News from the OPM

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has declared the road situation a national emergency. This means road repairs will be given top priority with emergency procurement methods being used. The move comes in the wake of heavy rains and deteriorating road conditions as the country grapples with decades old road infrastructure across the country. An additional $2 billion has also been allocated to begin repair work on main roads across the island. At the same time, Prime Minister Holness signalled the official start of the historic Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement in our Road Network (SPARK) programme. This transformative initiative represents Jamaica’s largest and most comprehensive investment in road infrastructure, with a total budget of over $45 billion, including $2 billion dedicated to water infrastructure improvements. The four contracts for the islandwide project were signed today (December 5, 2024) between the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC) and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the project is of national significance. “This is the first time that there is this massive allocation of public resources that is going to change the way in which we maintain our roads. So all the cynical people…

His Excellency, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, in consultation with the security forces, has declared a State of Public Emergency for the geographical area comprising the St. Andrew South Police Division and sections of the St. Andrew Central Police Division. This declaration follows a significant increase in violent criminal activities within these areas, particularly in communities such as Waltham Park Road, Maxfield Avenue, and Waterhouse. These locations have been identified as hotspots for gang-related warfare which poses public safety risks to residents as well as commuters and bystanders given their use as public thoroughfares. The assessment indicates that the current level of violence and criminal activity in these communities is extensive and exceeds the capacity of standard policing measures to effectively stabilize the affected communities and restore public order. Under a State of Public Emergency, enhanced security measures will allow our security forces to disrupt criminal networks, apprehend perpetrators, and create an environment conducive to sustainable peace. These measures will continue to be implemented with strict adherence to constitutional safeguards and the protection of citizens’ rights. Furthermore, the Government of Jamaica will also continue to address root causes of violence in these communities by actively engaging…

The Government of Jamaica condemns the horrific acts of violence that occurred in the Waltham Park Road area last evening, resulting in six individuals shot. This brutal attack, which claimed the lives of five victims at a bar, serves to remind us of the terror inflicted on communities by criminal gangs. While the motive is still under investigation, this incident bears the hallmarks of gang-related violence aimed at spreading fear and destabilising the peace of our neighbourhoods. This government does not allow such acts of terror to go unanswered. As with similar incidents at Cherry Tree Lane and Rockfort in recent months, the response from the security forces will be swift. These criminals will be brought to justice. To aid in that effort, we have extended the $30 million fund set up after Cherry Tree Lane to reward citizens providing information on the perpetrators of all such multiple casualty events. Our police team has also been to make amendments to the Offences Against the Persons Act to treat with acts of violence with multiple victims more harshly. When warring gangs think of turning their guns on bystanders in order to “send a message”, they should expect the full force of the…

“We will not relent in degrading, eradicating, and eliminating gangs and gang members. These multiple-victim violent incidents are acts of terror, and we are examining legislative changes to impose harsher penalties and stronger deterrents.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government has condemned the brutal attack on Waltham Park Road, Kingston, on Monday evening, which left five persons dead. The police suspect the shooting is gang-related. On Tuesday morning (November 26), Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, and Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, toured the site of the attacks and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice with stronger measures to deter wrongdoers. Prime Minister Holness said the Government will redouble efforts to eliminate gangs and their influence from the society. “We will not relent in degrading, eradicating, and eliminating gangs and gang members. These multiple-victim violent incidents are acts of terror, and we are examining legislative changes to impose harsher penalties and stronger deterrents,” the Prime Minister declared. The Prime Minister noted the evolving nature of homicides, with an increase in multiple-victim violent incidents orchestrated by gangs. He assured the public of the government’s commitment to eradicating these criminal elements, emphasizing a…

The Government of Jamaica condemns the horrific acts of violence that occurred in the Waltham Park Road area last evening, resulting in six individuals shot. This brutal attack, which claimed the lives of five victims at a bar, serves to remind us of the terror inflicted on communities by criminal gangs. While the motive is still under investigation, this incident bears the hallmarks of gang-related violence aimed at spreading fear and destabilising the peace of our neighbourhoods. This government does not allow such acts of terror to go unanswered. As with similar incidents at Cherry Tree Lane and Rockfort in recent months, the response from the security forces will be swift. These criminals will be brought to justice. To aid in that effort, we have extended the $30 million fund set up after Cherry Tree Lane to reward citizens providing information on the perpetrators of all such multiple casualty events. Our police team has also been to make amendments to the Offences Against the Persons Act to treat with acts of violence with multiple victims more harshly. When warring gangs think of turning their guns on bystanders in order to “send a message”, they should expect the full force of the…

