News from the OPM

The Government of Jamaica is intensifying its work to address one of the most persistent barriers to inclusion: the lack of infrastructure that continues to keep too many Jamaicans on the outside looking in. From poor road access and limited transportation options to weak internet connectivity in rural areas, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says these gaps are contributing to a quiet but dangerous kind of exclusion. “Sometimes it is not that a person does not want to show up,” the Prime Minister said. “It is that they simply cannot get there. They cannot get to the registration site. They do not have the documents. They do not have reliable internet or transportation. And so, they remain on the margins, not because of ability, but because of access.” Speaking at the launch of the one-billion-dollar Solidarity Programme on Wednesday (June 25) at Jamaica House, the Prime Minister called for greater national awareness of the daily struggles faced by Jamaicans living in remote or underserved communities. “Many of these communities are filled with hard-working, capable people. What they need is infrastructure, the basics, to connect them to what is possible," he said. Through the Solidarity Programme, the government is not only providing…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to driving down the cost of energy in order to accelerate national growth, improve the cost of living, and position Jamaica as the premier industrial and manufacturing hub in the region. Speaking on Tuesday (June 24) at the official opening of a new economic complex developed by the Musson Group in Spanish Town, the Prime Minister outlined the clear link between energy reform and economic opportunity, stressing that affordable energy is essential to unlocking Jamaica’s full potential. “We must reduce the cost of electricity to businesses if we are serious about growing our economy and realizing the dream of Jamaica as a manufacturing and industrial powerhouse,” said Prime Minister Holness. Dr. Holness noted several strategic measures already in motion. These include the reduction of GCT on electricity from 15 percent to 7 percent, a major investment in prepaid metering to cut down online losses, and Government-funded support for household wiring upgrades, all of which are aimed at lowering energy costs for families and businesses alike. The Prime Minister also signaled a national policy shift toward renewables, pointing to falling prices in solar panel and battery technology as…

At the official opening of the newly redeveloped industrial complex by the Musson Group in Spanish Town, Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness reinforced the Government’s strategy to eliminate crime as an obstacle to economic development and public confidence. “There is no question that the perception of crime has slowed progress in areas like Spanish Town but let us be clear: that perception is being driven by a very small number of individuals who do not represent the aspirations of the Jamaican people,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister noted that Jamaica’s economic progress is at a pivotal stage, and the Government is determined to ensure that criminal activity does not reverse the strides made. “Once peace is achieved, areas like this will thrive. The population is skilled, the infrastructure is here, and the creativity of the people is unmatched. We are removing every barrier to development, including the threat of violence and lawlessness.” Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the Government’s national security strategy is rooted not only in firm policing but also in social transformation and opportunity creation. He pointed to continued investments in law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and programs like the HEART/NSTA Trust that offer…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced that in the coming days the government will outline new savings in energy for Jamaicans. The Prime Minister revealed that the Government is moving aggressively to drive down electricity prices to make Jamaica more competitive. Upcoming national policies will focus on sustainable energy solutions, including greater investments in renewables and improved energy efficiency across sectors. “There has to be a national strategy as to how we reduce energy costs for everyone. That is the next step to be able to get to a larger flow of investments in Jamaica. And in a few days, you will see our policy and strategy unfold as to how we intend to make a really profound change in the cost of energy for the average Jamaicans,” said Prime Minister Holness. The move comes as government works to ensure efficiency, equality and growth in Jamaica. Prime Minister Holness says Government's Continues to Enable Private Sector Growth Speaking on Tuesday (June 24) at the official opening ceremony of the MJS Industrial and Technology complex in Angels, St. Catherine, Dr. Holness has underscored the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that fosters private sector growth, innovation, and national development.…

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has paid tribute to sprint legend Dr. the Honourable Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, OJ, recognizing her as one of the greatest sprinters the world has ever known and a proud daughter of Jamaica whose grace, humility, and patriotism continue to inspire a nation. Speaking on Monday (June23) at A Night of Excellence for Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in Kingston, the Prime Minister stated: “Her [Shelly’s] achievements are legendary, Olympic medals, world championships, and an unparalleled legacy in the women's 100 meters. But what makes Shelly truly exceptional is not just the number of records, but the way she has achieved them, with dignity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to representing Jamaica with pride and honour.” Prime Minister Holness noted that Fraser-Pryce’s continued commitment to Jamaica, despite her global stature and undeniable value, stands as a testament to her love for her country. “Shelly has earned the world's attention, and her value is unquestionable. But Shelly made a decision, one rooted in deep love for this country and what it represents. And for that, I say thank you, Shelley. Thank you for choosing Jamaica. That, my friends, is patriotism in its purest form. But patriotism must not be taken for…

