News from the OPM

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who also serves as Minister of Housing, continues to advance low-income housing development with the groundbreaking of the Longville Meadows Housing Development in Clarendon. It marks the start of one of the largest and most impactful projects in the history of the National Housing Trust (NHT). Speaking at the ceremony on Friday (June 20, 2025), Prime Minister Holness described the project as a transformative investment in housing, infrastructure, and the dignity of the Jamaican people. Dr Holness reiterated the NHT’s long-standing role in Clarendon, which began in 1977 and has already delivered over 9,000 housing solutions in the parish. This new development continues that legacy, with an additional 9,000 homes planned over the next decade. “Every home we build takes a family out of uncertainty and into stability. Every home we build moves a family from poverty to prosperity. It is no accident that this groundbreaking is taking place here in Clarendon. With its strategic location between Kingston and Mandeville and its growing population and commercial activity, Clarendon is ripe for structured development.” The Prime Minister said the development will deliver 2,064 new housing units under a joint effort between the NHT and Gore Development…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has commended the success of national youth training programmes in addressing unemployment, skills gaps, and youth disengagement. Speaking on Friday (June 20, 2025) at the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) Skills Training Closing Out Ceremony, the Prime Minister noted that the programme has contributed to Jamaica’s unemployment rate now at a historic low of 3.5 per cent. Prime Minister Holness said this achievement is the result of sustained investment in training and workforce development initiatives such as those led by HEART/NSTA Trust and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). “When I hear Dr. Ingleton say that within the first few months of the financial year, you have enrolled over 50,000 youngsters. When I hear the Chief of Defence Staff say that the JDF within the year has engaged 52,000 young people, it's incredible. When we give the statistics that unemployment in Jamaica is now at 3.5%, there are those who will naysay it and say it's not so. But I hope you have realized that 150,000 persons have enrolled in HEART over the last two years. And they are in all kinds of programmes. Households right across Jamaica, their young people are being pulled into the…

The Government of Jamaica has created more avenues to ensure the housing needs of the nation are addressed. Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says it's being done through a strategic and results-driven approach to increase the supply of affordable homes for Jamaicans across all income levels. Speaking on Thursday (June 19) during a New Social Housing Programme housing handover ceremony in St. Thomas, Dr. Holness underscored that the root of Jamaica’s housing crisis is not demand but the shortage of supply. “The main problem of housing in Jamaica is the supply of houses. If you really want to make an impact on housing, you have to deal with the supply of houses. You have to actually build more houses, and this government is building more houses,” the Prime Minister stated. Dr. Holness highlighted that the National Housing Trust (NHT), the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ), the Jamaica Mortgage Bank, and the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) are working together to close the housing gap by supporting land access, mortgage financing, and housing construction, especially for low-income earners. Prime Minister Holness directed the NHT to focus significantly on low-income housing, given that the private market is better positioned to serve middle-…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) is the most transformative and enduring initiative in Jamaica’s fight against poverty. Prime Minister Holness underscores that the NSHP has been delivering not only shelter but also dignity and hope to the nation’s most vulnerable. Speaking on Thursday (June 19) at the latest house handover ceremony in Whitehall, St. Thomas, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the NSHP is not merely a shelter programme but a sustainable intervention that is delivering long-term hope to Jamaicans in dire housing conditions. “We estimate that there are about 6,000 households in Jamaica where people live under the worst of the worst conditions. The New Social Housing Programme is targeted at them. Before this, there was nothing like this programme. Now, at least, you see that the programme is delivering, step by step,” said Prime Minister Holness. Dr. Holness described the NSHP as a multi-tiered initiative that addresses a wide range of vulnerable groups, including victims of domestic abuse, the elderly, persons with disabilities, those affected by disasters, and low-income earners. The Prime Minister added that this programme will also add a new dimension to benefit workers in industries like tourism, where formal…

