News from the OPM

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says there is an urgent need for Jamaica's education system to be more purposeful and industry-aligned. Prime Minister Holness says this focus would ensure a work-ready, problem-solving cohort of Jamaicans who are not only knowledgeable but also fully equipped to drive economic growth. Speaking on Wednesday (May 28) at the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation for Service to Education, Dr. Holness emphasized that the country’s education system must not only cultivate knowledge but also foster reasoning, problem-solving, positive attitudes, and alignment with the nation’s industrial and economic priorities. “We have taken bold steps to reform teacher education, protect the teaching profession, and increase alignment between the classroom and the demands of the real world. We must ensure that our education system is aligned with our industry, our commerce, and our economy,” Prime Minister Holness said. Dr. Holness warned that without fundamental literacy and numeracy, misalignment between education and workforce needs will persist. “The misalignment started when we de-emphasized or were not able to teach as is required, numeracy and mathematics. The other element is literacy and the ability to reason and compose responses,” Dr. Holness said. In the meantime, the Prime Minister also addressed the growing…

The St. Catherine North police Zone 2 is reporting a 40% reduction in murders. Zone 2 includes the communities of Ewarton, Bog Walk, Linstead, and Guys Hill. The encouraging update was presented to Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness by Deputy Superintendent Marcia Blake, Zone Commander for the area, during a recent security briefing. The decline in murders in the area is accompanied by a broader trend of reductions across all major crime categories in the country. The Government continues to promote policy-based strategies to advance police operational, community-focused, and intelligence-led approaches aimed at maintaining peace and promoting long-term safety. “As the murder rate goes down and the threat of gangs and reprisal killings is removed from consideration, then you can see a greater opening up and approvals for parties,” said Prime Minister Holness, noting the important link between security and community confidence. Dr. Holness also highlighted how crime reduction efforts support Jamaica’s growing entertainment sector, particularly as the island approaches the busy summer season. “What we should be doing now is to engage the promoters, the entertainers and those persons who are in that economy to say, how do we create safe venues, safe events?” the Prime Minister added, stressing…

The parish of St. James has marked a significant public safety milestone with one murder in the parish in the month of May and an overall 67% decline in murders since the start of the year. The St. James police is reporting the major reduction reflecting the continued success of Jamaica’s national security and community-based crime reduction strategies. As of June 1, 2025, 22 murders have been recorded in St. James since the start of the year, compared to 68 over the same period in 2024. This marks a 67 percent reduction, representing one of the most significant year-on-year declines in violent crime for the parish in recent history, for a parish that once led the murder statistics. This progress was discussed during a briefing between Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness and Commanding Officer of the St. James police Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels. “I want to congratulate yourself and your team. You have done an amazing job to just have one murder for the month of May and to bring down murders overall. I think when you put the reduction in murders along with the travel advisory upgrade for us to a level two, it augurs well for the tourism belt…

The sustained and strategic investment in national security by the Holness administration has resulted in a historic transformation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which is now reaping measurable success, including a national 43.3% reduction in murders. Speaking recently, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang outlined that the Government’s multi-billion-dollar investment in security has significantly enhanced the capacity and professionalism of the security forces, leading to major reductions in violent crime. “As of [May 29], the murder rate is 43.3 percent below what it was last year. That means we have a reduction of some 210 murders compared to this period last year,” Dr. Chang stated. “This is the lowest rate of homicide on the island since 1991.” Dr. Chang further explained that major crimes are down by 19.3%, and Jamaica’s crime victimization level remains one of the lowest in the region, at under 20 percent, indicating a strong suppression of random criminal activity. The country also recorded only 188 murders in the first quarter of 2025, the lowest quarterly figure since the JCF began keeping disaggregated data in 2001. Dr. Chang noted that the current second quarter is on track to surpass that record, with…

In a major update delivered to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Acting Commanding Officer for the Clarendon Police Division, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Cardoza, reported substantial declines in serious crimes across the parish. The commanding officer shared that murders are down by 53%, shootings by 40%, and overall crime by 27%. This, he said, is as a result of intelligence-led policing, strong community partnerships, and visible police presence. “I am privileged to announce that the Clarendon Division has been doing well in their crime reduction efforts,” said DSP Cardoza. “We are doing pretty well in reducing crimes. This we attribute to our continued intelligence-driven policing, our community engagements, and our stakeholder partnerships with other agencies and the community.” During a visit on Friday (May 30) in the parish, Prime Minister Holness commended the report and noted the significance of the progress being made in rural areas such as Clarendon. DSP Cardoza confirmed that reductions have been seen across the wider parish, not just in isolated areas, describing the improvements as unprecedented. “For the parish in general, we are seeing a reduction. This is something that we have not seen for years. We are coming from a time when we are…

