News from the OPM

“Today is a great day. We have now issued the first set of national identification cards and the process begins in earnest.” - Prime Minister Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Government of Jamaica achieved a monumental milestone on Friday (November 15, 2024) with the official issuing of the first set of national identification cards under the Integrated National Identification System. This landmark event signals the beginning of a new era in secure identification and digital transformation for Jamaicans. Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, who was the second individual to receive the card, following His Excellency the Governor-General, said event was a significant achievement for Jamaica. "Today is a great day. We have now issued the first set of national identification cards, and the process begins in earnest. This is a moment long in coming and a moment that the entire Jamaica can be proud of. As a nation we have been talking about a national ID from as long ago as in the 70s. Several cabinet submissions, pieces of legislation, were drafted but we have never found a wherewithal to actually engage in and complete the process," the Prime Minister declared. The National Identification System (NIDS) is designed to provide…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says building a strong, self-reliant economy is crucial to Jamaica’s long-term success and independence. Speaking last week (November 13) at a Stakeholders Engagement at the soon-to-be-open Morant Bay Urban Centre, Dr. Holness emphasized that true independence goes beyond political freedom. The Prime Minister declared that real sovereignty can only be achieved with economic strength and resilience. "As a post-independence Jamaican, I have never believed that my progress, my prosperity, and my development rest on anyone else. You must build your own country. Build your own household. Together, we must build the future we want," said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister’s remarks highlighted the need to move away from dependence on borrowing, foreign aid, and debt, reinforcing a vision of Jamaica as a self-sufficient nation driven by its own resources and initiative. Prime Minister Holness called on Jamaicans to see the broader purpose behind infrastructure projects, such as the Urban Centre in St. Thomas, as essential steps towards economic empowerment. Dr. Holness noted that issues like poor road conditions and lack of water stem from a lack of economic investment, urging residents to embrace a long-term vision for Jamaica’s growth. "It is the pursuit of…

“This new bridge will be the symbol of the new Jamaica where the government is investing in renewing, rebuilding, revitalizing, repairing and reinstating our aged infrastructure.” -Prime Minister Holness  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                               Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness says 0the government is making an intentional and strategic investment in the country’s infrastructure to herald a new Jamaica. Speaking last Friday, November 8, 2024, at the construction site of the new Troy Bridge in South Trelawny, Prime Minister Holness said the bridge will be a powerful symbol of the commitment of the government to infrastructure renewal, development and economic independence. The $230 million project, financed through the national budget without the use of external loans, is expected to be completed by June 2025, bringing vital improvements in accessibility and economic opportunity to the Troy community and neighboring areas. The Prime Minister said it is significant that the government is funding infrastructure projects through sustainable, self-generated revenue, reflecting his administration’s broader goals for economic resilience. “As it relates to aging infrastructure this new bridge will be the symbol of the new Jamaica where the government is investing…

In response to the effects of Tropical Storm Rafael and prolonged heavy rainfall in recent weeks, Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness has announced a major allocation for a nationwide mitigation and cleanup initiative. Speaking in Parliament today, November 12, 2024, Prime Minister Holness outlined that $22 million will be allocated to each of the 63 Members of Parliament for the annual constituency-based mitigation and cleanup programme, totaling nearly $1.4 billion. The programme, which will be implemented by the National Works Agency (NWA) and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), focuses on critical efforts to clear roads, clean drains, collect garbage, and address sanitary conditions. The funds will be disbursed directly to necessary works without deductions for agency fees, ensuring efficiency and accountability. Prime Minister Holness clarified the purpose of the allocation, stating, “Though this programme is being implemented just before the yuletide season, let me emphasize that it is not a Christmas work programme. This is a routine initiative with strict oversight, ensuring funds are utilised efficiently for road clearance, drain cleaning, garbage collection, and sanitation. It addresses specific priorities, including reopening blocked roads, drain cleaning, road repairs, and constructing retaining walls and other structures as necessary.” The allocation…

