News from the OPM

The Government of Jamaica is pleased to announce the official publication of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force Report. The National AI Task Force Report will be made available to the public via the Office of the Prime Minister’s website. The report is the culmination of extensive research, stakeholder engagement, and rigorous analysis conducted by the Task Force, whose members represented academia, industry, government, and civil society. Their recommendations provide a strategic framework for leveraging AI to drive national development, enhance public services, and foster economic growth. Senator Dr the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon expressed deep gratitude to the members of the Task Force for their dedication and expertise. “We commend the members of the Task Force for their extraordinary commitment and insightful contributions to this critical national initiative. Their work ensures Jamaica strategically prepares global AI revolution, ready to seize economic and social opportunities of this new technology while mitigating associated risks.” – Senator Dr the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon. The Cabinet has already begun reviewing the Task Force’s recommendations to explore pathways for implementation. The Government reaffirms its commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence as a tool for innovation, economic empowerment, and improving the quality of life for…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has welcomed the latest crime statistics, which reveal a notable decline in serious crimes for the period January 1 to February 1, 2025. The total number of reported serious crimes fell from 374 in 2024 to 294 in 2025, marking a significant reduction of 80 cases or 21.4%. This downward trend signals a positive shift in crime prevention and control, reinforcing efforts by law enforcement authorities and community stakeholders. Prime Minister Dr. Holness, has credited this achievement to enhanced policing strategies, improved community engagement, and the government's commitment to strengthening national security. “The continued decline in crime, particularly violent offenses, is a testament to the effectiveness of our security measures and the tireless efforts of the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Our investments in modern policing, intelligence gathering, and community partnerships are yielding results. While we acknowledge this progress, we remain resolute in our mission to further reduce crime and ensure that every Jamaican feels safe in their community,” said Prime Minister Holness. The data from the latest Serious Crimes Report highlights significant reductions in major categories of crime: Murder cases declined from 84 in 2024 to 73 in 2025, a reduction of 11 cases (13.1%). Shooting…

“Jamaica today is different from Jamaica a decade ago. Whether it is how we recovered from COVID-19, supply chain shocks, or unseasonal weather, Jamaica has done very well in withstanding and absorbing shocks and recovering.” - Prime Minister Holness Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica’s economy is strong, resilient, and fiscally fit, highlighting the country’s ability to withstand and recover from shocks while maintaining economic stability. In a video statement, Prime Minister Holness reflected on Jamaica’s remarkable progress in job creation, debt reduction, foreign exchange stability, and sustained economic growth, all of which he said are key indicators of a robust and well-managed economy. Dr. Holness stated that one of the most telling signs of a strong economy is its ability to generate jobs, and Jamaica has made significant strides in this area. The Prime Minister noted that Jamaica currently enjoys historically low unemployment, with near full employment. Another critical indicator of Jamaica’s fiscal fitness, the Prime Minister said, is the government’s ability to manage its finances without increasing the tax burden on Jamaicans. For nine consecutive budgets, the government has not introduced any new taxes. Prime Minister Holness attributed this to sound fiscal management that ensures economic stability while protecting citizens' earnings.…

“Your government is dedicated to upholding religious freedom, ensuring everyone can worship, or not, as they choose. This is both a legal and moral duty, affirming individual dignity and fostering a society where all can thrive.” -Prime Minister Holness   Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the Government of Jamaica remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding religious freedom, ensuring that every citizen can practice their faith without fear of discrimination or disadvantage. Prime Minister Holness made a declaration at the Seventh-day Adventist Religious Liberty Summit, held on Thursday (January 30) at the Jamaica Conference Centre in Kingston. Acknowledging the challenges faced by some religious groups, including Seventh-day Adventists who observe the Sabbath on Saturdays, the Prime Minister emphasized that safeguarding religious liberty is a continuous effort requiring vigilance, commitment, and collaboration. “Your government is dedicated to upholding religious freedom, ensuring everyone can worship, or not, as they choose. This is both a legal and moral duty, affirming individual dignity and fostering a society where all can thrive. Yet safeguarding this liberty is an ongoing effort requiring eternal vigilance, commitment, and collaboration”, Prime Minister Holness stated. The Prime Minister continued, “We are after all out of many one people. We…

