News from the OPM

“To be clear, the government cannot come and take this [house] back, and neither do we want to.” -Prime Minister Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness has declared that the government has no intention of reclaiming houses granted to beneficiaries of units under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP). Dr. Holness stressed that the beneficiaries are the owners of the units they receive under NSHP. Speaking at the latest handing over ceremony on Friday (March 7) in Greenmount, Northwest Manchester the Prime Minister stated the terms of ownership, emphasizing that the NSHP initiative is designed to uplift vulnerable Jamaicans and improve their quality of life. “So just to be clear, the government cannot come and take this [house] back, and neither do we want to. What we are trying to do is to give Evadne an asset that she can use to break intergenerational poverty. So, Evadne's family now has an endowment from which they can build on.,” Prime Minister Holness stated unequivocally. The NSHP, a key component of the Housing, Opportunity, Production, and Employment (HOPE) Programme, has a mandate to provide shelter and ensuring dignity for beneficiaries. Prime Minister Holness highlighted that the housing units, though modest,…

“Today we are in Mount Nelson in Manchester to deliver a trailer load of houses for the people of Manchester.” -Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says his administration is on track to deliver a high volume of affordable housing solutions. Dr. Holness on Friday (March 7) broke ground for the latest suite of solutions set to benefit the people of central Jamaica and in particular Manchester. The Mount Nelson housing development in Manchester, marks a significant milestone in the Government’s plan to increase homeownership opportunities for Jamaicans. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the housing sector is progressing at an accelerated pace. “We are now back on track and the housing train is rolling out very strongly. And today we are in Mount Nelson in Manchester to deliver a trailer load of houses for the people of Manchester. So, I urge you to keep faith. I urge you to be optimistic.” The Prime Minister acknowledged the concerns of many Jamaicans who are still seeking homeownership. “There are many Jamaicans who are still very much worried and concerned, indeed disturbed, that they can't get a house. And at the same time, we must acknowledge that the NHT and…

“My administration has invested unprecedented levels of funding in the JCF, averaging $9.7 billion annually. This is three times the amount expended by previous administrations.” - Prime Minister Holness ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness has declared that Jamaica’s historic decline in crime is the direct result of bold leadership, vision, strategic investment, and a relentless commitment to national security by his administration. Official figures for February 2025 reveal there were 47 murders, the lowest on record since 2000. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that this administration’s multi-billion-dollar investments in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have transformed law enforcement, delivering modern infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and intelligence-driven crime-fighting strategies. “My administration has invested unprecedented levels of funding in the JCF, averaging $9.7 billion annually. This is three times the amount expended by previous administrations. This was required to restore and upgrade the basic infrastructure to modern, citizen-friendly facilities, upgrade transport, and replace equipment that had been left to deteriorate for decades,” said Prime Minister Holness. Dr. Holness highlighted that the government’s investments in security have focused on technology, human capital, officer welfare, and accountability mechanisms. The Prime Minister said the Project Rebuild, Overhaul and Construct (ROC), launched in 2019,…

“The Portmore Resilience Park is no longer a promise; it’s no longer an idea. It is now coming nicely into a reality.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling commitments and delivering for the people of Jamaica. Speaking on Friday (February 28) during a tour of the construction site for the Portmore Resilience Park, Prime Minister Holness said what was once a concept is now becoming a reality, demonstrating the government’s position of action over words. “The Portmore Resilience Park is no longer a promise; it’s no longer an idea. It is now coming nicely into a reality; my record as Prime Minister has been to take almost all uncompleted, talked-about ideas and make the greatest effort to convert them into reality,” stated Prime Minister Holness. The Resilience Park, which is scheduled to be complete by September this year, will be a modern, multifunctional public space designed to enhance the quality of life for Portmore residents. Features of the park will include a jogging trail with elevation for added intensity, a central pavilion, concession facilities, a covered hall for sports such as netball, basketball, and table tennis, outdoor courts, and beautifully…

“Jamaica has never had an economy in the last 50 years that can deliver like what this economy can deliver.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has highlighted that his administration is building a strong and resilient economy. Dr. Holness says investments in public services, crime reduction, and disaster resilience are clear signals of the country's economic progress over the past eight years. Speaking at the launch of Infiniti Co-operative Credit Union Jamaica Ltd on Tuesday (February 25, 2025) Prime Minister Holness credited the Government’s prudent fiscal management for the nation’s improved economic standing. “Jamaica is in a different place today because we have an economy that can fulfill the needs and wants of the Jamaican people. Jamaica has never had an economy in the last 50 years that can deliver like what this economy can deliver,” emphasized Dr. Holness. Highlighting the county’s continued economic growth and stability, Prime Minister Holness noted that:  Jamaica’s economic fundamentals continue to strengthen  Debt servicing has dropped from 33% in 2014-2015 to 18%, and debt-to-GDP is set to decline to 68%, the lowest since the 1970s.   Inflation fell from 10.3% in 2022 to 4.3% in 2024  The Net…

