News from the OPM

The Government of Jamaica expresses its deepest condolences to the families of Alrick Moncrieffe and Kayon Sterling who died as a result of the passage of Hurricane Beryl. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. Hurricane Beryl has brought significant hardship to our nation, and any loss of life is a profound tragedy. On behalf of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, the Honourable Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange contacted the family of Mr. Moncrieffe to personally speak with them and offer critical support. The Minister was unable to establish direct contact with the family of Ms Sterling due to connectivity challenges in Hanover. Minister Grange noted that the members of the Administration were deeply saddened when they were informed of the tragedies. “Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones. We stand with them in this time of grief and sorrow. ” – Minister Babsy Grange The Government is committed to providing support to the affected families and the broader communities as we navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, the Honourable Daryl Vaz has summoned the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company, Flow and Digicel to give an update on the restoration of critical utilities. The Minister has asked each entity to present a comprehensive briefing on plans to resume  normal operations. The Energy and Telecommunications Minister has instructed that this brief must include clear timelines. Minister Matthew Samuda and a team from the National Water Commission (NWC) and Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation will also attend the briefing as the resumption of the water supply in some areas is dependent on reliable electrical output from the grid. “This prolonged absence of electricity and reliable mobile reception is simply unacceptable. Tomorrow JPS, Flow and Digicel must give an account and update the nation on restoration efforts. I will do everything in my power to ensure that all Jamaicans have electricity and mobile reception as soon as possible.” – Minister Daryl Vaz The Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT) will have a press conference tomorrow, July 5, 2024 at 10:00 AM to brief the nation. The Government is committed to ensuring that JPS, Flow and Digicel carry out their responsibilities…

The Government is collecting status reports on the impact of Hurricane Beryl. At this time, normal operations of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies are slated to resume today, Thursday, July 4, 2024. However, if following an assessment of personal circumstances arising from the passage of Hurricane Beryl, public sector workers find it possible to return to office today, we encourage reporting to office. Please note however, if the circumstances do not provide for attendance at work, the Government encourages any employee experiencing difficulties to contact their supervisors or entity head as flexibility will be provided to ensure their well-being, while maintaining essential services. Preliminary reports are that mobile phone service in sections of the island are currently unavailable arising from the passage of Beryl. Therefore, given the unique circumstances, non-attendance at work today due to being affected by Hurricane Beryl will not be placed on record. No public servant will have their leave balance charged if they need to remain at home. The Government is committed to the well-being of all Jamaicans, including public sector workers and sympathises with everyone affected by the Hurricane. We are also committed to ensuring that Jamaicans have access to public services as we begin…

The Government of Jamaica has officially released the Disaster Risk Management (Enforcement Measures) (Hurricane Beryl) Order, 2024 and the Disaster Risk Management (Declaration of Disaster Area) (Hurricane Beryl) Order, 2024. These orders are critical components of the nation's preparedness and response strategy as Hurricane Beryl approaches the island. With the exception of a defined list of essential workers, all people in Jamaica are required to stay at their home or residence (including national shelters) from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm today, Wednesday, July 3, 2024. The enforcement order outlines specific enforcement measures aimed at protecting lives and ensuring public safety during this weather event. The Government is urging all Jamaicans to monitor the situation and stay informed through official channels, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), local tradition media, and government social media platforms. Copies of the declaration and enforcement orders can be found on the OPM website.

"I am encouraging all Jamaicans to take the hurricane as a serious threat. It is, however, not a time for panic. It is a time for us to be very strategic and calculated in our approach." -Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called on all Jamaicans to take Hurricane Beryl seriously and to make thorough preparations in the time available. Prime Minister Holness emphasized that this is not a time for panic but a time for measured and thoughtful action to ensure everyone's safety. "I am encouraging all Jamaicans to take the hurricane as a serious threat. It is, however, not a time for panic. It is a time for us to be very strategic and calculated in our approach," Prime Minister Holness stated. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of using the available time wisely for preparation, during which conditions could rapidly change. "We have a few hours in which to prepare. Within that few hours, a lot could change. But we are taking this precautionary stance now because it is easier to be prepared when you're standing on your two feet than when you are in the midst of a hurricane.” Reassuring the public, Prime Minister Holness says the government will take a measured…

