News from the OPM

As Jamaica prepares to receive a flight of 107 deported nationals on Thursday (May 29), the Government is reassuring the public that the return of nationals with final removal orders from overseas territories is neither unexpected nor unmanaged. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang and Foreign Minister Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, say the government has been closely monitoring developments in deportation trends and that systems are activated to manage any potential increase in returns. The Security Minister shared: “The Government continues to monitor the matter carefully and remains in direct communication with our counterparts in the U.S and other jurisdictions.” He further emphasized that “Jamaica, like other sovereign nations, is obligated under international laws to accept the return of its citizens who are subject to deportation. We have consistently fulfilled this duty while ensuring each case is managed with respect for due process and human rights.  In the same way that we repatriate foreign nationals who breach our laws, we respect the right of other countries to enforce their own immigration laws.” Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson-Smith, added that the Government has long taken proactive steps to address the…

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness today led tributes as the nation honoured the life and work of late former Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga, on the occasion of his 95th birthday. The commemorative event, held at the National Heroes Park, paid homage to a man Prime Minister Holness described as “A transformational, courageous and caring leader who saw more in us than we see in ourselves.” In his address, to mark the birth and death dates of the former Prime Minister, Dr Holness reflected on Mr. Seaga's lifelong commitment to public service and national development. Mr. Seaga's strength of character, institutional vision, and unshakable belief in Jamaica’s potential were highlighted. “Mr. Seaga stood very strongly for one perspective on human development. He stood very strongly for freedom, for democracy, for liberal democracy. He stood for markets and competition. He stood for human rights and the respect of individual freedom. And it was not always easy to do,” Prime Minister Holness stated. Prime Minister Holness continued: “Edward Seaga was not merely a political leader, he was a builder of systems, of structures, of dreams. He believed in the power of government to serve the people, and he worked relentlessly…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to renewable energy as a key strategy to lower the cost of water delivery and reduce national dependence. Speaking yesterday (May 27) at the official opening of the Forest Hills Pumping Station Solar Park, the Prime Minister commended the National Water Commission (NWC) for taking the lead in modernizing its operations and improving internal efficiency. “The NWC is the largest customer of the Jamaica Public Service (JPS),” the Prime Minister explained. “Yes, it costs quite a bit to get water to your homes because of the heavy use of electricity. But the NWC is trying to achieve internal efficiencies in its operations. That is actually a way to moderate costs to you.” The Prime Minister noted that solar energy investments like the one at Forest Hills represent a direct way of reducing operating expenses, which can ultimately translate into lower costs for consumers. “Investments in solar power will help to reduce the NWC’s operating costs and moderate costs passed on to you,” Dr. Holness said. Prime Minister Holness also used the opportunity to emphasize the need for Jamaica to explore a wider array of renewable energy options, beyond just solar and…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has called on Jamaicans to believe in a government that is not only working but delivering results for the people. Prime Minister Holness highlighted the work of the administration, which is backed by a historic and unmatched record of achievements. Speaking yesterday (May 27) at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ferry to Rock Pond Pipeline Project, the Prime Minister asserted that in an age of misinformation, doubt, and political skepticism, faith in proven leadership is more critical than ever. “We need to have a positive outlook, and we need to have faith. There’s a biblical definition of faith: ‘the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen,” the Prime Minister urged. Dr. Holness pointed directly at the results of a working government. “In front of you is the evidence of the delivery of what you hope for. That’s why I can speak to you with confidence. This is what every other community without water is hoping for, and today, you see it happening.” Framing the ceremony as not just as a local event but as a message to the rest of Jamaica, Prime Minister Holness said groundbreaking and commissioning ceremonies serve…