"We must recognize that we cannot borrow our way to development, and neither can we tax our way to development. We have to build a strong economy, as the engine to deliver essential needs like roads, water supply, and housing.” —Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has reaffirmed that Jamaica’s economic stability and growth are the foundation for national progress, emphasizing that a strong and resilient economy is the key to delivering critical infrastructure and essential services to the people. Speaking on Friday (February 21) at a Diaspora Town Hall Meeting at the UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the inextricable link between a strong economy and the ability of the government to meet the needs of its citizens. “Jamaica must stand on its own two feet. Nobody is coming to rescue us; nobody is coming to give us any favours. We must do what is necessary to rescue ourselves. It is within our abilities to do it,” Prime Minister Holness said. Dr. Holness stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved through excessive borrowing or increased taxation, but rather through building a robust economy that enables investment in national infrastructure and public services.…

The Government has outlined an ambitious infrastructural development agenda for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, aimed at fostering economic growth, enhancing public services, and ensuring climate resilience. The announcements were made on Friday (February 14, 2025) in the Throne Speech delivered by the Honourable Steadman Fuller, CD, JP, deputizing for the Governor-General. The throne speech signals Jamaica’s next Chapter: Aspiring to Greater which will highlight a transformative phase in Jamaica’s development. With macroeconomic stability now established, the Government is leveraging economic gains to implement critical projects across key sectors. The upcoming infrastructural developments include significant investments in roadworks, water supply, healthcare, housing, transportation, and energy security, reinforcing Jamaica’s vision for inclusive and sustainable progress. Major Infrastructural Developments: Public Transportation: A J$3-billion investment will add 100 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, including 10 buses for persons with disabilities, supporting clean energy and accessibility. Port security will be reinforced with expanded Ports Security Corps recruitment. The Portmore Resilience Park, a landmark initiative under the Urban Spaces Programme, is set for completion by 2025/2026 to promote wellness and climate adaptability. The New Social Housing Programme has successfully delivered 280 units across 57 constituencies, benefiting 968 individuals. More projects are in the pipeline to expand housing access…

The Minister of Finance & The Public Service is clarifying misleading statements in the media today that suggest that the budget for the upcoming FY 2025/26 signals “contraction.” Minister Williams said that “There are indeed spending cuts that are specifically related to Jamaica’s debt servicing (amortisation and interest payments). As a point of information, these declined significantly for FY 2025/26 versus FY 2024/25 by J$159.4 Billion Dollars. This is a good thing for Jamaica’s economic health especially because in the past, our national budget would reflect major payments towards interest payments. This is no longer the case.” Interest expenses as a % of tax revenues FY 2014/15 33.6% FY 2025/26 18.7% The Minister further explained that the reduction in debt-related payments has allowed the Government to prioritize increased investment in key sectors, including education, and healthcare. “Our fiscal strategy remains focused on growth and resilience. When, as a country, we have lower debt obligations, we can allocate more resources toward initiatives that directly improve the quality of life for Jamaicans and drive sustainable development.” She emphasized that the overall expenditure for FY 25/26 reflects the Government’s commitment to sound fiscal management that has been a hallmark of this administration while ensuring…

Consequent to the resignation of Senators Matthew Samuda, Delroy Williams and Ransford Braham, Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has written to His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, recommending the appointment of Dr. Elon Thompson, Mr. Marlon Morgan and Mr. Delano Seiveright to the Senate. Dr. Elon Thompson is a medical doctor by profession with specialization in the field of Urology. Dr. Thompson is employed to the South East Regional Authority (SERHA) and leads the recently started Urology service at the Spanish Town Hospital and also practices privately in Kingston, Portmore and Mandeville. Dr. Thompson served as president of the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association from 2016 to 2020. He is a member of the Jamaica Urological Society, Caribbean Urological Association, American Urological Association and Association of Surgeons in Jamaica. Mr. Marlon Morgan is a Communications Specialist with over 15 years of experience at the senior executive level in shaping public policy. He is also a professionally accredited director with considerable expertise in corporate governance, public procurement and public bodies management and accountability. Over the years, Mr. Morgan has served as a Director/Council member on the Board of the following organizations: The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), HEART/NSTA…