News from the OPM

"The efforts that the government has made are not in vain. We will continue to pursue consensus. The journey continues." - Prime Minister Holness ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government remains dedicated to advancing constitutional reform, despite the Opposition's decision not to sign off on the Constitutional Reform Committee's (CRC) final report. In a statement on Wednesday (May 15) at the weekly Post Cabinet Media Briefing, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the government is committed to achieving consensus on this critical matter noting his disappointment on the Opposition’s position. "My initial assessment of the response of the Opposition is that I am disappointed, but I am not surprised. I'm not surprised that they would have tried to find every way out of seeing this process through to its rightful conclusion.” The Prime Minister said the Government has been accommodating to the process and very patient with the Opposition considering their perspectives on the matter. “You will also recall that he (Leader of the Opposition) declined to name the members to the Review Commission, and delayed for several months. We ended up having a meeting under the auspices of the Vale Royal talks. I thought those were good meetings…

The Cabinet received the report of the Constitutional Reform Committee today (May 13),  marking a significant milestone in our nation's journey towards constitutional reform. The Cabinet has started a thorough and meticulous process of review, ensuring that all aspects of the report are carefully considered. Once the Cabinet has completed its review, the report will be tabled in Parliament along with the Government's conclusions. The Government remains hopeful that the Opposition will join us in signing the document, as we believe that a collaborative approach is essential for achieving meaningful and lasting constitutional reform. The Government will not engage in the politicization of the constitutional reform process or contribute to undermining its integrity. The Government will continue to update the public on the progress of the review and look forward to a constructive and inclusive dialogue as we work towards a stronger and more resilient democracy for all our citizens.

The Government on Thursday (May 2) began the first in a series of island-wide community consultations on the road improvement initiative, SPARK, which was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The first consultation took place in the community of Duhaney Park in the constituency of St. Andrew, Western. Scores of residents attended and detailed to government officials and technocrats roads in desperate need of repair. Speaking at the consultation, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie stressed that this monumental initiative is aimed at revitalizing over 2,000 roads across the entire island of Jamaica. He said the roads selected for rehabilitation will come from consulting with residents of the communities. "The SPARK programme will address road improvement in a comprehensive manner. We will ensure proper drainage, sidewalks, and the proper laying of pipes and fibre. We want to ensure the roads have a longer lifespan and that you, the residents, play an active role in the success of the programme,” said Minister McKenzie. In the meantime, Director of the Constituency Development Fund, CDF, Kedesha Rochester, says the process is non-partisan and encourages residents to submit the roads to be addressed. "The execution of the SPARK programme involves expert technocrats who are dedicated…

The Government of Jamaica proudly acknowledges the country’s advancement in the global press freedom rankings, as reported by the international organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on May 3. This year, Jamaica has risen from 32nd to 24th place, a testament to the nation's commitment to creating a safe and open environment for journalists. Prime Minister Andrew Holness commented on the achievement, "This remarkable improvement in our rankings not only underscores our unwavering commitment to media freedom but also reflects the successful implementation of our policies aimed at enhancing the flow of factual and timely information to our citizens." Minister with Responsibility for Information, Robert Nesta Morgan, attributes this success to the government’s proactive policies on information access and initiatives to enrich the information ecosystem for public benefit. “This ranking reaffirms Jamaica’s dedication to improving conditions for journalistic work, ensuring the safety of media professionals, and fostering an atmosphere where press freedom is integral to our strong democracy and increased government transparency and accountability,” stated Minister Morgan. In efforts to make government information more accessible, Jamaica has improved electronic portals and enhanced the availability of government service representatives to address public inquiries. These measures are part of a broader strategy to…

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman, has been promoted to Vice Admiral (Lieutenant General) and three Colonels have been promoted to Brigadier, effective May 10 2024, following approval from the Defence Board. Rear Admiral Wemyss Gorman was appointed CDS on January 21 2022. Her career spans 32 years at various command levels. As CDS, she has provided steady leadership of the Force with trust and high morale of the soldiers. Rear Admiral Wemyss Gorman has kept the Jamaica Defence Force on track with its 2017 to 2037 strategic plan as outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, whose update she led in 2021. She has placed high priority on the initiation of the Institute of Cyber Science, and the development of the military intelligence capability, resulting in more targeted operations and support to the JCF. Rear Admiral Wemyss Gorman has systematically expanded the Force’s footprint across the island, establishing Forward Operating Bases in Clarendon, St Catherine, St Thomas, Portland, Westmoreland and Hanover. She has significantly expanded youth and community engagement, with the JDF directly interacting with over 35,000 young Jamaicans annually. Under her stewardship, the Jamaica National Service Corps programme is currently being reviewed to adjust and diversify the opportunities available…