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has issued a powerful reminder to Jamaicans to examine the track record of delivery when evaluating leadership, especially during the “promising season”. Speaking yesterday (May 27) at the groundbreaking ceremony for the long-anticipated Ferry to Rock Pond Pipeline Project in St. Andrew, Prime Minister Holness says this administration has been consistently delivering on long-standing infrastructure needs and that this water project is just one of many. “It doesn't matter what you are promised; you have to look at the track record of delivery. Does the promisor, the man with the good intent, have the wherewithal to deliver?” The Prime Minister made it clear that the project was not a hasty move or pre-election stunt but the result of years of planning and economic improvement under his government. He said many of the projects now coming to fruition were long in the making, delayed not by negligence or lack of will, but by previous financial constraints. “These projects that we are breaking ground for today are not new projects. They were on the books, many of them, for a long time. Was it because they didn’t care? Was it because they were lackadaisical? No. They didn’t have the…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced that the Government has invested more than $87 billion in national security since 2016, nearly three times the amount spent in the eight years prior, a move that has significantly transformed Jamaica’s security landscape. Between 2008 and 2015, national security spending totalled approximately $26 billion. In contrast, the current administration has allocated $87.07 billion over the period 2016 to 2024, including a record $19.5 billion in a single year. “So, who is really spending and ensuring that you are safe? Who is really equipping the security forces and putting the money where it matters?” the Prime Minister asked. He credited the transformation to the implementation of the Plan Secure Jamaica strategy, a comprehensive, multi-agency approach to enhancing law enforcement capacity, intelligence, technology, and personnel development. Key achievements under the plan include: Growing the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) from approximately 6,000–7,000 to nearly 10,000. Increasing the number and training of Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) officers. Installing new scanners at ports to detect firearms and contraband. Expanding forensic, investigative, and intelligence training across the force. The Prime Minister also praised the improved performance of the JCF, noting their rapid response time and increased success in solving…

Jamaica continues to see a steady decline in serious crime, the result of sustained investment, structured planning, and a clear focus on strengthening national security. Speaking at a recent event, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness pointed to the shift in narrative surrounding crime trends and public safety. “When crime was going up, there was no hesitation to assign blame. Now that the numbers are going down, they say the Government can’t take credit,” he said. The Prime Minister outlined the practical steps taken to equip law enforcement with the tools and infrastructure needed to operate effectively. The police force has grown from approximately 9,000 to over 14,000 officers. New and upgraded police stations have been delivered across the island. Communication systems and digital recordkeeping have been modernized. Mobility and logistical support have been significantly improved. “The police are better supported than they have ever been,” the Prime Minister noted. “That is not by accident. It is the result of consistent investment and structured leadership.” He noted that crime reduction is not a passive outcome, but a product of deliberate choices made over time, backed by resources, policy, and execution. “You cannot separate results from the work that produced them. That…

Minister with Responsibility for Water, the Honourable Matthew Samuda, says the Government is making bold investments to solve Jamaica’s water crisis and restore comfort to households that have waited decades for reliable access. Speaking at a recent event, Minister Samuda acknowledged the public frustration, especially from communities still experiencing water challenges. “I understand the frustration. You hear about billions being spent and you’re still using a pan. But we are coming,” he said. Minister Samuda explained that while rain and river water may be free, the infrastructure to deliver it to homes is not. “To catch water is not free. To store it is not free. To clean it is not free. To get it to your pipe is not free,” he said. Minister Samuda noted that for over 50 years, little to no investment was made in Jamaica’s water systems. The result is a backlog the Government is now working to clear through a historic $10 billion investment in water and sewerage infrastructure. “We are investing more than ever before in water and sewage. We are doing it to bring comfort to your home and confidence to your business,” he added. He emphasized that economic growth and business expansion…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has called on the newest cohort of police trainees to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, respect, and humanity as he addressed them during a visit on Saturday (May 24) to the Tranquility Bay Police Training Facility in St. Elizabeth. “You represent a significant investment of the Jamaican people in our security,” the Prime Minister told the trainees. “Our intention is to have a police force of which the people of Jamaica will feel proud.” Prime Minister Holness reminded the recruits that their role carries significant authority, but that authority must never be misused. “The authority that you will have by virtue of the positions you will occupy as members of the security forces must at all times be used with respect. It must be used with great care and responsibility,” he said. The Prime Minister continued: “It must never be abused. It must never be used for your personal gain. It must never be used to take advantage of… and it must never be used with disregard for the citizen.” Dr. Holness noted that how officers exercise their authority will affect how the public engages with them. “You will find that…