News from the OPM

On Monday, September 2, 2024, Minister Matthew Samuda resigned from the Senate, effective immediately. Throughout his 8 years of distinguished service in the Senate, Minister Samuda has been instrumental in shaping and advancing Jamaica’s national security and environmental and climate resilience agendas. Prime Minister, the Most Honourable, Andrew Holness expressed gratitude for Minister Samuda’s dedication and contribution to the Jamaica’s development, noting, “Matthew Samuda has been a tireless champion for a sustainable future of Jamaica. His work in the Senate will leave an enduring legacy, and we thank him for his years of committed service.” Minister Samuda expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve in the Senate, stating, “It has been an honour to contribute to the legislative and policy framework through the Senate. I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleagues and the Jamaican people during my time in office.” Minister Matthew Samuda will be pursuing representation of the Constituency of North East St Ann. Prime Minister Andrew Holness is confident that Minister Samuda will excel in his new role and continue his service to the people of Jamaica.

“I encourage you to stay and contribute to the economic growth (of Jamaica). We need you. And for the first time in a long time, remaining in Jamaica, working in Jamaica, will be rewarding. Your efforts will yield results. It is a long struggle, but we are at the point now where we are starting to see the benefits.” Prime Minister Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness says there is a critical need to retain skilled healthcare professionals within the country to advance Jamaica’s economic growth and development. This as the Government continues to improve Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure and services. However, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that while investments in physical infrastructure are vital, a robust healthcare system cannot thrive without a dedicated and well-supported workforce. He acknowledged the historical trend of Jamaican talent migrating abroad and stressed that he is committed to reversing this trend by enhancing the healthcare sector. “Our nation has long been a net exporter of talent, contributing to global projects and professions,” said Prime Minister Holness. “But Jamaica needs its best and brightest to stay and contribute to our national development. Our focus is now on creating an environment where our skilled professionals can thrive and…

 "The REACH Road Rehab Programme is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the people of Jamaica have safe and reliable road infrastructure. By investing in our roadways, we are investing in the future of our country."  Prime Minister Holness  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Minister of Works, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, on Saturday (August 31, 2024) announced the launch of the REACH Road Rehab Programme, a comprehensive national road rehabilitation initiative valued at $3 billion. This programme is designed to address critical road infrastructure needs across the island, with a specific focus on damage caused by recent weather events, including Hurricane Beryl, as well as the execution of routine road maintenance. Under the REACH Road Rehab Programme, each of the 63 constituencies will see funds allocated to conduct essential road repairs and maintenance, ensuring that all regions of the country benefit equitably. This initiative is part of the Government’s commitment to improving national infrastructure and enhancing the safety and convenience of our roadways for all Jamaicans. The programme will be executed in two phases: - Phase One: September to November 2024 - Phase Two: January to March 2025 During these periods, contractors will be mobilized to repair the most critically damaged…

Today, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) announced to the IMF’s Executive Board, her proposal to appoint Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, Minister of Finance and the Public Service, to the position of Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, effective October 31, 2024. This is a historic and important development in which I take immense pride. The IMF plays an indispensable role in the world economy, promoting global financial stability and monetary cooperation, in service of its 190 member countries. As such, the position of Deputy Managing Director is global in scope. No citizen of Jamaica, the Caribbean or Central America has ever before served at this level in the IMF in its 80-year history. It is to the benefit of Jamaica and the Caribbean region for one of our nationals to serve in such a consequential global position. This development is, therefore, a tremendous net gain for Jamaica and the Caribbean. Furthermore, this elevation of Minister Clarke is demonstrative of the depth, strength and capacity of my administration. Over the course of his public sector career, Dr. Nigel Clarke has made outstanding contributions to Jamaica as Chairman of the NHT, HEART Trust and the Port Authority…

