News from the OPM

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…

The Government of Jamaica welcomes the United States Department of State’s decision to revise its travel advisory for Jamaica to Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, an upgrade from the previous Level 3 designation. This update is an acknowledgement of the Government’s strides in improving public safety and ensuring a secure environment for both residents and visitors. Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness lauded the development, noting, “This revision reflects the hard work of our security forces and Government agencies. We have been deliberate and data-driven in our approach to reducing crime and improving the safety of our people. Jamaica remains one of the most vibrant and welcoming destinations in the world, and we are pleased that our progress is being recognized.” Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, welcomed the positive implications for the tourism sector: “This is a vote of confidence in Brand Jamaica. Our tourism industry is built on safety, excellence, and world-class service. The updated advisory will strengthen traveler confidence and further position Jamaica as a top destination for leisure, business, and investment.” Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, welcomed the update as a reflection of effective diplomacy…

In light of recent changes to immigration enforcement policies in the United States, which have resulted in the repatriation of hundreds of Jamaicans, some with criminal records, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has again issued a strong yet compassionate appeal: return home to rebuild, not to destabilize. “We understand that the shifting immigration policies in the United States have placed many Jamaicans in difficult and uncertain circumstances,” said Prime Minister Holness. “Let me be clear: Jamaica is your homeland. You are not homeless, and you are not stateless. This is your country, and we welcome you home.” While acknowledging the hardships faced by some Jamaicans living abroad, the Prime Minister cautioned against any attempt to import criminal conduct into the country. “If your intent is criminal, expect to be dealt with firmly,” he warned. “Do not come back here to destroy your homeland or dismantle what we have been working very hard to create, so that you wouldn’t have had to leave in the first place.” The Prime Minister was direct in his message to those who may be tempted to return to Jamaica with criminal intent, stating, “Disabuse yourself of this notion that you can only make it through crime…

As Jamaica prepares to receive a flight of 107 deported nationals on Thursday (May 29), the Government is reassuring the public that the return of nationals with final removal orders from overseas territories is neither unexpected nor unmanaged. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang and Foreign Minister Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, say the government has been closely monitoring developments in deportation trends and that systems are activated to manage any potential increase in returns. The Security Minister shared: “The Government continues to monitor the matter carefully and remains in direct communication with our counterparts in the U.S and other jurisdictions.” He further emphasized that “Jamaica, like other sovereign nations, is obligated under international laws to accept the return of its citizens who are subject to deportation. We have consistently fulfilled this duty while ensuring each case is managed with respect for due process and human rights.  In the same way that we repatriate foreign nationals who breach our laws, we respect the right of other countries to enforce their own immigration laws.” Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith, added that the Government has long taken proactive steps to address the…

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness today led tributes as the nation honoured the life and work of late former Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga, on the occasion of his 95th birthday. The commemorative event, held at the National Heroes Park, paid homage to a man Prime Minister Holness described as “A transformational, courageous and caring leader who saw more in us than we see in ourselves.” In his address, to mark the birth and death dates of the former Prime Minister, Dr Holness reflected on Mr. Seaga's lifelong commitment to public service and national development. Mr. Seaga's strength of character, institutional vision, and unshakable belief in Jamaica’s potential were highlighted. “Mr. Seaga stood very strongly for one perspective on human development. He stood very strongly for freedom, for democracy, for liberal democracy. He stood for markets and competition. He stood for human rights and the respect of individual freedom. And it was not always easy to do,” Prime Minister Holness stated. Prime Minister Holness continued: “Edward Seaga was not merely a political leader, he was a builder of systems, of structures, of dreams. He believed in the power of government to serve the people, and he worked relentlessly…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to renewable energy as a key strategy to lower the cost of water delivery and reduce national dependence. Speaking yesterday (May 27) at the official opening of the Forest Hills Pumping Station Solar Park, the Prime Minister commended the National Water Commission (NWC) for taking the lead in modernizing its operations and improving internal efficiency. “The NWC is the largest customer of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS),” the Prime Minister explained. “Yes, it costs quite a bit to get water to your homes because of the heavy use of electricity. But the NWC is trying to achieve internal efficiencies in its operations. That is actually a way to moderate costs to you.” The Prime Minister noted that solar energy investments like the one at Forest Hills represent a direct way of reducing operating expenses, which can ultimately translate into lower costs for consumers. “Investments in solar power will help to reduce the NWC’s operating costs and moderate costs passed on to you,” Dr. Holness said. Prime Minister Holness also used the opportunity to emphasize the need for Jamaica to explore a wider array of renewable energy options, beyond just solar and…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has called on Jamaicans to believe in a government that is not only working but delivering results for the people. Prime Minister Holness highlighted the work of the administration, which is backed by a historic and unmatched record of achievements. Speaking yesterday (May 27) at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ferry to Rock Pond Pipeline Project, the Prime Minister asserted that in an age of misinformation, doubt, and political skepticism, faith in proven leadership is more critical than ever. “We need to have a positive outlook, and we need to have faith. There’s a biblical definition of faith: ‘the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen,” the Prime Minister urged. Dr. Holness pointed directly at the results of a working government. “In front of you is the evidence of the delivery of what you hope for. That’s why I can speak to you with confidence. This is what every other community without water is hoping for, and today, you see it happening.” Framing the ceremony as not just as a local event but as a message to the rest of Jamaica, Prime Minister Holness said groundbreaking and commissioning ceremonies serve…