The national minimum wage has now seen a 158% increase since 2016, with the latest increase taking effect yesterday June 1, 2025. The Government of Jamaica, led by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, has progressively increased the minimum wage policies. As of June 1, 2025, the national minimum wage moved up to $16,000 per 40-hour work week. This new wage applies equally to industrial security guards, who have also seen their weekly compensation increase to $16,000. This latest increase brings the minimum wage to its highest level in Jamaica’s history. In 2016 the national minimum wage stood at $6,200, the Government has raised it by an unprecedented 158%. The increase represents real movement to assist persons earning low wages. “This Government recognizes that the contribution of minimum wage earners, household workers, artisans, labourers, store clerks, and security personnel, is vital,” said Prime Minister Holness. Furthermore, the wage increase forms a cornerstone of the administration’s wider national development strategy, one that is already yielding transformative results. The minimum wage increase comes as the Planning Institute of Jamaica reported that the country’s poverty rate fell from 16.7% in 2021 to a historic low of 8.2% in 2023, the lowest level since records…

Prime Minister Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness is calling on all Jamaicans to take personal and collective responsibility as the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1. Reflecting on the impact of Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which affected several parishes, including Clarendon, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of early preparedness and vigilance. “Last year’s weather events were a clear reminder of our vulnerability as a small island developing state,” said Prime Minister Holness. “Hurricane Beryl significantly impacted several communities, disrupted livelihoods, and tested our national response. We must take the lessons from that experience and act with greater urgency this year.” The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government continues to invest heavily in improving the country’s disaster preparedness and response systems, including: - National drain-cleaning and infrastructure works - Strengthening emergency shelters and logistics - Supporting affected families and farmers with recovery grants and materials - Ongoing coordination with agencies like ODPEM and the Meteorological Service of Jamaica However, he reminded the nation that preparedness is a shared responsibility. “The Government is doing its part, but readiness must start at the household level,” said Prime Minister Holness. “Every Jamaican must take steps…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness on Thursday (May 29) welcomed the decision by the government of the United States to improve its travel advisory on Jamaica. The upgrade US government lifted the advisory on travel to Jamaica from Level 3 to Level 2. Prime Minister Holness has described the move as “significant and encouraging,” and one that reflects the country’s consistent progress in national security and diplomatic engagement. Speaking during a special Post-Cabinet Press Briefing held at Jamaica House, this afternoon, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the advisory upgrade was “not incidental,” but rather the result of sustained national effort. “This is significant for Jamaica, and it is indeed an encouraging development, one that reflects the hard work and commitment and discipline that this administration has brought to bear in matters of national security and foreign affairs.” The Prime Minister noted that the improved rating sends a strong message to the global community that Jamaica is becoming a safer and more secure destination, not only for international visitors but also for Jamaicans at home and abroad. “It is the direct result of years of targeted policy implementation, investments in security infrastructure, and sustained diplomatic engagement,” said the Prime Minister.…

Our security forces are reporting major gains in national security, highlighting the lowest murder rate in over three decades and historic successes in the fight against illegal firearms and organized crime. Year-to-date figures reveal a 43.3% reduction in murders between January 1 and May 28, 2025—down to 275 murders compared to 485 during the same period in 2024. This represents the lowest first-quarter figures since the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) began disaggregated data collection in 2001. In parallel, law enforcement agencies have made a historic seizure of illegal weapons and ammunition. In this seizure, authorities have confiscated: 74 rifles 159 handguns Over 40,000 rounds of ammunition These operations are part of intensified efforts by the security forces to disrupt criminal networks and reduce the flow of illegal firearms into the country. At a Special Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Prime Minister Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holiness extended heartfelt commendation to the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Jamaica Customs Agency for their pivotal role in stemming the flow of illegal contraband into the country. These agencies have worked tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to disrupt transnational criminal networks and intercept dangerous goods before they reach our communities. Their efforts…