News from the OPM

"The only way to effectively address your long-term issues is to make strategic investments that generate revenue, which can then be substantially allocated to address the current pain points affecting you. Now, you have a government that can really change your situation for the long term.” -Prime Minister Holness ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tangible, sustainable development, designed to benefit all citizens. Speaking today (October 25) at a handing over ceremony of another Indigent Housing unit in St. Thomas, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the transformative changes taking place, particularly in underdeveloped parishes like St. Thomas. Dr. Holness emphasized the progress made through prudent economic management and a people-centered approach to governance. Prime Minister Holness highlighted that Jamaica’s economic advancement is not a result of the sudden discovery of resources or oil wealth; rather,  it is founded on sound governance and efficient use of resources by his administration. “The only thing that has changed that has allowed the government to be able to do things like handing out social houses and building infrastructure is good government—good economic management. That is what has created the dividends that have allowed us to give back to you…

“Jamaica is not the same place it was ten years ago. More people have income, more people are aspirational, and this makes Jamaica a prime destination for investors.” - Prime Minister Holness __________________________________________________________ Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has emphasized the government's commitment to lifting Jamaicans out of poverty, enabling them to achieve their aspirations. Prime Minister Holness says lifting people from poverty is intrinsically linked to the government’s focus on creating a stable economy and fostering good governance, which are crucial to aid in addressing the needs of the people. Speaking last Thursday (October 10) at the grand opening of the new Courts store in Drax Hall, St. Ann, Prime Minister Holness underscored the importance of aligning Jamaica’s economic framework with the everyday aspirations of its citizens, particularly those seeking to move into the middle class. “We want people to step up in life. If stepping up means buying a bigger fridge or being able to send their children to school easier, that is prosperity,” the Prime Minister declared. He continued, “We are not afraid of being aspirational, but those aspirations cannot be fulfilled without having a solid economy.” The Prime Minister addressed the public sentiment of doubt that…

“The real achievement is that there is an enduring programme supported by a budget that will over the long run ensure that any Jamaican who falls in this situation of having no means, no income, is a victim of unfortunate circumstances.” - Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the government remains committed to supporting Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens through the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP). The NSHP initiative is the government's flagship programme targeting the vulnerable and providing sustainable housing solutions for those in dire need to ensure that no Jamaican is left behind. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the true value of the NSHP lies in its ability to deliver lasting support to thousands of Jamaicans facing extreme poverty and unfortunate circumstances. “The real achievement is that there is an enduring programme supported by a budget that will over the long run ensure that any Jamaican who falls in this situation of having no means, no income, is a victim of unfortunate circumstances. This is a programme where the government can intervene in your circumstances and assist you. We must always prioritize the poor and the most vulnerable in all our actions,” said Prime Minister…

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, the Integrity Commission submitted an Investigation Report, Ruling and Special Report to Parliament concerning an investigation into my Statutory Declarations for 2021.  The Reports have now been tabled and I have since had a chance to read the concluding paragraphs of the Ruling by the Director of Corruption Prosecution, the 5-page summary, and peruse the recommendations and conclusion. While acknowledging that the report together total just under 200 pages, the parts that I have read appear to give a sufficient sense of the findings. First, I welcome the fact that the report is finally tabled two years since this process began. I also take note of the fact that the Commission tabled both the Report and the Ruling of the Director of Corruption Prosecution at the same time. The last time this was not done. Based on what is said in the Summary, queries were triggered because I had omitted bank accounts from my declarations and one of these accounts was incorrectly reported as a US Dollar balance by the financial institution. These matters were cleared as the accounts were cleared as the accounts in question by my recollection were, dormant, previously reported and…

The Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, is reporting significant progress in relief distribution efforts, under the Rebuild Jamaica Initiative, two months after Hurricane Beryl brushed sections of southern Jamaica. Already, the Ministry of Labour says it has distributed thousands of cheques and other essential resources. Speaking at the recent Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Tuesday (September 10), Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. highlighted that the government allocated J$1 billion to the Ministry for the distribution of grants to individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed. As of Friday, September 6, 2024, the Ministry had completed 13,000 household damage assessments across all 14 parishes. Based on the severity of the damage, affected households have been receiving financial aid as follows: - Minor damage: A single payment of J$50,000. - Major damage: A single payment of J$150,000. - Total destruction: Initial payments of J$200,000, with a follow-up payment of an additional J$200,000 upon verification of proper use of funds for reconstruction. The Minister reported that so far, 6,670 cheques valued at $594.4 million have been prepared. Of this, 3,300 cheques, totalling J$260.5 million, have been distributed over the past two weeks to assist with home repairs. Approximately 43.8% of the allocated cheques have been successfully distributed, and efforts to deliver assistance across all…

The Government of Jamaica remains steadfast in its commitment to participate in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, as part of a broader international effort to restore peace and stability to the Haitian people. In line with our public commitments, Jamaica will deploy an initial command team of 24 on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The remaining contingent of security forces will follow at a later date. This initial deployment will comprise officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), both of whom are highly trained and equipped to address the multifaceted security challenges currently facing our Haitian neighbours. This mission will be carried out with the utmost care for the safety and effectiveness of our security personnel. We are working in coordination with our partners to ensure that the necessary resources, equipment, and logistical support are in place to guarantee the mission’s success. This deployment of Jamaican security forces to Haiti is the result of a comprehensive intelligence-driven assessment. Our intelligence teams, in collaboration with international agencies, have carefully evaluated the situation to determine how best our forces can contribute to restoring peace and stability. This intelligence-led approach ensures that our deployment is…

The Cabinet has established the Disaster Risk Management Review Committee (DRMRC) to enhance the country’s readiness for natural and man-made disasters. This committee will assess critical infrastructure, essential services, and the state's ability to provide timely disaster response, focusing on water, electricity, telecommunications, medical services, and community preparedness. Major General Antony Anderson, Former Commissioner of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, will chair the committee. A distinguished leader and public servant, Major General Anderson, brings a wealth of experience in disaster management, national security, and public safety. Other members of the DRMRC include Dr Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr., Mr Johnathan Brown and Ms Trudy Deans. Ms Deans will serve as Head of the Secretariat for the committee. Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee is a leading expert in geospatial technology applications. With an extensive background in geography, he has advised businesses and policymakers on disaster resilience. Mr. Johnathan Brown is a retired Senior Public Official and the immediate past president of the Jamaica Government Pensioners’ Association. Trudy Deans is a strategic global executive with over two decades of experience. Currently serving as Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, she has been instrumental in major national initiatives such as the Jamaica Education Transformation Commission and…

“We are really trying to improve the quality of the (bus) service and that is a tangible way in which the government can take the rewards of its good fiscal management and translate it into tangible benefits that improve your quality of life. This will improve the service you receive, reduce the pain point of public transportation, and reduce the cost of living to you.” - Prime Minister Holness ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government has embarked on a series of strategic initiatives aimed at translating the benefits of sound fiscal management into tangible improvements in the quality of life for all Jamaicans. These initiatives will focus on critical areas such as reducing the cost of living, enhancing public transportation, and making significant investments in education and human resource development. Speaking on Monday (September 2, 2024), at Jamaica College, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the importance of these initiatives in addressing the everyday challenges faced by Jamaican citizens. “We must now focus on addressing the pain points that you, as parents and students, experience in your everyday life. One area that the government will be focusing on heavily is on reducing the cost of living” the Prime Minister…

At a special edition of the Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness announced the date for the by-election in the constituency of North East St. Ann. Relevant dates for the by-election in North East St. Ann are as follows: -       Nomination Day: Wednesday, September 11, 2024 -       Election Day: Monday, September 30, 2024 The dates for the remaining by-elections to fill the existing vacancies will be announced in the coming weeks. The Government of Jamaica encourages all eligible voters to utilise their constitutional right and participate actively in the democratic process.