News from the OPM

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has emphasized that strengthening the resilience and continuity of State institutions is a central pillar of the Government’s disaster response strategy, noting that safeguarding public services during crises requires foresight, planning, and disciplined decision-making. Addressing the Official Reopening of Business Kiosks and Shops at Border in St. Elizabeth on January 16, 2026, Prime Minister Holness explained that while immediate relief is necessary after a disaster, governments are elected to think beyond the urgent moment and to prepare the country for what comes next. “Governments are elected to think several steps ahead and to prepare the country for what lies beyond the immediate moment,” the Prime Minister said, highlighting the responsibility of leadership to anticipate challenges and protect the functioning of the State during and after emergencies. Dr. Holness explained that following Hurricane Melissa, the Government took deliberate decisions to strengthen the operational capacity of critical public institutions so that essential services could continue even in adverse conditions. “After Hurricane Melissa, we can now say that there are many State entities that did not have backup power before that now have backup power,” the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister noted that generators…

The Government of Jamaica has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring economic livelihoods in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, as Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness addressed the Official Reopening of Business Kiosks and Shops at Border, St. Elizabeth, on January 16, 2026. Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Holness explained that while emergency relief was necessary in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, the Government has deliberately shifted its focus toward economic recovery and business continuity, recognizing that true recovery is measured by the restoration of livelihoods and local enterprise. “Normalcy returns when local shops and community spaces like Border are back in operation, allowing people to sell goods, earn an income, and support their families through their own efforts,” the Prime Minister said. Dr. Holness emphasized that reopening businesses is central to rebuilding communities and restoring dignity and independence to affected families. “Emergency relief helps people survive the shock, but long-term recovery comes when livelihoods are restored and communities can stand on their own again,” he added. The target reopening of community businesses forms part of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC) Business Restoration Programme, established following the Prime Minister’s directive to prioritize the recovery…

Summary of Discussions   Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness on Saturday held a productive telephone conversation with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which they discussed ongoing cooperation between Jamaica and the United States, including U.S. assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and broader regional economic and security priorities. Secretary Rubio commended the Government of Jamaica’s management of the hurricane relief and recovery efforts and recognized the rapid restoration of critical services across affected communities after a Category 5 impact. Prime Minister Holness expressed sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the United States for their continued support throughout the relief and early recovery phase. They also discussed the magnitude and complexity of the reconstruction effort ahead, including the need to build more robust infrastructure to support economic activity. Secretary Rubio reaffirmed the United States’ willingness to support Jamaica’s reconstruction and resilience efforts through continued cooperation and partnership, including private sector participation. Prime Minister Holness also welcomed the recent decision by the U.S. Department of State to once more upgrade Jamaica’s travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2, noting that this positive development reflects the country’s sustained improvements in public safety and…