The Government is advancing the SPARK Programme, an extensive road rehabilitation initiative that represents the largest local road investment in the nation’s history. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness reiterates that unlike traditional patching efforts, the SPARK Programme focuses on building durable, high-quality roads that meet modern engineering standards and serve communities for years to come. Speaking on Wednesday (June 25) at a tour of the Susan Road, Mahoe Drive, Jasmine Close and Ransford Close in Portmore, St. Catherine, Prime Minister Holness underscored the government’s decision to invest in long-term road solutions instead of short-term fixes. “So, the government of Jamaica could have decided that we're going to spend 45 billion dollars and patch roads. It probably could patch maybe 70 percent of the roads that need to be patched, but you know what happens with patching. Within a year or two years, you have to go and patch again,” the Prime Minister explained. Roads completed under the SPARK Programme are not simple resurfacing projects but total reconstructions. Each road is built with at least a three-inch asphalt overlay, a reinforced sub-base, proper drainage systems including V-drains and curb walls, and in many cases, sidewalks, retaining walls, and other essential road…

The St. Catherine South Police Division has reported a substantial reduction in major crimes, with a notable 30% decrease in murders and a 28% reduction in shootings. Overall, the division has recorded a 16% decline in major crimes to date. The report was presented to Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness by the Commanding Officer of the St. Catherine South Division, Senior Superintendent Leighton Gray today (June 25). The Portmore area and the wider St. Catherine South Division have experienced encouraging improvements in public safety, particularly in the reduction of homicides and shootings. The division continues to benefit from strong community support, contributing to the overall decrease in criminal activities. Ongoing police initiatives and community engagement efforts have played a critical role in maintaining this downward trend. Additionally, recent infrastructural developments, including the expansion of the Grange Lane area and improvements along Municipal Boulevard, have significantly eased morning traffic congestion. These changes have enhanced traffic flow, reducing travel time through major corridors such as Three Miles and Marcus Garvey Drive. The residents have responded positively to these improvements, and further expansions are anticipated to bring additional traffic relief. Despite the overall reduction in crime, the division remains focused on addressing the…

While traditional definitions of poverty focus on income and material deprivation, the Government of Jamaica is bringing attention to a more silent but equally harmful form of poverty, social alienation. Prime Minister Andrew Holness is urging the nation to recognize that feeling excluded, overlooked, or invisible can be just as damaging as financial hardship. “There are people in this country who look at what’s happening and say, ‘None of this is for me,’” the Prime Minister said during the launch of the Solidarity Programme today (June 25) at Jamaica House. “They feel that the society has moved on without them. That the system isn’t working for them. That no matter how hard they try, the doors remain closed.” This emotional and psychological separation from national life, he explained, has real consequences. “When people feel like they don’t belong, it’s easier for frustration to turn into anger or antisocial behavior. That’s when you hear the phrase, ‘Mi cyaah bada.’ That’s when we see people step back from society and adopt a mindset that contributes to disorder and underdevelopment.” The Prime Minister described this sense of exclusion as a dimension of poverty that is often overlooked but one that must be urgently…

The Government of Jamaica is continuing to transform how poverty is addressed by expanding its focus beyond income support. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says Jamaica’s anti-poverty strategy is now fully aligned with the complex realities many citizens face. Dr. Holness says the government is determined to meet people where they are. “When we think about poverty, most of us only think about money,” said the Prime Minister at the launch of the Solidarity Programme. “But there are so many other ways that people suffer. Yes, some people lack income, but others lack access to knowledge, to basic services, to a sense of belonging, or to the tools that would allow them to rise.” The Prime Minister emphasized that true poverty has many faces, and for policy to be effective, it must reflect that truth. “We are working to dismantle the idea that poverty is just about dollars and cents,” he said. “Poverty can also mean being cut off from opportunities, from information, and from hope.” The Prime Minister pointed to several key areas where the government has made significant progress. “We've brought unemployment down from over 13 percent to 3.5 percent, which is the lowest in our history. That…