News from the OPM

Address By The Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the New Social Housing Programme Handing Over Ceremony Clarendon South Western, Kemps Hill, Race Course On July 12, 2023 ________________________________________   I have to thank our Mayor Maragh and our Councillor Pauline Reynolds for the very warm welcome as well. So on behalf of the Social Housing team that is here, we thank you for the welcome, and let me thank the people who are gathered of all stripes, colours, and social groupings and communities that are assembled. It is quite a diverse set of observers that we have here on the periphery of this function. Some are in very bright green and some are in orange colours, significant numbers are gathered and it is reminiscent of a period of time which comes about every five years or so, but that period of time is not near. I get that there is an attempt to kind of bring on that period of time before time, time doesn't come yet time. Well, there is still a lot of work to be done before that time, and as the person who has responsibility to do the work,…

Remarks by The Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the Reading of the Proclamation at King’s House on June 21, 2023 _________________________________________________________   Thank you, Dr McCarthy for your excellent mastery of the ceremony. You're quick on your feet. Your Excellencies, The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen Honourable Minister Senator Gabriela Morrison, representing the Leader of the Opposition Custodes Stakeholders Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.   My presence here at the podium was not planned. I imposed myself on the ceremony and His Excellency was very kind to accommodate me, but I thought it's important that the full force of the government be seen to be in support of this initiative. In Cabinet on Monday, we dedicated an extensive block of time discussing this issue and how, not just as politicians, but as leaders of the society, how we will mobilize the entire society to supporting this initiative so I'm very happy to see here a wide cross-section of civic leaders. I see the president of the JTA, good morning, how are you? And other influential leaders present. So, let me say officially that I endorse the proclamation of a National…

Opening Remarks By The Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the Outsource to Latin America and the Caribbean 2023 Global Digital Summit O2LAC On June 14, 2023 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you, Master, of Ceremonies, Dr. Terri Karelle.   Now, like Tariq, I only speak two languages; so English welcome, how are you? And Jamaican, what a gwaan? I see the Jamaican languages catching on. Allow me to formally establish the protocols. Senator, the Honourable Aubyn Hill, our Minister of Industry Investment and Commerce Senator, Dr the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, our newly minted Minister of Skills and Digital Transformation in the Office of the Prime Minister Our hardworking Director of the General Manager, Country Manager of the IDBB, Mr. Tariq Ali. Tariq obviously by accent, is from Trinidad, but he behaves like a Jamaican. Mrs. Shullette Cox, President of our promotion’s agency JAMPRO Mr. Yoni Epstein, Chief Executive Officer of ITELBPO Other specially invited partners and guests and stakeholders, all Representatives of the media Ladies and gentlemen, good morning, once again.   It is my pleasure to speak here this morning at the 9th staging of the Outsource to Latin America and the Caribbean 2023 Global…

"If Jamaica is to accelerate our pace of growth, we will have to produce far more Math, Science and Technology capable students coming out of our secondary systems, and that all starts with teachers.” -Dr. Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance and the Public Service ———————————————————–  One thousand two hundred and fifty student-teachers are set to receive scholarships to study in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), following the government’s launch of the initiative yesterday (June 29, 2023), as part of a wider programme to enhance Jamaica’s human capital development. The scholarships will help to advance Jamaica’s unprecedented positive transformation and promote the country's vision for economic growth by producing a larger cadre of  STEM proficient teachers, entrepreneurs, workers, and employees. Speaking at the STEM Scholarship Launch ceremony, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Honourable Nigel Clarke, highlighted the importance of ensuring a STEM competent workforce to attract future jobs and investments. "If Jamaica is to accelerate our pace of growth, we will have to produce far more Math, Science and Technology capable students coming out of our secondary systems, and that all starts with teachers,” Minister Clarke stated. In partnership with the Mico University College, the…

  “No one can argue about the fundamental substance of the achievements of this government. I encourage all Jamaicans to truly look at the improvements in your country. The changes that we all want are not going to happen overnight. While the changes may take some time, the government is seized of the importance of quickly utilizing the greater fiscal space available to reduce the pains and pressures of the population." - Prime Minister Andrew Holness ———————————————————– Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasizes that, unlike several other countries, Jamaica’s economic progress is remarkable having undergone overlapping global crises of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, which continues, and the impact of global inflation. Prime Minister Holness said, “Jamaica is seen on the international stage as the example of responsible management and governance. You wouldn’t hear that in the local circles because it’s not in the interest to promote that, but thankfully people who are looking on can benchmark and see it. I encourage all Jamaicans to truly look at the improvements in your country. The changes that we all want are not going to happen overnight.” The Prime Minister notes that while the changes may take some time, the government is…

