News from the OPM

Government of Jamaica (GOJ) offices will remain closed today, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, as inclement weather conditions across the island are expected to persist. Public sector workers who are able to work remotely are encouraged to continue their duties online, utilising the digital tools and platforms provided by their respective Ministries, Departments, or Agencies. All essential and emergency services will remain operational. Personnel working in these critical areas are asked to travel safely and take necessary precautions as they carry out their duties in service to the public. "The safety of our employees and the wider Jamaican community is our priority at this time," - Dr, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica "We appreciate the dedication of our essential service workers and urge all who are commuting to exercise caution. Those who can work from home are asked to utilize online resources to ensure continuity of services where feasible.." - Prime Minister Andrew Holness The public is urged to follow safety guidelines and advisories from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

The Government of Jamaica has activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in light of impending weather conditions expected to impact the island. This decision follows consultations with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. The NEOC is ready to coordinate preparedness and response measures as the situation evolves. The National Emergency Operations Centre  will focus on mobilizing resources, ensuring effective communication, and maintaining readiness to provide support and aid to communities that may be affected. In addressing the NEOC’s activation, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, commented,  “Today, we are placing every possible resource at the disposal of our emergency response teams to ensure the safety and well-being of every Jamaican. The National Emergency Operations Centre is fully mobilized and ready to respond to any developments. We urge all Jamaicans to remain vigilant, stay informed through official updates, and to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones.” The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely updates as needed. All Jamaicans are encouraged to follow safety guidelines issued by the ODPEM and local authorities and to avoid unnecessary travel in any affected areas.

The Government of Jamaica wishes to inform the public that, following consultations with the Meteorological Service and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), all GOJ offices will close at 4:00pm today. This decision has been made as a precautionary and proactive measure to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees and the public as weather conditions are anticipated to deteriorate. The Met Office has advised that adverse weather conditions may develop this evening, potentially impacting transportation and the ability of employees to commute safely. All essential and emergency services, including hospitals and law enforcement, will continue to operate as normal. The Government encourages members of the public to stay informed by following updates from the Met Office and ODPEM, and to exercise caution during any travel that may be necessary.

New MP Matthew Samuda sworn in as Minister without Portfolio with Responsibility for Water “The government is engineering a pivot towards accelerated growth.” -Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has announced changes to the Executive. The Honourable Fayval Williams has been appointed the new Minister of Finance and Public Service. Minister Williams, who is the former Minister of Education, and Youth, is the first female to hold the constitutional position of Minister of Finance. She replaces Dr. Nigel Clarke who demitted office on Wednesday (October 30) to start his new role as Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund. In making the announcement, Prime Minister Holness stated: “The government is engineering a pivot towards accelerated growth. It's a pivot towards an aggressive pursuit of growth. And believe me when I say we are going to be vicious in that regard. We have conquered the fiscal issues. Now it's time to conquer the growth issues.” In the meantime, new Member of Parliament for St. Ann North East, Matthew Samuda has been reappointed to the Cabinet holding his previous assignment as Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility…

Local Government Minister also announces by-elections for vacant divisions Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness has announced that by elections will be held in two constituencies. Speaking during an appearance at Wednesday's weekly post cabinet media briefing, Prime Minister Dr. Holness said the election for representatives for the constituencies of Trelawny Southern and St. Andrew Northwestern will be held on Friday November 22, 2024. Nomination Day is next Wednesday November 6. “I encourage all eligible voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote and participate actively in the democratic process. It's really (about) the will of the people and we will see the will of the people exercised in the in the by-election,” said Prime Minister Holness. In the meantime, Minister of Local Government also announced the same dates for by-election for vacant divisions of Morant Bay in St Thomas and Aenon Town in Clarendon Municipal Cooperation. In making the announcement at the post cabinet briefing Minister Mackenzie stated: “As it relates to the two vacancies in the St. Thomas Municipal Cooperation and in the Clarendon Municipal Cooperation, both mayors have consulted and have advised and asked me to announce that the 6th of November is nomination day, the 22nd of…

