News from the OPM

In a letter to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of the Republic of Italy, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has conveyed Jamaica’s deepest sympathies to the Government and people of Italy, in the wake of a devastating earthquake which has killed at least 120 persons so far. In his letter, Prime Minister Holness said Jamaica is praying for the people of Italy in their time of grief and sorrow.  He also said, “We join with the rest of the international community in extending our solidarity and support at this time”. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that there will be a speedy recovery in affected areas and that the resilience of the people of Central Italy, will enable them to overcome the impact of this tragedy.

Over 200 Jamaicans collected land titles today (Tuesday, August 23) at a Land Titling Ceremony held at Jamaica House through the Land Administration and Management Programme (LAMP). Prime Minister Andrew Holness who was keynote speaker at the event, said this is an important initiative aimed at empowering Jamaicans with a renewed sense of ownership and pride in Jamaica. “We want every Jamaican to have a vested interest in building Jamaica. In order to build a strong economy and improve quality of lives, we must give our citizens security of ownership wherever possible.” The LAMP initiative which is supported by grant funding from the Development Bank of Jamaica Limited (DBJ), aims to deliver 1,200 titles for the 2016/2017 financial year. Prime Minister Holness stated that studies have shown that equity in land ownership has a direct impact on the overall prosperity of a nation, adding “Your title is an asset that can be used to secure your future and that of your children. It provides a foundation on which to build dreams and goals of a better, more prosperous life.” He noted that LAMP recognizes there are many issues with subdivisions and cultural practice on how Jamaicans pass on land and…

The National Security Council (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, is in the process of elaborating a strategic anti-crime action plan, involving an integrated and comprehensive set of measures and actions to significantly reduce crime in the country. The NSC, in the light of the urgency of the matter, has been meeting monthly, rather than quarterly as previously obtained, and has embarked on a comprehensive and thorough approach with a view to achieving significant and sustainable reductions in crime, in preference to the adopting of ad hoc, short-term measures. It has, nevertheless, agreed an ambitious October, 2016 timeline for completion of all consultations and deliberations, and finalization of a plan for submission to Cabinet for approval. The NSC is focusing on a wide range of inter-related areas, especially in relation to violent crime, crimes involving the use of firearms, and lotto scamming. Those areas include increased population of the security forces as well as their base locations and mobility, the enhancement of investigative and prosecutorial capacities complemented by attendant administrative processes, the judicial framework and procedures, relevant legislative Acts and instruments and the correctional system. Prime Minister Holness has underlined that the high incidence of gun crimes is among…

Government of Jamaica Economic Growth Council Michael Lee-Chin, OJ Chairman, EGC Chairman, National Commercial Bank Ambassador Dr. Nigel Clarke Vice Chairman, EGC Dep. Chairman & CFO, Musson Group of Companies Hugh C. Hart, OJ Senior Partner, Hart Muirhead Fatta Patrick Hylton, CD Group Managing Director, NCB Noel Hylton, OJ, CD Noel Hylton and Associates Former Chairman, President and CEO, Port Authority of Jamaica Paula Kerr-Jarrett Director, Barnett Limited Pat Ramsay Cultural Consultant and Development Director Adam Stewart CEO, Sandals Resorts International Senator Kavan Gayle Representative from Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions Phillip Gore Owner & Executive Chairman of Gore Developments Ltd.

The Office of the Prime Minister takes note of a media report and public interest on whether members of the newly formed Economic Growth Council will get a salary. The Office wishes to point out that from the outset, it was highlighted that members of the EGC are volunteers who have decided to give back to Jamaica by participating in this initiative. Members of the council have neither sought nor will be afforded a salary for the work they have done or will do. Mr Lee Chin in his address yesterday, highlighted the fact that the EGC’s work is being done voluntarily and the government may have to find ways to absorb some of the administrative expenses of the commission. The Ministry wishes to point out that, the government will on occasion absorb administrative costs related to the proper functioning of Commissions. This approach is typical to commissions such as the Economic Policy Oversight Committee (EPOC) and the Electricity Sector Enterprise Team (ESET).

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is committed to growing the economy through public-private partnerships. Speaking at this morning’s (Wednesday, August 17) Economic Growth Council press conference at Jamaica House, Prime Minister Holness stated that to achieve tangible growth, the private sector must lead the initiative and government operations must be more efficient. “We must support the private sector. The private sector must lead the growth initiative,” he emphasised. Prime Minister Holness noted that in supporting the private sector, the Government has to change the way it does business. “We have to rethink the public sector. Government needs to become more efficient and more agile in regulation, law enforcement, planning and giving support in terms of enabling businesses” he said. He highlighted that the Government will be refocusing on two core areas: facilitating and enabling. “Our job is to facilitate the private sector in growth. We must make markets work where they are not working by providing the right regulatory environment and we must make markets where none exist. A lot of opportunities are out there and a lot of people have resources waiting to invest. Government must connect investors with opportunities. That is the core competence we need to…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has labelled Usain Bolt’s third consecutive victory in the Olympics 100m finals as historic and legendary. The Prime Minster said Bolt’s indomitable spirit and focus, inspire not only Jamaicans but millions of people all over the world.  "Bolt has etched his name as the greatest sprinter the world has ever seen.  Jamaica is fortunate to have a son who inspires so many and ensures our country continues to be the sprint capital of the world.” Prime Minister Holness also congratulated all the Jamaican athletes who are competing in Brazil. “I want to make special mention of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who got bronze and Elaine Thompson who won her first gold medal (in the women’s 100m).  Both women epitomise true Jamaican spirit,” said the Prime Minister. Mr Holness stated that the Government will, after the games, reveal an appropriate initiative to honour all the athletes who have competed on the world stage and brought such tremendous pride to the nation. The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange — who has already begun planning a welcome home reception for the team said “Jamaica will truly honour Bolt and the rest of the team for what they have achieved."…

Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Floyd Green, is urging Jamaica’s youth to get involved in achieving sustainable consumption.   In his International Youth Day message, Mr. Green said that this year’s theme “Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production” focuses on poverty eradication and how young people can lead the way in fostering sustainable consumption”.   He says, “young people can make a difference and young people must make a difference. It is our Jamaica it is our future. What are we going to do to ensure that we have a Jamaica to enjoy in the future.   Adding that the age of social entrepreneurship provides significant opportunities for young people to give back to their communities while still making a profit, Mr. Green implored young to partner with leaders in their communities and nationally, as young people have the solutions to help Jamaica achieve its goals.  

Prime Minister Andrew Holness today left the island for Brazil in support of Jamaica’s athletes participating in the Rio Olympics. The Prime Minister who will be in Rio until August 16, said it is important that he brings the good wishes of the nation directly to the athletes. While the Prime Minster Holness is off the island, Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister Derrick Smith will be in charge of the government.