News from the OPM

“We are very strong in terms of management, technical know-how, and experience. We are committed to ensuring that Jamaica is safe. From a fiscal perspective, we have put in place buffers to ensure that we are able to respond within the limits.” ------------------------------------------------------------------- - Prime Minister Holness  A meeting of the National Disaster Risk Management Council chaired by Prime Minister Andrew Holness was this morning convened, as the government assesses the effects of the 5.6 magnitude earthquake that shook the country on Monday (October 30, 2023). The Council has reported that all government protocols and systems responded efficiently during and in the aftermath of the earthquake. Prime Minister Holness said the response to yesterday’s event showed the government's strength and the nation's resilience to withstand such shocks. The Prime Minister acknowledged that natural disasters can impact confidence and the outlook for the future and assured the public that Jamaica remains a strong and resilient country. "I know these disasters can have an impact on confidence and how we view the future, but your government is strong. Our public response is strong, and we are a resilient country. So, let's get back to work, mindful that disasters do happen, and we…

“There is a programme in place that is every single day becoming more efficient in the delivery of this kind of assistance. So we will get to you. We will bring prosperity to you. Keep the faith. Be patient. And remember, you too have an important role to play in your own prosperity.” -Prime Minister Holness -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the mission of moving Jamaica from poverty to prosperity as he recently handed over a new house in Northwest Clarendon under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP). Prime Minister Holness said as the leader of Jamaica he is determined to pay attention to the personal struggles and suffering of the people. He emphasized the government's dedication to improving the lives of Jamaican citizens. "When I was elected, I made a commitment that we are going to transform lives from poverty to prosperity, and that commitment still stands," said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by negative narratives but stressed that the realities and statistics reveal that every day in Jamaica, somebody's life is being improved.  He also highlighted that more people are being uplifted by government policies. The Prime Minister asserted that prosperity is…

Jamaica! Today, as we have been doing for many decades, since 1969, we mark our National Heroes’ Day. It is a day wherein we celebrate the strength, service and sacrifice of our national heroes, and importantly a day that calls upon us to look within ourselves and put into action our own heroism in the service of our country and our fellow citizens. Jamaica needs heroes; our nation was built on the backs of our heroes, and if we are to continue our march towards, peace, progress and prosperity for our people, we must all answer the call to be heroes. We need our society to be a place of heroes who do the right things, say the right things and live in the right ways that promote harmony. As we acknowledge the need for more Jamaican heroes, we salute those who are already heroes among us- individuals and communities who rise above challenges, who lend a helping hand, who inspire hope, and who exemplify the true spirit of Jamaica. The many families who work together and raise their children with love, respect, and positive values. The many community members who look out for their neighbours and assist the senior…

Prime Minister the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, strongly condemns the appalling act of violence against a Director of the Integrity Commission that occurred earlier this morning (September 21, 2023). In a shocking incident, a Director of the Integrity Commission was shot and injured in the car park of the agency's offices in New Kingston, St Andrew. The Government is deeply concerned about this incident, and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured Director and their family at this time. The Integrity Commission plays a crucial role in upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, and integrity within our nation. Any act of violence directed at individuals serving in such critical roles is an affront to the values that our democracy stands for. The Government has full confidence in the law enforcement agencies' ability to swiftly investigate this matter and bring those responsible to justice. We urge the public to cooperate with the authorities in their efforts to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation. Prime Minister Holness emphasizes that violence has no place in our society, and we must all work together to promote a culture of respect, dialogue, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Such incidents should not…

