News from the OPM

The Government of Jamaica welcomes the landmark findings released by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), which confirm that the national poverty rate has declined to 8.2%, the lowest since records began in 1989. Speaking on Thursday (May 22) during a Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness hailed the achievement as a defining moment in Jamaica’s modern development journey. "This is not just a number. This is evidence that the strategies we’ve put in place are working. It is proof that with sound leadership and people-centered policies, we can uplift lives and transform futures," the Prime Minister said. The reduction from 16.7% in 2021 to 8.2% in 2023 represents one of the most significant social turnarounds in recent decades. It comes at a time when countries across the globe are grappling with economic instability and social regression in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Holness highlighted that Jamaica’s achievement signals the strength of its economic policy, the impact of expanded employment and training programmes, and the successful strengthening of the social safety network. Prime Minister Holness noted that while the data is encouraging, the Government remains grounded and fully aware that…

The Government of Jamaica has declared that the total eradication of absolute poverty as a component of its new national mission, building on historic reductions in the poverty rate and major gains in social protection, employment, and education. According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica, poverty declined from 16.7% in 2021 to a record low of 8.2% in 2023. This is the lowest level recorded since measurements began in 1989. Nearly half of those living below the poverty line in 2021 successfully transitioned out of poverty by 2023. Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness announced the new component at a special Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Thursday, May 22, 2025. Prime Minister Holness stated: “We are not just reducing poverty — we are going to end absolute poverty in Jamaica. Jamaica’s new mission is clear: to eliminate absolute poverty so that no citizen is left behind. This is the future we are building today. I choose a Jamaica of opportunity, equity, and dignity for all.” Speaking at the Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., hailed the achievement as a national turning point: “This is not just a statistical victory — this is…

The Government of Jamaica welcomes Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) and Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) findings that Jamaica has achieved a historic low incidence of poverty at 8.2%, marking a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for all Jamaicans. This reflects the lowest incidence of poverty since measurement began in 1989. According to the PIOJ in a press conference earlier today, the national poverty rate has been halved, falling from 16.7% in 2021 to 8.2% in 2023. This significant decline reflects the Administration’s continued success in the delivery of targeted social investment programmes, expanded job creation initiatives, and prudent macroeconomic management under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness. In response to the achievement, Prime Minister Holness stated: “This remarkable reduction in poverty is a direct result of our deliberate policies aimed at empowering Jamaicans through economic opportunity, education, skills training and social support. We have stabilized the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, and now we have created an environment where more Jamaicans are participating in economic activity and moving towards true independence.” The announcement comes at a time when many countries are facing economic uncertainty due to global disruptions. Notwithstanding…

At a meeting of the Cabinet on Monday, May 19, 2025, Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness issued a directive to the responsible Ministers to urgently bring forward legislative amendments aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s framework to combat violence against women and girls. This directive follows growing national concern over recent incidents of gender-based violence and forms part of the Government’s wider strategy to address violence through prevention, protection, and prosecution. “I have also directed the relevant Ministers to fast-track all pending legislation or policies that could improve the protection and security of our women and girls. Perpetrators should know that the Government and the society speak with one clear voice against violence,” said Prime Minister Holness. “The safety and dignity of every Jamaican woman and girl are paramount. Our laws must reflect the seriousness of these offences and provide meaningful support and protection for survivors.” Prime Minister Holness further added, “Your government has been working on a comprehensive approach to tackle violence generally in our society, and we now have the report of the National Commission on the Prevention of Violence, which was chaired by Professor Maureen Samms Vaughn. This report will be reviewed by the Cabinet next…

