News from the OPM

The government is moving to review the Proceeds of Crime Act and Terrorism Prevention Act to strengthen legislation to deal with money laundering. Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica cannot afford to be seen as a weak link in the chain of international efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. “We must therefore have a robust anti-money laundering and counter financing of terrorism regime in place to prevent criminals from benefiting from the proceeds of their crime,” he said. Prime Minister Holness was addressing bankers at the 5th Annual Anti-Money Laundering/Counter-Financing of Terrorism conference at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel this morning (Monday, October 10). Mr Holness stated that taking the profit out of crime is one of the foremost measures for the government to combat the crime problem, adding: “You will note that this is also more recently underscored by the recommendations of the Economic Growth Council. Indeed an early action of this government was for Cabinet to approve the national risk assessment on money laundering and financing of terrorism in May 2016”. The prime minister noted that whilst the majority of persons use financial services for entirely legitimate purposes, there are those who try to use it for criminal…

The Cabinet this morning (October 10) discussed the crime situation in the country and heard a presentation from the Police Commissioner on the matter.   The update to Cabinet comes as there were several incidents of murders at the weekend.   Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he is deeply saddened by the murders that took place. In particular, the incident in March Pen St. Catherine that left five people dead including three children.   Mr. Holness said: “A gruesome crime was committed. The killings must end. The government is now even more resolved to dismantle the gangs and bring those responsible to Justice.”   Speaking to bankers at an Anti Money Laundering/Country Financing of Terrorism forum this morning the Prime Minister said: “We must take the profit out of crime. Criminals must have no access to the financial system. And where they operate in the informal economy, we must find them and separate them from their illegal gains.”   The Prime Minister said the government continues to work with the National Security Council on a crime strategy.   In the meantime, Mr. Holness called on Jamaicans to tell what they know to the security forces to help rid the country…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today telephoned the leaders of the remaining Caribbean islands affected by Hurricane Matthew to extend heartfelt sympathy. In a telephone conversation with 1st Vice President of Cuba Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez, Prime Minister Holness commiserated with the country, especially those who have been severely displaced in the Eastern section of the island because of flooding and damaged homes. “I am deeply saddened by the destruction caused by hurricane Matthew and extend deep sympathy on behalf of the government and people of Jamaica.  I also extend best wishes for a speedy recovery from the effects of this terrible storm,” said Mr Holness. He also spoke to Bahamian Prime Minister The Rt Hon. Perry Christie and pledged the support of government. Mr Christie told the prime minister that assessments of the damage continue. Prime Minister Holness said as the countries impacted in the Caribbean Region begin their recovery efforts, Jamaica will offer any assistance that may be required. He noted that help is already on the way to Haiti, the worst impacted country, as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management is presently making arrangements to send personnel and supplies to the country this evening.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is urging Jamaicans in the US State of Florida and the Bahamas to be safe during the passage of Hurricane Matthew. The hurricane is now pounding the Bahamas and will head to the East Coast of Florida. Prime Minister Holness said, “Please listen and follow the instructions from the authorities. It is important that everyone take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety.” For persons in the state of Florida, the prime minster said they must heed the evacuation warnings and other alerts from state and local officials. “Now is the time to evacuate if you are being asked to do so. Do not delay. This hurricane is powerful and has already caused significant damage in Haiti and Cuba.” In the meantime, Prime Minister Holness this afternoon telephoned provisional President of Haiti Jocelerme Privert and conveyed deep sympathy on behalf of the government of Jamaica while pledging assistance in their recovery effort. The President confirmed that 50 persons have died so far. “We are praying for your country and our government stands ready to lend assistance in collaboration with our private sector,” Mr Holness said.

