency of the United States.   Both Prime Minister Holness and Governor Pence also discussed Jamaica’s strong relationship with the people of the United States and even stronger cultural links between the two countries.   Prime Minister Holness spoke of the strong ties between Jamaica and the United States in the areas of national security, trade and importantly, energy. The Prime Minister expressed interest in strengthening relations particularly in investment.   The Prime Minister said he is optimistic about the future regarding the relationship between Jamaica and the United States.   He confirmed Jamaica’s continuing interest in building stronger ties with the United States and enhancing current partnerships for the benefit of Jamaica, the Caribbean and the world.   Both pledged to continue their dialogue on areas of mutual interest.   During the call the Prime Minister Holness noted Governor Pence’s strong Christian background and conveyed his best wishes to new administration.   --30--

Prime Minister Andrew Holness will lead a Jamaican delegation this afternoon to attend the official private mass for foreign dignitaries for the former President of the Republic of Cuba, Fidel Castro Ruz.   The mass will begin at seven this evening at the Jose Marti Revolution Square in the capital, Havana.   The members of the Jamaican delegation include, Speaker of the House of Representatives Pearnel Charles and President of the Senate, Tom Tavares Finson.   Cuba is observing a period of national mourning which will end on December 4. During the period the Cuban flag will be flown at half-mast in Cuba and at its missions across the world including Jamaica.   The Cuban Embassy in Kingston has opened a condolence book for members of the public to sign from 9am to 6pm daily.   The Prime Minister is set to sign the condolence book before leaving the island to attend the mass. Prime Minister Holness returns to the island tonight.   Mr. Castro died on Friday November 25. He was 90 years old.