News from the OPM

“Jamaica today has the strongest economy since independence. Jamaica has a bright future. We are not going back to the failed policies of the PNP.” -Prime Minister Holness  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has declared that Jamaica is experiencing its strongest economy since independence in 1962, attributing this historic achievement to his administration’s prudent financial management, strategic investments, and pro-growth policies. Speaking during his 2025/26 Budget Debate on Thursday (March 20), Prime Minister Holness outlined a series of historic economic achievements by his government, emphasizing that Jamaica’s transformation has been the result of relentless focus on stability, resilience and growth. “The numbers do not just tell a story of improvement; they tell a story of transformation—of an economy that has overcome decades of instability, uncertainty, and crisis to achieve a level of strength and resilience that Jamaica has never before experienced,” Prime Minister Holness stated. Dr. Holness said Jamaica’s economic stability is evident in key indicators such as inflation management, employment, and job creation. The Prime Minister highlighted that under his administration, “inflation has averaged just 5.5% per year—the lowest since 1972—while the PNP’s policies from 1989 to 2007 resulted in an inflation rate of 18.5% per year, totaling…

In a bold, decisive move to accelerate Jamaica’s economic transformation, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced sweeping reforms aimed at streamlining processes in the public bureaucracy and eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies that stifle growth. Speaking yesterday (March 17) at the swearing-in ceremony at King’s House for the two newly appointed ministers, Prime Minister Holness stressed the need for balance between fiscal accountability and the urgent need to fast-track critical infrastructure projects and major investments. Senator the Honourable Ambassador Audrey Marks has been given the task, with her appointment as Minister without Portfolio with specific responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation, and Digital Transformation. Dr. Holness pointed out that her role will be instrumental in reforming government bureaucracy to create a more agile, innovation-driven, and growth-oriented public sector. Prime Minister Holness also emphasized the need for urgent reforms, acknowledging that while stringent fiscal policies have helped stabilize the economy, the resulting layers of checks and balances have also created inefficiencies. “The very layers of controls, checks, and balances that helped us rein in wasteful spending have now created a new challenge—one that slows down essential approvals, delays critical infrastructure projects, and stifles economic growth,” the Prime Minister stated. To address these challenges, Minister…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has announced new appointments to pivotal roles within the Government of Jamaica. These appointments reinforce his Administration’s commitment to innovation, efficiency within the public service, and tourism development. Senator the Honourable Ambassador Audrey Marks has been appointed as Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation, and Digital Transformation. Senator Marks brings a wealth of experience to this role, having previously served as Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, where she played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations. Senator Marks also had an illustrious career in the private sector. Senator Delano Seiveright has been appointed as Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism. Senator Seiveright has been an active participant in Jamaica’s tourism sector and has contributed to many initiatives which enhanced the nation’s tourism product. In his new role, Senator Seiveright will focus on increasing the linkages between the tourism sector and the wider economy, ensuring that more Jamaicans benefit directly from the industry’s growth. Both Senators will be sworn in at King’s House tomorrow, Monday, March 17, 2025. Prime Minister Holness expressed confidence in the capabilities of Senators Marks and Seiveright,…

“For the public sector, the focus should now be on pay-for-performance, efficiency in service delivery, and productivity gains.” - Minister Fayval Williams -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government on Tuesday (March 11) opened the 2025/26 Budget Debate, with a historic presentation by the country's first female Minister of Finance, Hon. Fayval Williams. Minister Williams outlined a raft of benefits to Jamaicans, including no new taxes. The Finance Minister announced the government’s continued efforts to enhance public sector efficiency through the implementation of a pay-for-performance system. The initiative forms part of the broader Public Sector Transformation programme aimed at improving productivity and service delivery. Minister Williams underscored the importance of fiscal discipline and sustainable financial management in achieving long-term economic stability. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring fiscal responsibility, citing adherence to the Fiscal Balance Rule and the Debt-to-GDP target as key measures in maintaining economic resilience. “For the public sector, the focus should now be on pay-for-performance, efficiency in service delivery, and productivity gains,” Minister Williams stated. As the government prepares for the new fiscal year, Minister Williams highlighted that progress is already underway in the implementation of the pay-for-performance element within the new compensation framework. She noted that the government…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the government is now better equipped to withstand future health crises. The Prime Minister’s declaration came as he today (March 10, 2025) unveiled a monument to honour healthcare workers who died during COVID-19 in 2020. The monument is part of activities to mark the fifth anniversary of the impact of the pandemic on Jamaica, which put workers, particularly in the medical field, on the frontlines. On March 10, 2020, the Government recorded the first case of COVID-19 in Jamaica. Speaking on Monday (March 10) at the unveiling of a monument honouring healthcare workers, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the lessons learned from the pandemic have driven substantial investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and resilience-building within the health sector. “If our economy isn't doing well, we cannot respond adequately and effectively to crises. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities that we have since worked tirelessly to address, and because of the difficult but necessary economic reforms we have undertaken, Jamaica is now better prepared for future shocks, whether it is another pandemic, a natural disaster, or a global economic downturn,” stated Prime Minister Holness. Dr. Holness said emerging from COVID-19, his administration is dedicated to strengthening Jamaica's…