“An important part of us tackling the illicit drug trade, is reciprocity. The war on drugs must be reciprocated, complimented, and fought in parallel with the war on guns.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -Prime Minister Holness  Prime Minister Andrew Holness says that to make a real impact on the war against illegal drugs and to save lives, significant effort must be placed into tackling the accessibility, availability, and use of illegal weapons.In this regard, Prime Minister Holness asserted that law enforcement must outsmart and outmuscle criminal networks.Speaking at the 37th International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) at the Montego Bay Convention Centre yesterday (September 19, 2023), Prime Minister Holness also noted that reciprocity in the fight against illegal guns and drugs is important.The Prime Minister said: “On the supply side, Jamaica’s real interest lies in the control of illegal guns that support the drug trade. An important part of tackling the illicit drug trade is reciprocity. The war on drugs must be reciprocated, complimented, and fought in parallel with the war on guns. The two are flip sides on the same coin.”Furthermore, the Prime Minister underscored that law enforcers should consider the use of illegal firearms as a drug.“I would like to introduce a…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness will expand the New Social Housing Programme to give more Jamaicans homes. In addition to a greater budgetary allocation to expand the reach of the programme, the Prime Minister says there will be greater emphasis on the pace at which the homes are completed so Jamaicans who have been identified as beneficiaries can get their homes much more quickly. The Prime Minister, who was speaking on Friday (September 8, 2023) during a home handover in West Portland, said an incubator training programme tailored for local contractors would be established to increase the delivery of homes. The programme would see the provision of training and resources to emerging local contractors, who would become further empowered and form part of Jamaica’s crucial infrastructure development talent pool. The Prime Minister explained that expanding the pool of contractors is a pivotal step toward achieving the housing goals of the government.In the meantime, the Prime Minister said, "We are about converting the benefits of the improved economic performance into real benefits for the people of Jamaica." He says his government is committed to transforming Jamaican lives through housing opportunities and will continue to implement plans and programmes to improve Jamaica.

The Government of Jamaica is condemning the latest in a series of inflammatory statements made by the Opposition which threatens the erosion of press freedom. The Government notes that the highly divisive statement emanating on a political platform on the weekend has caused unease, consternation and significant fear among members of the media. These statements have no place in a modern democratic Jamaica. In pointing out the persistent attacks on the media, the Government has observed several incidents including the recent verbal assault on members of the media for wearing a particular colour, the careless and crass statement on rape and attacks on persons who have left media to give of themselves to serve in the public service. The facts will show that qualified persons from across several media entities have joined the public service to help modernise and transform services to the people of Jamaica. The succession of incidents and verbal assaults displayed by the Opposition have shown that it constantly feeds a rhetoric aimed at destabilising Jamaica’s media landscape and threatens the safety of individuals. Minister with responsibility for Information Hon. Robert Morgan has chided the Opposition stating, “Jamaica has enjoyed high rankings in the Global Press Freedom Index. In fact, Jamaica…

 “We are planning to do 4,500 new housing solutions for the parish of Westmoreland.” - Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government plans to complete 4,500 new housing solutions for the parish of Westmoreland. These 4,500 units are in addition to the 3,000 units already completed. Speaking at the National Housing Trust's (NHT) groundbreaking ceremony for the Sheffield Palms development in Westmoreland, Prime Minister Holness underscored that there are several projects slated for Westmoreland. The Prime Minister said, “We are planning to do 4,500 new housing solutions for the parish of Westmoreland. These will include Shrewsbury Phase 1- 41 housing solutions, which are under construction, Shrewsbury Phase 2- 27 housing solutions which start next year, and Orolands- 520 housing solutions, which will start next year. We have Paradise- 2,453 housing solutions that are projected to start next year. We have Negril Spot, 140 housing starts, that is under development and is projecting a 2025 start. We have Fontabell- 325 units, and we are projecting a 2025 start as well.” Other developments completed in Westmoreland include Shrewsbury Phases 1, 2 and 4, which have 615 housing solutions, Frome, which has 665 housing solutions, Mailers Field, with 230 housing solutions and Whitehall,…

“What we can’t do in this new phase of our development is to become disunited, we must continue to think of one Jamaica. We must continue to think of Jamaica as the place of choice where we can all live, work and raise our families and do business.” - Prime Minister Holness ---------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness is upbeat as the country continues to secure more economic gains. In this regard, the Prime Minister has encouraged Jamaicans to be patient and stay united as there are attempts to divide the country along political and social lines. With eight consecutive quarters of steady economic growth, the unemployment rate at its lowest in the recorded history of the statistics, and the country’s net international reserves at 4.14 billion USD, Prime Minister Holness emphasized there is steady growth in the economy. He noted the effects of this will soon be replicated even more within the society. The Prime Minister said: “What we can’t do in this new phase of our development is to become disunited, we must continue to think of one Jamaica. We must continue to think of Jamaica as the place of choice where we can all live, work and raise our families and…