The National Security Council convened an emergency meeting yesterday, August 12, 2024, to address the recent reprehensive act of terrorism in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon. This brutal attack yesterday has shocked our nation. The National Security Council has analysed all dimensions of the act and is now executing an immediate, comprehensive, and robust response to restore law and order. In response, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has deployed additional resources to the affected area, with investigations already underway. A curfew has been imposed, and the public is urged to assist by passing on any information that may lead to the apprehension of those responsible. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has also been mobilized, with a specialized, targeted team set to be deployed to support the JCF. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica, expressed his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this brutal act. He emphasized that his Administration’s resolve to bring those responsible to justice, stating, “Anyone who was in any way involved in the act of terror in Clarendon will be brought to justice. This act of terror and any similar act is an attack on every Jamaican. The security…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has congratulated and commended gold medalist and Olympic record holder 25-year-old Roje Stona on his historic medal for Jamaica. Stona secured Jamaica's first gold medal at the 33rd Olympiad in Paris, France and the first gold in a field event at the Olympics in stunning and resilient fashion. Stona threw 70m to beat the world record holder. Jamaica is now ranked at 28th on the medal tables at the Olympics, securing 1 gold, 3 silver and a bronze medal so far. “I want to congratulate Roje Stona on winning gold in the discus at the Olympic Games in Paris. This is the first time that a Jamaican has won the discus at the Olympics. Roje has done his family proud, and he has brought tremendous joy to our country. Indeed, he has reminded the world that Jamaicans are resilient people. We are talented people, and we are capable of not only doing well on the track but we also shine brightly in the field events. His performance shows the world that Jamaica, ‘likkle but wi tallawah.’ We are proud of you, Roje, and we celebrate your major achievement,” said Prime Minister Holness. The Prime Minister also recognized…

“We need to start producing more of the foods we consume locally, and produce more of them… We must start to treat agriculture as a business and not only as a passion.” – Prime Minister Andrew Holness --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness has instructed that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining delivers, by April 2025, a national plan to ensure resilience in the sector. Speaking at the 70th staging of the Denbigh Agricultural and Industrial Show in Clarendon on Independence Day (August 6), Prime Minister Holness said the plan should include how local production of agricultural goods is increased using Jamaican input and Jamaican resources to increase our processing capabilities for food. "We need to start producing more of the foods we consume locally and produce more of them. So I have given an instruction to the Minister of Agriculture as part of our food security and resilience to come up by April 2025 with a national plan to build resiliency in agriculture, which would include increasing the local production of food and goods here in Jamaica using Jamaican input and Jamaican resources to increase our processing capabilities for food, to increase our storage capabilities for food, and…

“The security forces will launch an all-out assault on any gang involved. Every gang will feel the full force of the State. This must never happen in Jamaica again. Everyone involved in this act of terror will be brought to justice.” – Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness has vowed strong, decisive action for those involved in Sunday’s deadly attack in Cherry Tree Lane, Four Paths, Clarendon, which resulted in the killing of eight persons including an 8-year-old child, and the injuring of nine others. Speaking this morning at a press conference, hours after the incident and following an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, Prime Minister Holness condemned the incident as an act of terror. The Prime Minister said every individual involved in this barbaric act of terror will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice. Prime Minister Holness announced that the State will deploy every resource to dismantle the criminal networks responsible and prevent such atrocities from ever recurring. "I stand here today with firm resolve that everyone, and I mean everyone, who was in any way involved in this incident, will be brought to justice. I want to make that absolutely clear. This incident…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has encouraged Jamaicans to use the struggles of the past to chart meaningful independence for the future. In his Emancipation Day message 2024, to mark the start of freedom for the enslaved on August 1, 1834, Prime Minister Holness chronicled the work and sacrifices of Jamaica’s forebears to bring the changes and freedoms now being enjoyed in modern Jamaica. The Prime Minister said Jamaicans must honour the legacy of our ancestors to inspire greater successes for the future. Prime Minister Holness noted that while the advocacy for reparation from the colonisers is important, Jamaicans should continue to chart our freedom through economic independence. “We cannot afford to rest on our laurels. The struggle for justice persists — with the lessons of history still echoing in our lives today. It is crucial that we continue to advocate for reparations, but we do not wait on it.  We must use our freedom to build our own wealth and secure our economic independence. Every child who celebrates freedom today must be taught that their joy is built upon the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and for the right to be able to use our God given…