“To be clear, the government cannot come and take this [house] back, and neither do we want to.” -Prime Minister Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness has declared that the government has no intention of reclaiming houses granted to beneficiaries of units under the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP). Dr. Holness stressed that the beneficiaries are the owners of the units they receive under NSHP. Speaking at the latest handing over ceremony on Friday (March 7) in Greenmount, Northwest Manchester the Prime Minister stated the terms of ownership, emphasizing that the NSHP initiative is designed to uplift vulnerable Jamaicans and improve their quality of life. “So just to be clear, the government cannot come and take this [house] back, and neither do we want to. What we are trying to do is to give Evadne an asset that she can use to break intergenerational poverty. So, Evadne's family now has an endowment from which they can build on.,” Prime Minister Holness stated unequivocally. The NSHP, a key component of the Housing, Opportunity, Production, and Employment (HOPE) Programme, has a mandate to provide shelter and ensuring dignity for beneficiaries. Prime Minister Holness highlighted that the housing units, though modest,…

“Today we are in Mount Nelson in Manchester to deliver a trailer load of houses for the people of Manchester.” -Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says his administration is on track to deliver a high volume of affordable housing solutions. Dr. Holness on Friday (March 7) broke ground for the latest suite of solutions set to benefit the people of central Jamaica and in particular Manchester. The Mount Nelson housing development in Manchester, marks a significant milestone in the Government’s plan to increase homeownership opportunities for Jamaicans. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the housing sector is progressing at an accelerated pace. “We are now back on track and the housing train is rolling out very strongly. And today we are in Mount Nelson in Manchester to deliver a trailer load of houses for the people of Manchester. So, I urge you to keep faith. I urge you to be optimistic.” The Prime Minister acknowledged the concerns of many Jamaicans who are still seeking homeownership. “There are many Jamaicans who are still very much worried and concerned, indeed disturbed, that they can't get a house. And at the same time, we must acknowledge that the NHT and…

“My administration has invested unprecedented levels of funding in the JCF, averaging $9.7 billion annually. This is three times the amount expended by previous administrations.” - Prime Minister Holness ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness has declared that Jamaica’s historic decline in crime is the direct result of bold leadership, vision, strategic investment, and a relentless commitment to national security by his administration. Official figures for February 2025 reveal there were 47 murders, the lowest on record since 2000. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that this administration’s multi-billion-dollar investments in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have transformed law enforcement, delivering modern infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and intelligence-driven crime-fighting strategies. “My administration has invested unprecedented levels of funding in the JCF, averaging $9.7 billion annually. This is three times the amount expended by previous administrations. This was required to restore and upgrade the basic infrastructure to modern, citizen-friendly facilities, upgrade transport, and replace equipment that had been left to deteriorate for decades,” said Prime Minister Holness. Dr. Holness highlighted that the government’s investments in security have focused on technology, human capital, officer welfare, and accountability mechanisms. The Prime Minister said the Project Rebuild, Overhaul and Construct (ROC), launched in 2019,…

“The Portmore Resilience Park is no longer a promise; it’s no longer an idea. It is now coming nicely into a reality.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling commitments and delivering for the people of Jamaica. Speaking on Friday (February 28) during a tour of the construction site for the Portmore Resilience Park, Prime Minister Holness said what was once a concept is now becoming a reality, demonstrating the government’s position of action over words. “The Portmore Resilience Park is no longer a promise; it’s no longer an idea. It is now coming nicely into a reality; my record as Prime Minister has been to take almost all uncompleted, talked-about ideas and make the greatest effort to convert them into reality,” stated Prime Minister Holness. The Resilience Park, which is scheduled to be complete by September this year, will be a modern, multifunctional public space designed to enhance the quality of life for Portmore residents. Features of the park will include a jogging trail with elevation for added intensity, a central pavilion, concession facilities, a covered hall for sports such as netball, basketball, and table tennis, outdoor courts, and beautifully…