“Our goal now is for every household to have potable water, not just as an outdoor amenity, but in every en suite bathroom. This is the standard we aim to achieve." - Prime Minister Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says his administration is committed to ensuring access to reliable and efficient water supply across Jamaica. Speaking on Wednesday (October 30) at the swearing-in ceremony for Matthew Samuda, who returns to the Cabinet as Minister with responsibility for water, Prime Minister Holness said Samuda has a track record of effective and efficient work. The Prime Minister highlighted that Minister Samuda brings an extensive track record of dedication to public service, environmental stewardship, and responsiveness to citizens’ needs. "Matthew is a very responsive minister. I have received countless compliments on his commitment to his duties, and it is clear that he has a passion for the work he undertakes," the Prime Minister shared. Dr. Holness also stressed the crucial role that water accessibility plays in elevating the quality of life for all Jamaicans, emphasizing that the country’s expectations are no longer satisfied by outdated standards of water access. “It’s not sufficient to say that there’s a standpipe…

The Andrew Holness led administration is moving to refresh and protect the image and brand of Jamaica.   Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Andrew Holness has announced that the Government of Jamaica has hired an international branding firm as part of a strategic initiative to refresh and protect the country’s brand. This move, is critical in ensuring Jamaica's global image remains strong and evolves in ways that benefit the nation. “What has happened to us over the last 40 years as the brand is evolving is that it has started to mean things that could be detrimental to us. So, we have actually hired an international firm that does branding,” stated Prime Minister Holness. In this regard, the Prime Minister noted that the initiative is driven in part by the country’s tourism industry, but also focuses on preserving the cultural assets and values that make Jamaica unique. “We say we have this large creative industry, but we haven’t really managed to monetize it, and we need to be able to properly identify and define it. We are going through this process of rectifying, restructuring, redefining who we are as Jamaicans and what it means to be Jamaican.” The Prime Minister…

“Jamaica is at a stage in its development where it has to reflect and indeed attempt to modernize all its institutions including the various holidays that we celebrate including our system of national honours and awards.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, has formally announced the government’s intention to create a new national honour, the Order of National Icon. The first recipients to be conferred with this new national title will be the Honourable Louise Bennett-Coverly, OM affectionately known as “Miss Lou,” and reggae legend the Honourable Robert Nesta Marley, OM beloved worldwide as Bob Marley. Speaking on Heroes Day, October 21, 2024 and the Luncheon for National Honour and Awardees at the Jamaica Pegasus, Prime Minister Holness stressed that the decision was made after extensive review and consultation, emphasizing that it was not a politically motivated but a national decision. The Prime Minister stated: “Jamaica is at a stage in its development where it has to reflect and indeed attempt to modernize all its institutions including the various holidays that we celebrate and indeed including our system of national honours awards.” The Prime Minister continued: “The creation of a new category of honour,…

 “We recognize the importance of fixing the road that passes your gate, but to do that effectively, we need projects like these that increase national economic productivity. It’s a delicate balance, but one that is necessary for long-term growth.” -Prime Minister Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Montego Bay  Perimeter Project will boost economy productivity and transform Jamaica’s infrastructure. Positioned as a Jamaica 60 legacy initiative, the Montego Bay Perimeter road project is now at 50% completion. The new highway promises to not only ease traffic congestion but also open doors for new business, housing developments, and enhanced community connectivity. A key feature of the project is the construction of Jamaica’s longest bridge. Standing at 30 meters high and stretching 180 meters long, Prime Minister Holness said this four-lane bridge is a remarkable achievement that will significantly improve transportation efficiency across the island. During the site tour on Wednesday (October 16), Prime Minister Holness acknowledged the impressive work being undertaken and expressed particular pride in the integration of local talent in the construction process. "While China Harbour is managing the project, they have made commendable efforts to ensure that the local workforce is actively involved. I was pleased to…