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the tragic loss of Ceejay Cunningham, a promising young entrepreneur and beloved member of the community of Chantilly District in Manchester. Just two years ago, Ceejay received the Prime Minister's National Youth Award for Agriculture and Agro-Processing. His innovative approach to farming and his dedication to his community were evident in every aspect of his work. His passion for farming and entrepreneurship was recognized as he was the Owner and CEO of Fairwoods Farm JA, with a quarter-acre vegetable farm, equipped with Greenhouse Technology. He was also a graduate of the Southwest TVET Institute, obtaining several HEART/ NSTA certification. Through hard work and dedication, Ceejay exemplified the spirit of resilience and innovation in our youth. Today, we not only mourn the loss of a talented entrepreneur but also a beloved member of the Chantilly District community in Manchester. On behalf of the government and the people of Jamaica, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ceejay's family, friends, and the entire community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

“Our students must be protected from violence of all forms so that they can live to fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Criminals will not win in our society." -Prime Minister Andrew Holness   Prime Minister Andrew Holness has strongly condemned the killing on Thursday afternoon (April 25) of a school boy in Grange Hill, Westmoreland. Sixteen year-old Carson Bennett, a student of Grange Hill High School was killed when rival gangs engaged in a shoot-out in the community. A female student was also shot and injured during the incident. The Prime Minister said: “This incident and violence in all its forms must be condemned by all Jamaicans. Our children must be free to attend school and live in an environment that promotes peace and safety to help them fulfil their dreams and aspirations. Persons who prey upon our children can expect no mercy. The law enforcement agencies will catch up with them and bring them to justice. Criminals will not win in our society.” Prime Minister Holness noted that the Government has been ensuring the legal framework is in place to decisively deal with gangs and the resources are provided to law enforcement to apprehend gangsters and preserve peace in…

"I am pleased to declare Jamaica a STEM island with a vision of fostering innovation, driving economic growth and empowering our people to thrive in the global knowledge economy.” - Prime Minister Holness   Prime Minister Andrew Holness has proudly declared Jamaica a ‘STEM Island’. This decision signifies a commitment by the government to fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering Jamaicans to excel in the global knowledge economy. Prime Minister Holness said that by embracing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as a national priority, Jamaica will unlock its full potential, driving prosperity, peace, and productivity in a sustainable and equitable way for all Jamaicans. “I am pleased to declare Jamaica a STEM island with a vision of fostering innovation, driving economic growth and empowering our people to thrive in the global knowledge economy. Through our collaborative all hands-on deck approach, government, private sector, academia, and the civil society, we will work towards this goal. Jamaica is now officially declared as STEM Island,” said Prime Minister Holness. Speaking yesterday (April 24, 2024) at the at the STEM for Growth Symposium at the University of Technology (UTECH), Prime Minister Holness stated that the most valuable resource Jamaica has is its people. In…

“The thrust for productivity is the new frontier of the government.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness has emphasized the urgent need to increase productivity to further drive growth in the Jamaican economy. Prime Minister Holness said it is crucial for Jamaicans to focus on a productivity-centred approach within the public bureaucracy. Speaking on Friday (April 19) at the opening of the first-ever Artisan Village in Falmouth, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the government's commitment to fostering productivity. “The thrust for productivity is the new frontier of the government. That is the new effort of the government. I described it now as the partnership for productivity, and we will be pursuing various ways of ensuring that this idea, this principle, this ethic of productivity becomes entrenched in who we are as a Jamaican and part of our identity as Jamaicans.” In this regard, Prime Minister Holness said Jamaicans must strive for excellence to unlock new levels of economic performance and social benefits for our nation. The Prime Minister said there are several opportunities to increase productivity and enhance quality. "Culturally and institutionally, there is almost a block psychologically to embrace the challenge of productivity. It is all entangled with our past, with our history. But…