News from the OPM

“You have a good government. A government that understands the delicate balance that has to be maintained with the national interest and with your personal interest.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the government remains committed to ensuring adequate and reliable water supply for all Jamaicans while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Speaking at the commissioning of the Port Royal Pipeline Replacement Project earlier in the week, Prime Minister Holness highlighted several upcoming and ongoing water projects spearheaded by the National Water Commission (NWC). The government, through the NWC, will invest over $5. billion on these improvement projects. Prime Minister Holness says it is all funded from the NWC's revenues—not through borrowing. Dr. Holness emphasized the importance of careful resource management. “The government has been wise in how we spend. We are spending the resources in a fiscally responsible way, in a sustainable way, in a strategic way. And no one can say that the investment in Port Royal will not yield results for the country.” He also emphasized the need for balancing immediate needs with long-term national interests. “Governments have to be very sensitive in balancing as we pursue what is in the national interest…

More than two thousand five hundred more Jamaicans now have improved water supply. The move comes as part of a deliberate strategy by the Andrew Holness administration to improve the consistent and reliable delivery of potable water supply to communities across the island. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness yesterday officially commissioned the completion of the multi-million-dollar Port Royal Potable Water Transmission Main Upgrade. This critical infrastructure project, led by the National Water Commission (NWC), replaces decades-old cast iron pipelines with 8.6 kilometers of modern High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, ensuring improved service for residents, businesses, and visitors. Speaking on Tuesday (January 7) at the commissioning ceremony in Port Royal, Dr. Holness highlighted the transformative impact of this $533-million project. "The people of Port Royal were severely impacted by the town's outdated infrastructure. The old metal pipes, laid more than 60 years ago, could not carry the volume or pressure of water required, often breaking under strain. What we have done is to replace these pipes with high-density polyethylene ones, which are robust, flexible, and designed to last longer. This investment will significantly enhance the quality of life for residents and support the growing demands of businesses and visitors.” The project, which…

On behalf of the Government, I extend my deepest condolences to Barbara Gayle's immediate family, her friends, and her colleagues at The Gleaner. Barbara was a stalwart of Jamaican journalism. She dedicated over four decades of her life to journalism and became one of the nation’s most respected and accomplished court reporters. She covered cases spanning the Privy Council in the United Kingdom, the Jamaican Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, parish courts, and circuit courts. Her meticulous reporting brought attention to many historic rulings and ultimately ensured greater transparency and public awareness of Jamaica’s justice system. Barbara’s career was defined by truth, justice, and transparency. She was a multi-award winning journalist, copping the Press Association of Jamaica’s (PAJ) 1997 Community Service Award, Journalist of the Year and regional awards from the Caribbean Association of Media Workers. She was also recently recognized by the PAJ for her longstanding contributions to journalism. Even in retirement, her passion for the profession continued, with her regular contributions to The Gleaner. Her dedication and contributions to journalism have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Jamaica's media landscape. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew her and were touched by her work. She…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to tackling the deep-rooted issues of informal settlements and urban decay. Speaking on Friday (December 13) at the handing-over ceremony for the Victoria Palms Housing Development in Denham Town, Dr. Holness addressed the housing challenges in inner-city communities and pledged to uplift vulnerable Jamaicans by formalizing housing through community renewal. “This is a significant moment, not just for Denham Town, but for all of Jamaica,” stated Prime Minister Holness. “We come together to celebrate the fruits of partnership, vision, and perseverance as we officially hand over 12 units in the Victoria Palms Housing Development.” The Victoria Palms project is part of the government’s Social Housing Programme, which aims to replace substandard houses with structured, secure housing. The Prime Minister highlighted the historical context of informal settlements in Jamaica, tracing their emergence to the Great Depression of 1929, which spurred urban migration and overcrowding in Kingston. “About 60 percent of Jamaica's population lives in informal settlements. These areas lack proper infrastructure and ownership, creating conditions where crime thrives. To change this, we must not only rebuild communities but also rebuild our economy to sustain these improvements,” Prime Minister Holness explained. Prime…