“As we come to grips with our road problem and aged infrastructure, it will not only be the application of asphalt. We will be using other solutions as well to treat with the problem comprehensively.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that the government intends to diversify its approach to address road infrastructure issues, including the potential adoption of concrete road solutions. Dr. Holness highlighted the advantages of concrete as an alternative to traditional asphalt, emphasizing its durability, lower maintenance costs, and longer lifespan. “The use of concrete and the science behind it has improved dramatically,” stated Prime Minister Holness. “You now have transparent concrete and advanced mixes with innovative properties. This evolution allows us to address many of the drawbacks previously associated with concrete, making it a viable option for certain applications in our road infrastructure.” Prime Minister Holness acknowledged that the high initial cost of concrete has been a major deterrent to its widespread use on Jamaica's roads. However, he signalled a possible shift in policy. “Our policy is evolving. Through partnerships with CMEX and Carib Cement, we are exploring opportunities to test concrete solutions, particularly in low-use areas and community roads where…

In a policy briefing on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Government of Jamaica has reaffirmed its commitment to making productivity the cornerstone of its inclusive growth strategy, recognizing it as essential to driving sustainable development and reducing inequality. Prime Minister, Dr, the Most Honourable, Andrew Holness emphasised the critical role of productivity in enabling Jamaica to transition from economic stability to economic independence and prosperity. Speaking at the recent policy briefing, the Prime Minister said: “Productivity is not just about working harder but working smarter.  Every Jamaican must embrace innovation, efficiency, and a results-driven mindset to ensure that we move toward real economic independence.” Productivity is central to creating an inclusive society. As our output increases, we can continue expanding investments in healthcare, education, and social safety nets, ensuring our most vulnerable are supported. Prime Minister Holness noted that decades of underinvestment, stemming from the 1990s FINSAC financial crisis, had hampered Jamaica’s ability to invest in infrastructure and human capital development to drive productivity. However, with the nation now achieving fiscal stability, there is now room for strategic investments. The Prime Minister urged a collective effort to foster a culture of productivity, calling on businesses, the public sector, and individuals…

The Government of Jamaica has unveiled a bold new framework to guide the nation’s pivot to inclusive economic growth: ASPIRE Jamaica. This strategy, announced by Prime Minister, Dr, the Most Honourable, Andrew Holness, outlines six pillars critical for transforming Jamaica into a modern, peaceful, productive prosperous society. ASPIRE stands for: Access to Economic Opportunity for All (Inclusive Growth) Safety and Security People (Human Capital Development) Infrastructure Development Reform of the Bureaucracy (Ease, Speed, and Cost of Doing Business) Economic Diversification/New Industries Prime Minister Holness noted the enduring impact of the financial sector crisis of the 1990s, which led to decades of underinvestment and delayed infrastructure development by over 30 years. Despite these challenges, the administration has delivered unprecedented investment in infrastructure and public services, laying a strong foundation for future growth. “With ASPIRE Jamaica, we continue our commitment to bold action and visionary leadership,” said Prime Minister Holness. “This framework ensures that no one is left behind as we pursue economic independence and shared prosperity.” Key initiatives under ASPIRE include human capital development through education reform, significant investments in infrastructure, promoting safety and security, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles to attract investments. The government’s focus on economic diversification is exemplified by…

The Government of Jamaica is currently evaluating a range of forward-thinking initiatives designed to solidify the nation’s economic stability while fostering transformative, inclusive growth. These initiatives are aimed at addressing legacy challenges, including the 30 years of underinvestment in infrastructure resulting from the 1990s FINSAC financial sector crisis, which cost the country 40% of its GDP and severely constrained fiscal space for critical investments. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized that these ideas are under careful review to assess their fiscal implications before formal adoption. Key proposals unveiled by Prime Minister, Dr, the Most Honourable, Andrew Holness at a policy brief on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 include: Urban Renewal Tax Credit: Expanding the tax credit to incentivize private investments in underserved areas, promoting economic activity and community development. National Infrastructure Fund: Establishing a vehicle for funding public-private partnerships, allowing institutional investors to contribute to critical infrastructure projects. Accelerated Tax Write-offs for Technology Investments: Providing tax benefits to encourage businesses to modernize and adopt advanced technologies, enhancing productivity and competitiveness. No Tax on Tips: Removing taxes on tips as a gesture to reward service excellence in industries such as hospitality. Increase in GCT Threshold for Small Businesses: Building on the 2019 threshold…