The Cabinet of Jamaica unequivocally condemns all forms of violence against women and girls. Violence of any nature is a grave threat to the moral and social fabric of our nation, but violence against our women and girls is even more grave. The Government is deeply disturbed by recent incidents of gender-based violence, which have caused immense pain to families and communities across the country. Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Honourable Dr Horace Chang, briefed the Cabinet on recent incidents that have distressed the Cabinet and indeed the public consciousness. Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has reiterated that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated and that the full force of the law must be brought against perpetrators. “The protection of our women is non-negotiable. The protection of our girls is non-negotiable. We are taking a whole-of-government approach to end this scourge of violence, whatever form it takes, through legislative reforms, community engagement, and stronger enforcement. We will do all that we can to eradicate violence from Jamaica,” said Prime Minister Holness. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, emphasized the Government’s deep commitment to…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has outlined a comprehensive redevelopment plan for Annotto Bay in St. Mary that will transform the coastal town into a more modern, accessible, and climate-resilient urban centre. The announcement was made on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Handing Over Ceremony for the Annotto Bay Coastal Protection Project in the parish. The Prime Minister detailed the government’s commitment to addressing longstanding infrastructure and planning issues in Annotto Bay and similar townships across Jamaica. With most towns developed historically around ports, now facing the impacts of climate change, Dr. Holness emphasized that a shift in development strategy is necessary. The Prime Minister stated: “We are going to be smart in our physical development planning, and we are going to create another road, another main road that will take the traffic that is not intended for the town to their ultimate destination so that this town can grow and develop. But we are also going to identify additional lands where the town can expand into. This space once it is freed up, we intend to develop it for the purposes of recreation and leisure.” The government is slated to construct of a bypass road which will significantly…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has officially handed over the completed Annotto Bay Coastal Protection Project, marking a significant milestone in Jamaica’s ongoing Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP). Speaking at the handing over ceremony on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Annotto Bay, St. Mary, the Prime Minister highlighted that the project, executed at a cost of approximately JMD 244 million, forms part of the government’s broader strategy to build climate-resilient infrastructure, protect vulnerable communities, and safeguard critical roadways from the increasing threats posed by climate change. “Governments can't just sit by and say, well, it's just nature. Governments have to act. And governments have to build infrastructure that can withstand some of the natural occurrences of sea level rise and other weather and climate events,” the Prime Minister stated. The coastal defence work included the installation of revetments and groynes along a 244-metre stretch of the Annotto Bay shoreline. These structures are specifically designed to slow wave action, reduce coastal erosion, and help capture and retain sand, preserving what remains of the town’s natural buffer zone. Recreational walkways were also constructed, giving residents access to safe and scenic public spaces. “This project is one example of the partnership for development.…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced a major $234 million investment to restore and develop the Castleton Botanical Gardens in the parish of St. Mary. Castleton Gardens is one of Jamaica’s most historic and treasured green spaces. Speaking during the commissioning of the Castleton Pipeline Replacement Project on Friday (May 16), Prime Minister Holness said the initiative to restore the botanical gardens forms part of the wider Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean Project. The Prime Minister noted that the aim is to address poverty, climate change, and rural development through sustainable landscape management. “This project is designed to tackle the twin challenges of poverty and climate change through sustainable landscape management. It is about building resilience not only into our physical infrastructure but also into our environmental systems and local economies,” said Prime Minister Holness. Dr. Holness said that for the 2025–2026 financial year, the Government will allocate $234 million to undertake critical rehabilitation works at the Gardens, including the construction of gabion walls, perimeter fencing, erosion control structures, and the restoration of public amenities such as bathrooms and gazebos. “These upgrades will ensure that the Gardens can once again serve as a top-tier destination for education, recreation,…

Prime Minister Dr. The Most Hon. Andrew Holness has reiterated the Government’s commitment to equitable, resilient development with the commissioning of the Castleton Pipeline Replacement Project in St. Mary. The upgraded system will provide improved water access to over 3,000 residents in Castleton, Friendship Gap, and Cleary Spring. Speaking at the official ceremony on Friday (May 16), Prime Minister Holness said the upgraded water supply system is part of a broader national push to secure Jamaica’s water infrastructure. “Today is not just a celebration of new infrastructure, but it is a signal of what we mean when we talk about real development with infrastructure that improves lives, builds resilience, and unlocks opportunity,” the Prime Minister stated. Dr. Holness said the $25.1 million investment, spearheaded by the National Water Commission (NWC) and the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, will see the replacement of old, inefficient pipelines with two kilometres of modern, four-inch galvanised mains, delivering stronger water pressure and more reliable water flow to homes. “The expanded capacity will ensure stronger water pressure and a more reliable flow to households. We are also dramatically reducing technical water losses, leaks and inefficiencies that have historically wasted valuable treated water and undermined system…