News from the OPM

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has urged bold and pragmatic action to transform the historic bonds between Africa and the Caribbean into enduring economic partnerships. Addressing a high-level Afro-Caribbean side event which the Prime Minister declared open on Tuesday (July 8, 2025) under the theme “From Shared Roots to a Shared Future: Africa and the Caribbean Unite”, Dr. Holness outlined a compelling vision for deepened trade, cultural exchange, and youth-centred development. Prime Minister Holness stated: “We are united not only by a common past, but by a future rich in opportunity…Let us leave this symposium not just inspired but mobilized. Let us move from shared history to shared prosperity, from goodwill to strategic action, and from symbolism to sustained economic and cultural bridges. Let us forge joint ventures between Africa and the Caribbean companies, expand scholarship programmes for our students to study in each other's institutions, and connect our creative industries, our fintech entrepreneurs, and our agribusiness pioneers.” The Prime Minister emphasized that while cultural and ancestral ties remain powerful, they must now be matched with modern, scalable frameworks for trade and investment. Noting that CARICOM’s trade with Africa remains under 1% of its total global trade,…

Prime Minister Holness Outlines Vision for Regional Integration, Trade Resilience and Growth Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, on Tuesday (July 8) addressed regional business leaders at a high-level engagement hosted by the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ). Speaking under the theme “Strengthening CARICOM’s Economic and Trade Resilience for Growth and Prosperity,” Prime Minister Holness emphasized that regional growth and transformation are not possible without the private sector. Dr. Holness presented a wide-ranging message focused on accelerating regional integration, improving security, navigating global trade shifts, and strengthening the foundations for long-term economic growth. Reinforcing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy Prime Minister Holness said the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) remains the region’s most important framework for deepening integration and strategic cooperation. Dr. Holness called for a renewed commitment to eliminating inefficiencies, removing regulatory delays, and increasing the speed and confidence with which goods and services move across the region. “Our region faces a volatile global environment marked by protectionism, climate disruptions, and economic fragmentation which disproportionately impacts Small Island Developing States like ours,” said Dr. Holness. “Now, more than ever, we must…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has urged his colleague members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to embrace a bold, people-centered approach to integration. Dr. Holness who is now Chairman of the regional body says this people centred approach must be grounded in strategic partnerships and inclusive prosperity, in line with this year’s theme: “People, Partnerships, and Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future.” Speaking on Sunday (July 6) at the Opening Ceremony for the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the governments of the Caribbean must take charge of the future through stronger institutions and partnerships. “As we enter into a new order that seems to be emerging in the world, we must be strategic and strengthen our institutions. We must take responsibility for our own destiny.” Dr. Holness emphasized that people must be at the heart of CARICOM’s development mission, particularly the youth, who make up the majority of the region’s population. Underscoring that progress cannot be measured solely by economic output but by how well the region supports its people, Prime Minister Holness said access to opportunities and the protection of fundamental needs are crucial elements…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, who is now the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has underscored that it is imperative for regional governments to integrate technology and improve security systems. Speaking at the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Dr. Holness says criminal enterprises are becoming increasingly sophisticated and modern. Prime Minister Holness said governments must stay ahead of what is happening to dismantle criminal networks. “We are now facing the organization of violence for profit. This is no longer merely a social issue. It is a threat to our national and regional security, and our jurisprudence and policy frameworks must evolve to address this new reality.” Prime Minister Holness called for coordinated action among CARICOM member states, highlighting the urgent need for intelligence sharing, joint operations, and common legislative approaches to tackle transnational criminal networks. Further Regional Collaboration on Haiti In the meantime, the Prime Minister emphasized that regional collaboration must extend to confronting the spiraling security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti. “Jamaica was among the first to commit security support to Haiti. But international momentum to aid our sister nation has slowed. We cannot leave Haiti at the mercy of criminal…

Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, has called on his regional counterparts to commit to a coordinated, strategic campaign to dismantle organized crime and criminal networks threatening the security and prosperity of the Caribbean region. Speaking on Sunday (July 6) at the Opening Ceremony for the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Prime Minister Holness underscored the inextricable link between security and prosperity. “Security and resilience are not optional. They are the foundations for prosperity. There can be no sustained prosperity without security,” Prime Minister Holness said, warning of the potential of the escalating threat posed by highly organized and well-financed criminal syndicates operating across the region. Dr. Holness cited the July 2024 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report titled Caribbean Gangs, Drugs, Firearms, and Gang Mechanics and emphasized that the Caribbean faces a complex mix of increasing drug production out of South America, rising gang activity, and the proliferation of firearms, all of which are contributing factors to the soaring homicide and crime rates within the region. “This is not just a local problem; it is a regional crisis that demands regional resolve. We must disrupt…

Justice Winston Anderson Sworn In During Historic CARICOM Week in Jamaica   Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has extended warm and sincere congratulations to the Honourable Mr. Justice Winston Anderson on his swearing in as the fourth President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The official ceremony was held yesterday (July 6) at Jewel Grande, Montego Bay and was presided over by Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, as part of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Delivering remarks at the ceremony, Prime Minister Holness hailed Justice Anderson’s distinguished legal career, describing him as a legal luminary whose scholarship and jurisprudence have strengthened the region’s rule of law. The Prime Minister stated “You bring to this office a distinguished legal mind, a profound commitment to Caribbean jurisprudence, and decades of service grounded in scholarship and vision. You bring to this presidency a wealth of experience, including being the founding chair of the Court's Education at-Large, now known as the CCJ Academy for Law.” The Prime Minister continued, “Over the years, you have contributed significantly to the development of both the original and appellate jurisdictions, authoring key judgments that…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says justice, security and development are integrally linked to improving the lives of people in the Caribbean region. Dr Holness says a unified approach is crucial to addressing the complex  threat of crime and violence and building resilient communities. Addressing the high-level dialogue on Law and Criminal Justice, ahead of the start of the 49th meeting of the Head of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Montego Bay yesterday (July 6), Prime Minister Holness outlined the need for stronger regional cooperation, modernized laws and institutions, and improved access to justice. Dr. Holness highlighted Jamaica's new Judicial Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which aims to expand legal services, reduce case backlogs, and promote judicial independence and integrity. "Justice, security, and development are inextricably linked. The strength of one reinforces the success of the others. And the converse is equally true, where justice is delayed, where security is weak, and where trust in institutions is eroded, development is stunted, and opportunity is diminished," stated Prime Minister Holness. Dr. Holness added: "We must work together to build a more just, secure, and prosperous region for all." The dialogue brought together judicial leaders and judges from across the Caribbean including…

Chairman of the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has hailed the 18th staging of the CARICOM 10K/5K Road Race as a vibrant expression of regional unity and a call to action for a healthier Caribbean. Prime Minister Holness began his six-month tenure as head of the regional body on July 1, 2025. The event, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre this morning (July 5), attracted over 1,000 participants from across Jamaica and the wider CARICOM region. Staged under the theme “CARICOM Moves”, inspired by Jamaica’s own Jamaica Moves wellness campaign, the race forms part of Jamaica’s official commemoration of CARICOM Day. It precedes the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. “This event reminds us that health is not just a personal responsibility but a regional priority, with non-communicable diseases placing enormous strain on our families, our economies, and our healthcare system. We must embrace a culture of prevention, one that champions healthy living, movement and mindfulness,” said Prime Minister Holness Dr. Holness emphasized the deeper significance of the event beyond competition and celebration: “Events like this are more than symbolic. They raise awareness, inspire action and build a culture of…

“For the communities that are without water now, your voice is heard. I personally care about it. And the government that I administer on your behalf, we are working hard to correct and improve.” —Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------   The Government has been actively listening and responding to the long-standing issue of water access in underserved communities. This is reflected in the various projects being undertaken by the government in several communities to improve the lives of Jamaicans. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the government is transforming Jamaica with each project in each community. Speaking on Friday (July 4) at the launch of the Western Resilience Water Project, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that he is hearing, listening, and acting on the issues affecting Jamaicans. “For the communities that are without water now, your voice is heard. I personally care about it. And the government that I administer on your behalf, we are working hard to correct and improve,” the Prime Minister said. The Western Resilience Water Project represents a landmark investment of US$425 million (J$67.5 billion), the single largest investment in water infrastructure in the nation’s history. It aims to ensure reliable water supply, expand access to currently unserved…