News from the OPM

Minister with Responsibility for Water, the Honourable Matthew Samuda, says the Government is making bold investments to solve Jamaica’s water crisis and restore comfort to households that have waited decades for reliable access. Speaking at a recent event, Minister Samuda acknowledged the public frustration, especially from communities still experiencing water challenges. “I understand the frustration. You hear about billions being spent and you’re still using a pan. But we are coming,” he said. Minister Samuda explained that while rain and river water may be free, the infrastructure to deliver it to homes is not. “To catch water is not free. To store it is not free. To clean it is not free. To get it to your pipe is not free,” he said. Minister Samuda noted that for over 50 years, little to no investment was made in Jamaica’s water systems. The result is a backlog the Government is now working to clear through a historic $10 billion investment in water and sewerage infrastructure. “We are investing more than ever before in water and sewage. We are doing it to bring comfort to your home and confidence to your business,” he added. He emphasized that economic growth and business expansion…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has called on the newest cohort of police trainees to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, respect, and humanity as he addressed them during a visit on Saturday (May 24) to the Tranquility Bay Police Training Facility in St. Elizabeth. “You represent a significant investment of the Jamaican people in our security,” the Prime Minister told the trainees. “Our intention is to have a police force of which the people of Jamaica will feel proud.” Prime Minister Holness reminded the recruits that their role carries significant authority, but that authority must never be misused. “The authority that you will have by virtue of the positions you will occupy as members of the security forces must at all times be used with respect. It must be used with great care and responsibility,” he said. The Prime Minister continued: “It must never be abused. It must never be used for your personal gain. It must never be used to take advantage of… and it must never be used with disregard for the citizen.” Dr. Holness noted that how officers exercise their authority will affect how the public engages with them. “You will find that…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced the upcoming rollout of a new Solidarity Programme aimed at identifying and supporting Jamaicans who are not currently receiving any form of government assistance. The initiative, Prime Minister Holness explained, is designed to close the final gaps in Jamaica’s social protection network. "There are Jamaicans who, for various reasons, have never received support under PATH, the Social Pension, HEART NSTA Trust, or any of our other programmes. These individuals are often the most vulnerable, the most excluded, and the most in need," said the Prime Minister. The Solidarity Programme will focus on proactive outreach, providing direct cash support to those who are off the radar and helping them transition into the formal system. "This is about inclusion. It’s about dignity, and it’s about making sure that our progress reaches every Jamaican in every corner of the country," Dr. Holness emphasized. The Prime Minister noted that the new initiative will complement broader reforms being undertaken in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, including an ongoing review of PATH and digitization of benefits delivery. "We are building a Jamaica where no one is invisible, and no one is forgotten. This is how we move forward,…

Amidst global economic challenges, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said Jamaica has emerged as a model of resilience and recovery, recording a 50% reduction in our national poverty rate between 2021 and 2023. Prime Minister Holness addressed the nation on the historic milestone, underscoring the significance of this progress in a time of international hardship. "We live in a world where poverty is rising in many regions, where post-pandemic recovery has stalled, and where inflation continues to stretch household incomes. Yet here in Jamaica, we have made real progress. We have protected our people and grown our economy. We have proven that good governance and strong leadership make a difference," the Prime Minister noted. Prime Minister Holness also credited the coordinated efforts of government ministries, agencies, and community organizations who have worked to expand training, improve access to jobs, and widen the social safety network. "This is a collective achievement. It belongs to the hard-working people of Jamaica who showed up, leaned in, and believed that better was possible. Our responsibility now is to protect these gains, deepen our efforts, and ensure that no one is left behind," said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has outlined that the government’s comprehensive policy framework has led to the most dramatic reduction in Jamaica’s poverty rate in over three decades. Prime Minister Holness described the approach as 'deliberate, people-centred, and multi-dimensional', emphasizing that poverty cannot be addressed by income support alone. "We focused on employment, access to education, healthcare, and inclusion. We improved the minimum wage by over 44%, introduced the social pension, and are currently reviewing PATH to better serve those most in need," the Prime Minister said. Dr. Holness said these interventions were not designed for short-term optics but for sustainable change. "Every decision was rooted in the belief that Jamaicans deserve not just to survive but to thrive. Our investments in training through HEART, our wage reforms, and our focus on real, inclusive development have made a difference," he explained. The Prime Minister also dismissed claims that the government’s approach favours large businesses at the expense of ordinary citizens. "Nothing could be further from the truth. The numbers speak for themselves. Poverty is down because people are earning more, accessing more, and living with more dignity," Dr. Holness noted.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has declared that the Government is within reach of achieving what once seemed like an impossible dream, the complete eradication of absolute poverty in Jamaica. Referencing the recent decline in the national poverty rate to 8.2%, Prime Minister Holness expressed that Jamaica is now 'within striking distance' of ending absolute poverty. "This is not just a slogan or a political soundbite. It is a measurable, data-driven goal that we are actively pursuing with care and precision," the Prime Minister said. Absolute poverty is defined by the inability to meet the most basic human needs, such as food, shelter, education, and healthcare. The Prime Minister emphasized that under this administration, there has been significant progress across all these dimensions. "We have increased the minimum wage, boosted employment, expanded PATH and social pension programmes, and invested heavily in education and skills training, all of which directly target the roots of poverty." While acknowledging the work ahead, Prime Minister Holness affirmed that the vision is clear: "We are building a Jamaica where no one is left behind. Where poverty is not inherited but defeated."

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…