“For us to deploy cameras, it is not about the deployment of the camera. The camera is the least of the system of being able to capture real-time footage of police doing their duties.” -Prime Minister Holness -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness has affirmed the government's firm resolve in deploying body-worn cameras across the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Dr. Holness says the cameras will be used as a core tool for accountability and transparency in the police force. “The Government of Jamaica is committed to the deployment and use of body-worn cameras for the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and indeed, where necessary, for the Jamaica Defence Force. There is no conflict. There is no indecisiveness. It is something that we are doing and we will continue to do,” Prime Minister Holness stated. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that while the public often views body cameras as a simple solution, their effective deployment requires a significant investment in the supporting infrastructure. The Prime Minister also revealed that the government has already invested significant resources in JCF’s transformation and reassured the public that body-worn cameras will soon be a standard tool for all police officers. “We have in procurement now over $200 million…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says his Government will address the crisis of bad roads across Jamaica by implementing a multi-pronged enterprise level strategy which involves both temporary and long-term solutions. The Prime Minister moved to assure that his Government is aware of and sensitive to public discontent about difficulty in vehicular commute while he addressed a media briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday. Prime Minister Holness observed that concerns in the public domain have intensified due to a number of roads deteriorating following recent adverse weather including Hurricane Beryl and the passage of Tropical Storm Rafael which brought heavy rains to sections of the island. The Prime Minister commented: "We are going to fix your roads and when it is done, it will be transformational. Patching is important to bring short term relief, however we are putting systems in place that will become institutional, systems which will endure and solve the problem over the short, medium and long term". The Prime Minister noted that past administrations have not been able to address the challenge of poor roads in Jamaica given that they did not have the fiscal space to do so due to factors which include, substandard management of the…

The Government of Jamaica is highlighting the significant strides made in combating gun violence, gang-related activities and major crimes. From January 2024 to November 4, 2024, major crimes in Jamaica have decreased by 15% compared to the same period last year. Notable decreases include: Murders down by 19% and 233 fewer lives lost; Shootings down by 9%; Rapes have declined by 28%; and Robberies by 21%. Significant reductions have also been recorded in hotspot areas, with St. James seeing a 32% decrease in murders, followed by Clarendon at 39%, and Kingston West at 30%. On Monday, November 4, 2024, members of the high command of the Jamaica Constabulary Force were invited to the Cabinet to receive policy guidance and provide updates on their activities. The Jamaica Constabulary Force indicated to the Cabinet that it has intensified its anti-gang strategy, conducting over 2,750 anti-gang operations in 2024. In addition, 667 illegal firearms have been removed from Jamaica’s streets, with 383 seized directly from suspects. “Our national security investment and intelligence-led approach targets key figures in gang violence, leading to the substantial declines in gang activities and major crimes. Since taking office in 2016, we have been proactively treating with the national crime problem with targeted…

Following comprehensive consultation with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information wishes to announce that schools across the island will reopen for face-to-face classes tomorrow, Wednesday, November 6, 2024 where the regional and school leadership assess it is safe to do so. This decision comes after careful assessment of current weather conditions affecting Jamaica. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact their school leadership for updates on the reopening of their children's institution. Schools have been instructed to activate their communication channels with key stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making and timely dissemination of information. In areas where returning to face-to-face classes is not safe, remote learning should continue through virtual platforms, televised lessons, computer-aided programs, learning kits, assigned tasks from textbooks and workbooks, worksheets, and other available modalities. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information will continue to prioritise the safety and education of our nation's children.

Based on consultations with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Government of Jamaica Offices will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The Government of Jamaica extends its sincere gratitude to all essential workers who demonstrated unwavering dedication in maintaining critical public services throughout today’s inclement weather. The Met Office indicates that intermittent heavy rain will continue throughout the night, and it may result in challenges for public sector workers in affected areas. As a result, non-essential public sector employees facing difficulties—whether due to transportation issues, property damage, or other personal matters—are encouraged to communicate with their supervisors or the heads of their entities as soon as possible. Policy directives have been given to ensure flexibility will be provided to support employees in their return to work. The government places the safety and well-being of all its employees as a top priority. Furthermore, given today’s unique circumstances, non-attendance tomorrow due to being affected by the severe weather will not be placed on record. As a result, no public servant will have their leave balance charged if they need to remain at home. The Government of Jamaica welcomes employees back to work…