News from the OPM

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is reaffirming the commitment of the Government of Jamaica to designing policies that expand opportunity, promote fairness, and reduce income inequality across the country. Speaking to the importance of equity in governance, the Prime Minister emphasized that no Jamaican should feel left out of national progress. “Every policy we implement must be measured by how it affects the average citizen,” the Prime Minister said. “Who benefits? Who is left behind? These are the questions we must ask ourselves every single time.” Dr. Holness noted that while some proposals may seem attractive on the surface, they can create deeper divides if they only reach a small number of people while leaving the majority excluded. “There are policies that sound good but end up helping only a handful of Jamaicans,” Dr. Holness explained. “That creates frustration, especially when others are looking on and wondering where their share is.” The Prime Minister cautioned against the rise of inequitable promises that target narrow interest groups for short-term gain, especially in critical sectors like housing and employment. “Our job is not to govern for applause or popularity,” the Prime Minister said. “Our job is to ensure that government serves all…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says good government and sound economic policy over the past nine years have shaped Jamaica’s development. This has attracted transformative private-sector investment. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Debottleneck project at Cemex, Caribbean Cement Company (Carib Cement) on Thursday (June 26), Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the increased private sector confidence being witnessed now is a direct result of deliberate, responsible, and visionary governance. “Carib Cement, which is owned by a multinational corporation, would not put its capital at risk if it were not certain of the economic programme and economic policies of the Government of Jamaica.” Prime Minister Holness addressed the narratives that attempt to downplay the role of government in national progress. Dr. Holness explained that private investment does not exist in a vacuum. The Prime Minister was clear: it is effective public policy that lays the foundation for such investment to flourish by creating jobs, building infrastructure, and improving lives. “There is an attempt to disconnect the achievements of the country from the efforts of government. But I want our people to understand that government matters. The people you elect to administer your business matter.” The Prime Minister pointed to Jamaica’s…

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…