“The Government is actively addressing any challenges to ensure that all beneficiaries receive their homes as soon as possible. We recognize the difficulties faced by those waiting, and we are making every effort to expedite the process while maintaining the integrity of the programme.” - Prime Minister Holness  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness says the government of Jamaica is fully committed to the timely delivery of social housing to beneficiaries across the island. Despite reports of two of the 300 units built being delayed, Prime Minister Holness is assuring the public that these setbacks are not due to inefficiency or lack of commitment but rather challenges within the contracting process. Nevertheless, every effort is being made to ensure that beneficiaries receive their homes as soon as possible while adhering to proper protocols and governance standards. Speaking last Friday (January 31, 2025) at a New Social Housing Handing Over in South St. James, Prime Minister Holness reiterated that the Government understands the concerns of beneficiaries awaiting housing under the programme. Dr. Holness says he is sympathetic to their situations. "We acknowledge reports of housing delays and understand the frustration of those affected. The Government is actively…

“Come back with a good heart and a good mind. Come back willing to work. Come back with your resources. You will be able to make life here.” - Prime Minister Holness -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has reassured Jamaicans that the government is fully prepared to receive returning and deported nationals amid changes in U.S. immigration policies. Prime Minister Holness emphasized all hardworking Jamaicans returning will be welcomed in their homeland as they reintegrate into society. “Jamaicans all over the world will always be welcome back to your homeland. We are prepared to receive all our hardworking Jamaicans who have been in the United States or wherever they may have gone for economic benefits. Jamaica has always been, since its colonial days to now, a net supplier of talent to the world. It may be a good thing to have some of our Jamaican talent return to our shores to help us to build our country,” Prime Minister Holness stated. While welcoming law-abiding Jamaicans, the Prime Minister also issued a strong warning to individuals with criminal intent. Dr. Holness made it clear that the government will not tolerate any efforts to destabilize communities or…

“It is essential that we focus on the most vulnerable, particularly those who cannot afford to repair their homes themselves. Together, we can help to strengthen our communities, protect our citizens, and ensure that our nation is better prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in the next hurricane season.” -Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has announced an additional allocation of $315 million to assist the most vulnerable households across the island in repairing roofs damaged by heavy rainfall. This initiative, which will provide $5 million per constituency, is aimed at enhancing the resilience of Jamaican homes ahead of future weather events. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (January 28), Prime Minister Holness emphasized the importance of infrastructure resilience, particularly in light of the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl and subsequent heavy rainfall between July and December of last year. “As we all know, roofs are oftentimes the first point of failure during a storm, and the damage they incur can render families homeless or in dire conditions. The experience of Hurricane Beryl has served as a harsh reminder of climate change and the importance of resilience in our infrastructure,” said Prime Minister Holness.…

At a January 29, 2025, Post Cabinet Press Briefing, former banker, Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce, has called upon Jamaica’s commercial banks to lower their lending interest rates in alignment with recent monetary policy adjustments by the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ). This appeal aims to stimulate economic growth by making credit more accessible to businesses and consumers. BOJ has consistently reduced its policy interest rate, signalling a shift towards a more accommodative monetary policy stance. Despite this, many commercial banks have yet to adjust their lending rates accordingly. At the press briefing, Minister Hill emphasized the importance of passing on the benefits of lower policy rates to the wider economy, stating: “Our financial institutions should be acting in concert with the BOJ’s policy direction. Now is the time to reduce rates. Reducing lending rates will empower our businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to invest, expand, and contribute to national development.” Minister Hill’s call aligns with recent appeals from members of the public and the private sector urging banks to respond to the BOJ’s rate cuts.

His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, in consultation with the security forces, has declared a State of Public Emergency for the geographical area comprising the St. Catherine North Police Division effective today, Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The St. Catherine North Police Division, especially Spanish Town and surrounding areas, remains volatile following last week’s unrest. As a result, the security forces have requested immediate intervention to address the escalating threat to public safety and prevent further destabilization. The boundaries of the State of Public Emergency in the St. Catherine North Division are defined as follows: East: Starting in the vicinity of Windsor Castle and Carron Hall and extending south-easterly along the common boundary for the parishes of St Catherine, St Mary, and then St. Andrew to Rock Hall. South: Thence generally in a south-westerly direction for approximately 33km at a bearing of approximately 219 degrees to where the communities of Cromarty, Bushy Park and Old Harbour Road meet. Continuing in a northerly direction for approximately 5km to the P.J. Patterson Highway. Thence extending generally in a north-westerly direction for approximately 19km at a bearing of approximately 307 degrees to where the communities of Old Harbour, Rock…