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has announced a major infrastructure upgrade for the Jeffrey Town Primary and Infant School in St. Mary, confirming the government's commitment to building a new facility for the long-standing institution. Speaking on Tuesday (June 17) at the Jeffrey Town Primary School in St. Mary, Prime Minister Holness stated: “It's my great pleasure to give you this positive news that the funds have been allocated and it is in our capital budget to develop and build the new Jeffrey Town Primary and Infant School. Finally!” the Prime Minister declared during a visit to the community. The announcement comes as the school has been operating, in makeshift conditions since 1998. The planned development includes a new campus with modern classrooms, specialized educational spaces, and upgraded infrastructure to support the school’s evolving needs. Preliminary work has already begun on the project. A geotechnical survey was conducted to assess soil suitability, and architectural designs have been completed. Engineering plans are also underway and are pending approvals from relevant municipal authorities. The Prime Minister reassured the public that the project is not just talk but backed by resources and planning. “I visited you some time ago. I saw the conditions.…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has announced the discovery and development of a new water source in Springfield, Western St. Mary. The water source will significantly improve the reliability and quality of potable water for residents in the surrounding communities. Speaking on Tuesday (June 17) on a visit to the community Prime Minister Holness noted that Rural Water Supply Limited is implementing the initiative with support from the National Water Commission (NWC). It will aim to address long-standing issues with water access in the areas. The Prime Minister stated “Today, I'm here to announce that we have found a new source of water to replace the old source and Rural Water [Supply Limited] has taken over the project to develop the project. They have come, they have done their tests, they are satisfied with the quality of the water and the consistent supply of the water.” The Falling Springs Water Supply Project will extract and treat water from the newly verified spring source and deliver it to the community using a modern solar-powered pumping system. The water will be stored in a concrete reservoir and distributed via gravity feed into the NWC’s existing pipeline network. This improvement will ensure that…

Speaking at a recent Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, unveiled a landmark suite of initiatives and achievements that underscore Jamaica’s transformation into one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, with an emphasis on inclusion, innovation, sustainability, and resilience. Jamaica welcomed 4.15 million visitors in 2024, generating a record-breaking US$4.3 billion in earnings, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and cementing Jamaica’s position as the Caribbean’s second most visited destination. Record Investments and Global Recognition Over US$3 billion in hotel investments are underway or committed, with new brands including RIU, H10, Princess, Moon Palace, and Hard Rock set to add 20,000 new rooms over the next decade. Major infrastructure upgrades are being executed at Norman Manley, Sangster, and Ian Fleming International Airports, with plans announced for a fourth international airport in Negril. Jamaica received multiple awards in 2024–2025, including honours from TripAdvisor, Travvy Awards, and the World Travel Awards, while Minister Bartlett was recognised with the Gusi Peace Prize and other global accolades for his leadership in tourism resilience and sustainability. “Tourism is no longer a privilege for the few—it is a platform for the prosperity of all Jamaicans,” said Minister Bartlett. “We are creating a tourism economy where…

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness continues to implement progressive policies to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for all Jamaicans. Effective Monday, June 16, 2025, contributors to the National Housing Trust (NHT) can access increased loan limits two weeks ahead of the previously announced July 1 rollout. The early implementation follows the announcement made by Prime Minister Holness during his 2025/2026 Budget Debate presentation, where he outlined bold reforms to the NHT’s housing benefits. This accelerated timeline demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensure that more Jamaicans are empowered to secure safe and affordable housing solutions. “We are not just talking about housing, but we are delivering the means for Jamaicans to build generational stability through home ownership,” said Prime Minister Holness.   Expanded Access to Housing Finance – Now in Effect Beginning June 16, the following loan enhancements are available: Open Market Loans Individual contributors can now access up to $9 million Two co-applicants: up to $17 million Three co-applicants: up to $23 million Special allocation of $12 million for single applicants purchasing homes priced at $14 million or less Build-On-Own-Land Loans Single applicants: up to $11 million Two co-applicants: up to $17 million Three co-applicants: up to $23 million…

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has encouraged young Jamaicans to seize the opportunities and value of hard work, discipline, and ambition through the government’s National Youth Summer Employment Programme (YSEP). Speaking on Tuesday (June 17) at the official launch of the YSEP, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre, Prime Minister Holness said Jamaica’s youth must take charge of their future with boldness, purpose, and creativity. “I want you to be ambitious. I want you to be aspirational. I want you not to be afraid to dream. I want you to explore possibilities and options. I want you to disrupt the status quo and deliver new things and new values to society. I want you to be innovative,” said Prime Minster Holness. The Prime Minister told participants to value the experience from the summer programme as a life-shaping opportunity. “The value of the experience is what you should appreciate and take away with you. That experience is going to make you a better person, a more knowledgeable person, a more rounded person, and a more prepared person. It is going to give you the edge in the world of work over others who would not have a similar experience.” In this…