  “We want to do this for every single inner-city community in Jamaica. This is my wish and my vision.” - Prime Minister Holness -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness has handed over 36 modern housing units to residents of St. Paul’s Lane in West Central St. Andrew, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to uplift inner-city communities across Jamaica through urban renewal. Prime Minister Holness said such dire conditions inspired the idea to launch a transformative urban renewal programme which will be used as a model to implement across the country. He announced that allocations for such projects will be included in the next national budget. "We have proven that this model works. Now, we can move full speed ahead with developing other such communities across Jamaica, particularly within Kingston and St. Andrew… If we uplift the physical conditions under which people live, it will elevate their minds as well. This is the beginning of a larger effort to ensure that every Jamaican, regardless of their circumstances, has access to safe, decent, and comfortable housing,” the Prime Minister said. The innovative housing development spans an acre and a half of land, accommodating 36 households with modern amenities,…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has declared the road situation a national emergency. This means road repairs will be given top priority with emergency procurement methods being used. The move comes in the wake of heavy rains and deteriorating road conditions as the country grapples with decades old road infrastructure across the country. An additional $2 billion has also been allocated to begin repair work on main roads across the island. At the same time, Prime Minister Holness signalled the official start of the historic Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement in our Road Network (SPARK) programme. This transformative initiative represents Jamaica’s largest and most comprehensive investment in road infrastructure, with a total budget of over $45 billion, including $2 billion dedicated to water infrastructure improvements. The four contracts for the islandwide project were signed today (December 5, 2024) between the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the project is of national significance. “This is the first time that there is this massive allocation of public resources that is going to change the way in which we maintain our roads. So all the cynical people…

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. Andrew South Police Division and sections of the St. Andrew Central Police Division. This declaration follows a significant increase in violent criminal activities within these areas, particularly in communities such as Waltham Park Road, Maxfield Avenue, and Waterhouse. These locations have been identified as hotspots for gang-related warfare which poses public safety risks to residents as well as commuters and bystanders given their use as public thoroughfares. The assessment indicates that the current level of violence and criminal activity in these communities is extensive and exceeds the capacity of standard policing measures to effectively stabilize the affected communities and restore public order. Under a State of Public Emergency, enhanced security measures will allow our security forces to disrupt criminal networks, apprehend perpetrators, and create an environment conducive to sustainable peace. These measures will continue to be implemented with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards and the protection of citizens’ rights. Furthermore, the Government of Jamaica will also continue to address root causes of violence in these communities by actively engaging…

The Government of Jamaica condemns the horrific acts of violence that occurred in the Waltham Park Road area last evening, resulting in six individuals shot. This brutal attack, which claimed the lives of five victims at a bar, serves to remind us of the terror inflicted on communities by criminal gangs. While the motive is still under investigation, this incident bears the hallmarks of gang-related violence aimed at spreading fear and destabilising the peace of our neighbourhoods. This government does not allow such acts of terror to go unanswered. As with similar incidents at Cherry Tree Lane and Rockfort in recent months, the response from the security forces will be swift. These criminals will be brought to justice. To aid in that effort, we have extended the $30 million fund set up after Cherry Tree Lane to reward citizens providing information on the perpetrators of all such multiple casualty events. Our police team has also been to make amendments to the Offences Against the Persons Act to treat with acts of violence with multiple victims more harshly. When warring gangs think of turning their guns on bystanders in order to “send a message”, they should expect the full force of the…

“We will not relent in degrading, eradicating, and eliminating gangs and gang members. These multiple-victim violent incidents are acts of terror, and we are examining legislative changes to impose harsher penalties and stronger deterrents.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government has condemned the brutal attack on Waltham Park Road, Kingston, on Monday evening, which left five persons dead. The police suspect the shooting is gang-related. On Tuesday morning (November 26), Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, and Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, toured the site of the attacks and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice with stronger measures to deter wrongdoers. Prime Minister Holness said the Government will redouble efforts to eliminate gangs and their influence from the society. “We will not relent in degrading, eradicating, and eliminating gangs and gang members. These multiple-victim violent incidents are acts of terror, and we are examining legislative changes to impose harsher penalties and stronger deterrents,” the Prime Minister declared. The Prime Minister noted the evolving nature of homicides, with an increase in multiple-victim violent incidents orchestrated by gangs. He assured the public of the government’s commitment to eradicating these criminal elements, emphasizing a…