The Cabinet based on the advice of the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, the Hon Desmond McKenzie, as well as the latest recommendation from the Met Office to move Jamaica from a hurricane watch to a hurricane warning, will structure its disaster response to Hurricane Beryl under the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA). The Disaster Risk Management Act grants additional authority to coordinate and execute a range of emergency response activities. Prime Minister, the Most Honourable, Andrew Holness emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures as Jamaica braces for Hurricane Beryl. “The main priority of the Administration at this time is the safety of the Jamaican people. By invoking the Disaster Risk Management Act, we are taking a proactive stance to prepare and protect our nation against any potential threats posed by Beryl. The machinery of Government has been mobilised and we are ready to respond for any eventuality. We will weather this storm together.” – Prime Minister Andrew Holness The government urges all citizens to remain vigilant, make the necessary preparations and cooperate with authorities during this period. Regular updates and guidelines will be provided to ensure that everyone is informed and prepared as the weather event…

"I'm encouraging all Jamaicans to get your precautionary stocks in place. Your stocks of goods, food, batteries and candles, and a supply of water just in case. Ensure that your critical documents are secure. If there are any trees or other things that could be of danger to your property, please ensure that you take the necessary actions to secure those items and to secure your property as well." - Prime Minister Holness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that the Government and emergency agencies are on high alert as preparations are in place for the possible impact of Hurricane Beryl. The weather system was upgraded to a Category one Hurricane by the National Weather Centre at 5pm on Saturday (June 29). Prime Minister Holness urged all Jamaicans to stay on the alert and be prepared for the imminent impact posed by Hurricane Beryl, currently advancing towards the Caribbean region. With the hurricane projected to potentially impact Jamaica as early as Tuesday night, Prime Minister Holness emphasized the critical importance of preparedness. "We have already taken steps to be prepared as a government. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is on alert. The Jamaica Defence Force…

“The only way that we are going to bring water to your home is to ensure that there is a government in place that continues to run the economy of the country in such a way that it generates the resources to make investments like this $160 million US investment in the water of this country.” -Prime Minister Holness ------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a historic water infrastructure investment project for western Jamaica. The project forms part of the Western Water Resilience Programme. In a decisive move to improve water supply to the parishes of St. James, Hanover, and Westmoreland, the government has approved a “Design & Build” contract with Vinci Construction Grand Projects. Speaking in Parliament on May 28, 2024, the Prime Minister announced that the Cabinet has approved a 'Design & Build' contract with Vinci Construction Grand Projects for two projects as part of the Western Water Resilience Programme. It will ensure water is available to residents living in the parishes of St James, Hanover, and Westmoreland. “The only way that we are going to bring water to your home is to ensure that there is a government in place that continues to run the economy…

“This Government recognizes that the contribution of minimum wage earners such as household workers, artisans, labourers, store clerks, and security personnel is vital in meeting our national productivity targets.” – Prime Minister Holness ---------------------------------------------------------------- The new minimum wage for a 40-hour work week will take effect tomorrow June 1, 2024. The new minimum wage will move to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) per week, up from thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000). The increase in the national minimum wage was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in his 2024/2025 Budget Presentation on March 21, 2024. This latest increase follows a 44-percent rate hike last year, moving the national minimum wage to the highest ever level for minimum wage earners in Jamaica. This increase will put the minimum wage at a historic level for low-income workers ever made by a Government in Jamaica. “This Government recognizes that the contribution of minimum wage earners, such as household workers, artisans, labourers, store clerks, and security personnel, is vital to the success of our manufacturers, hotels, professionals, lawyers, doctors, and teachers in meeting our national productivity and service targets,” said Prime Minister Holness. The minimum wage for industrial security guards will also be increased effective June 1,…