Jamaicans can expect to see significant improvements in their communities following the announcement by Prime Minister Andrew Holness of the first phase of a comprehensive Government initiative to renew, transform and upgrade communal spaces across the island. The programme, which will improve the quality of life of our citizens by ensuring safe and beautiful parks, improved sidewalks and signage to mark streets, and the provision of a facelift for communities with the removal of zinc fences, will see each Member of Parliament being allocated $4 million for implementation. The Prime Minister made the announcement in Parliament on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. The Prime Minister says Jamaicans should feel good about their homes and communities, and be able to enjoy quality parks and amenities during their leisure time. He said, “The transformation of the physical and built environment in communities plays a crucial role in social and economic transformation.  It improves quality of life, fosters inclusivity and social equity, encourages community engagement, supports economic development, and promotes sustainable practices.” The Prime Minister further stated that by creating environments that are accessible, functional, and aesthetically pleasing, communities can enhance social well-being, equity, and resilience. The Government will also develop a programme for…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has highlighted several achievements that have propelled Jamaica towards a more sustainable economy. The Prime Minister says through a combination of prudent policies, strategic national investments, and a commitment to inclusive growth, Jamaica has realized economic stability that has had positive ripple effects throughout the country. The Prime Minister's address highlighted several key accomplishments that have garnered both national and international recognition. 1. Unemployment Rate Slashed by Nearly 50%: Under the Prime Minister's leadership, Jamaica has witnessed a substantial reduction in unemployment, resulting in enhanced economic opportunities for its citizens. Prime Minister Holness remarked, "When we took over in 2016, the unemployment rate was 13.7%.” Today, that unemployment rate stands at approximately 7%. This remarkable achievement signifies that more individuals, from various walks of life, now have jobs and increased household income.” 2. Access to Skill Training Enhanced: Recognizing the importance of skilled labour in driving economic growth, the government has made significant strides in enhancing access to skills training. Prime Minister Holness stated, "To address the demand for trained and skilled workers, we have made access to HEART free.” He says any Jamaican wanting to acquire skills to secure employment can now enrol in HEART…

“If you saw something, I urge you, say something, we cannot allow this murder to go unsolved. The person or persons who committed this crime could very well commit other crimes, and we cannot tell who the next victim could be.” - Prime Minister Andrew Holness ———————————————————– Prime Minister Andrew Holness has renewed his call for persons with information to come forward and share what they know about the horrific murder of 8-year-old Danielle Rowe who was abducted from school and her throat slashed. While observing the National Day of Mourning for our Children on Friday (June 23, 2023), Prime Minister Holness said the entire nation is in grief. He said, “This act, along with many other gruesome acts, that have been perpetrated on our young and vulnerable, is a blot on our conscience and on our social fabric; we cannot allow ourselves to become numb. There must be an uprising in our collective consciousness, we must draw a line in the sand and speak up about it.” In making a further appeal, the Prime Minister said anyone who might have seen what happened, no matter how vague their recollection, should share it with the authorities. “If you saw something,…

Upon the advice of the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, the Governor-General, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, has authorized the declaration of States of Public Emergency in the parishes of St. James and Westmoreland. The SOEs, which commenced at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, June 22, 2023, will be effective for an initial period of 15 days. Over the period 1 January 2023 to 19 June 2023, the St James police division had the highest number of murders across all police divisions with a total of ninety-five (95) murders. Westmoreland recorded the second-highest number of murders across police divisions for the same period with a total of fifty-four (54) murders. In announcing the SOEs on Thursday (June 22, 2023), Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized that the SOEs are declared as a response to a surge in criminal activities in the respective parishes and represent the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of innocent citizens. “We have had some success in reducing murders, however, criminal acts have become more brutal and gruesome. We must dismantle the threat to law and order posed by the prevalence of organized gangs. The Government will continue to use all available tools to…