The Office of the Prime Minister is pleased to announce that Miss Naomi Francis has joined the Communications team as Press Secretary effective Monday, October 3. Miss Francis is an experienced communicator who will strengthen the capacity of the Communications and Public Affairs Unit. Working closely with the Director of Communications, Robert Nesta Morgan, the Press Secretary is a spokesperson on the business of the Government of Jamaica, especially as it relates to the Prime Minister, government policies and programmes. Her successful career in communication spans almost 20 years; serving as Corporate Communications Manager at FLOW where she was part of the integration communications team, which planned strategies around the full merger of Columbus Communications and Cable and Wireless. She was also a member of Nationwide News Network for 12 years where she served in several capacities. Miss Francis also did stints at the Gleaner Company Limited, Television Jamaica and the Creative Production and Training Centre, CPTC. Miss Francis holds a Masters of Arts in Communication for Social and Behaviour Change and has won a number of awards including the Jamaica Broiler Fair Play Awards in 2007 and 2009 and UNICEF Regional Award for stories/features on issues affecting children in…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness is expressing profound gratitude to disaster preparedness officials and all Jamaicans for the level of preparation and response as the country braced for a possible impact from Hurricane Matthew.   Jamaica was placed on high alert as then Category 4 Hurricane Matthew moved menacingly toward the island.   Prime Minister Holness said government ministries, agencies, private sector, the Church and other volunteer groups worked tirelessly to prepare the country for an impending disaster. All shelters were activated as the National Meteorological Service and disaster officials provided the nation with constant updates on the movement of Hurricane Matthew.   “I am pleased by the level of commitment, preparation and communication by all those involved. I want to thank everyone for answering the call to duty.”   The prime minister pointed out that even though Jamaica was not impacted by hurricane Matthew, the neighbouring islands of Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas are now under severe threat. “We pray for our Caribbean neighbo­­urs and hope that they will make a speedy recovery. We stand ready to assist in whatever way we can, especially Haiti which is currently experiencing the brunt of the storm.”  

Prime Minister Andrew Holness will today tour sections of the island to get a first-hand look at preparations being made by government agencies and citizens for the impending threat of Hurricane Matthew. Among the parishes he will tour are Portland, St. James, Kingston and St. Andrew. The situation, according to Prime Minister Holness should be taken seriously and all Jamaicans must take the necessary precautions such as battening down, trimming trees and getting emergency supplies. These supplies should include battery operated radio, candles, matches, canned goods and enough water to supply the household for a week. The Prime Minister will address the country this evening in a national broadcast to be aired all radio and television channels.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness this morning (Thursday, September 22) announced that the government, due to its commitment to empower women economically has signed the instrument of ratification of ILO Convention C 189 (also known as the Domestic Workers Convention). Prime Minister Holness who was participating in the deliberations on a report by the United Nations High Level Panel on Economic Empowerment of Women at UN Headquarters in New York said, “We are committed to the protection of rights of the most vulnerable among us and to ensure the welfare of domestic workers within the framework of our determination to promote a decent work for all.” A decent work for all and empowerment of women are part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the presence of Ms Shirley Pryce at the UN, who is a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment and the rights of domestic workers in Jamaica, Prime Minister Holness stated that “I’m pleased to announce that Jamaica has signed by virtue of her (Ms Pryce) instrumentality, we have signed and we are ratifying the ILO Domestic Workers Convention C189.” He added that the instrument is now in the process of being deposited at the International Labour Office through…

Jamaica Committed to Sustainable Development Goals Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Addressing an International Conference on Sustainable Development at Columbia University, New York, on Wednesday, September 21, the Prime Minister said “Jamaica is naturally and irrevocably aligned to the sustainable development goals and at every opportunity we reaffirm our commitment to achieving them. Furthermore, Jamaica will play its part in regional and international fora to promote attainment.” Prime Minister Holness pointed out that Jamaica’s focus is on economic growth and job creation, which will be used to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, education and eradication of poverty. According to the Prime Minister while Jamaica has recorded impressive improvements in the human development index, much of the development has been achieved through the accumulation of debt. He said these high levels of debt posed an existential risk to the economy and have the potential to retard, and even reverse, social and economic development. He highlighted that debt reduction is a major priority for the government stating “Debt reduction must be a priority as it remains, in our case, the single biggest obstacle to development. High debt increases the…