As Jamaica moves decisively to recover from the economic disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa, Prime Minister the Most Honourable Dr. Andrew Holness has issued a direct challenge to investors to expand investment, raise productivity, and pursue large-scale, innovative projects to power faster national recovery and long-term growth. Speaking on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) at the official opening of the Wisynco Brewery and New Manufacturing Facility in St. Catherine, the Prime Minister underscored that economic expansion, not retrenchment, is the path forward following the hurricane’s impact on multiple sectors and parishes. “The only way for us to come out of this is to grow our way out of it. There is no international aid that can rescue us. The days of us looking for a country or a benefactor to come and assist, those days are over. We must stand on our own two feet and recover by ourselves. That is the definition of an independent country,” Prime Minister Holness said. The Prime Minister assured Jamaicans that the Government remains firmly focused on their interests, highlighting measurable national progress even in the face of adversity, including declining murder rates, improved stability, and strong international confidence in Jamaica’s economic management. “When you…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says the Government has successfully steered Jamaica through a period of significant global uncertainty, marked by turbulent geopolitical and geoeconomic conditions. Prime Minister Holness was speaking at the 20th Gathering of the Heal the Family, Heal the Nation Day of Prayer Service, held on January 7, 2026, at the Power of Faith Ministries in Portmore, St. Catherine. Addressing the congregation, Dr. Holness noted that Jamaica is operating in a complex global environment characterized by instability, external shocks, and overlapping crises, requiring steady leadership and careful decision-making. “We are living in changing times, uncertain times, and in many instances, uncharted waters,” the Prime Minister said. “My job as the steward of your affairs and the servant of your wishes is to keep Jamaica safe.” The Prime Minister emphasized that navigating such conditions demands restraint and prudence, cautioning against unnecessary actions that could expose the country to avoidable risks. “Not to steer into waters for which we don’t have to go, and not to invite problems on ourselves when we already have our own problems to deal with,” he added. The Prime Minister underscored that Jamaica’s approach to global and domestic challenges has been…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness on Tuesday delivered a message of unity and shared responsibility as he joined the Maroon communities in Accompong, St. Elizabeth, calling on Jamaicans to work together as one people, particularly in times of recovery and national rebuilding. Addressing residents during the commemoration of the 288th anniversary of the Treaty between the Maroons and the British, Prime Minister Dr. Holness cautioned against division, particularly in times of hardship and disaster, and urged Jamaicans to focus on what each person can contribute to recovery and development, reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility. The Prime Minister emphasized that leadership in Jamaica must be rooted in service, accountability, and respect for all communities. He noted that his role as Prime Minister is not one of dominance but of stewardship on behalf of the people. “I stand here as your Prime Minister, obligated to you,” Prime Minister Dr. Holness said, explaining that his responsibility is to serve all Jamaicans and to ensure that the affairs of communities are properly administered. The Prime Minister emphasized that effective national progress depends on cooperation among all levels of leadership, including community leadership, which he acknowledged has long been a defining…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has underscored the Government’s commitment to the rapid restoration and strengthening of Jamaica’s electricity grid, as 175 additional specialized vehicles were officially handed over to the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company to accelerate recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The new fleet includes bucket trucks, diggers, pole trailers, and support units that will reinforce ongoing restoration work, particularly in communities still awaiting the return of electricity. The equipment will support Jamaican, Caribbean, and international crews currently working alongside JPS linemen to restore service to the remaining 10 percent of customers islandwide. With this latest handover, the total number of specialized vehicles deployed since Hurricane Melissa struck on October 28 has increased to 247, significantly expanding the operational capacity required to complete restoration safely and efficiently. Speaking last Friday at the handover ceremony, Prime Minister Holness said the Government’s recovery strategy is deliberately anchored in restoring electricity as a foundation for national recovery. “The government’s strategy for restoration relies heavily on the restoration of electricity. So, we are driving recovery and restoration by driving the recovery of the electricity sector,” the Prime Minister said. Dr. Holness highlighted that Jamaica has achieved approximately 90 percent…

Following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which hit Western Jamaica particularly hard, Dr. the Honourable Andrew Wheatley, Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects in the Office of the Prime Minister, is leading a targeted STEAM Toys Distribution Initiative to support children in the most affected communities during the Christmas/New Year period. Minister Wheatley stated, “This is a clear, practical recovery action with a simple logic: relief that also builds capability. Children disrupted by the hurricane faced setbacks in school routines, play, and well-being. STEAM-based toys convert gift-giving into an early investment in curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.” He continued: “This initiative is about more than giving toys; it’s about giving children a lift now and building the skills and confidence they will need for the future,” added Minister Wheatley. Minister Wheatley is delivering the programme through the Science Portfolio’s core agencies: • National Commission on Science and Technology (NCST): Coordinating the initiative and mobilizing support for affected communities. • National Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology (NFDST): Engaged by NCST and successfully procured approximately 1,400 STEAM kits and toys for children ages 0–13 in hurricane-affected areas. • Scientific Research Council (SRC): Supporting implementation and helping ensure the kits…

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) hosted its annual Christmas treats for children and senior citizens in hurricane-affected communities, as part of a deliberate effort to bring hope, light, and happiness to citizens during the festive season. Traditionally hosted at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kingston, Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness explained that the decision was taken to relocate the treats to Western Jamaica in recognition of the significant hardship experienced by several parishes following the hurricane. “We are usually confined to Kingston, and we usually treat the children in Kingston. This year, because of the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, where at least six parishes experienced significant damage, we decided that we would use the resources of the OPM and host those treats that we normally do in Kingston, and bring them here to where it really matters, and where people really need the assistance,” Dr. Holness said while addressing the children’s Christmas treat in Middle Quarters, St. Elizabeth. The Prime Minister added that directives had been issued to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to follow a similar approach by prioritizing outreach in communities most affected by the hurricane. Dr. Holness also underscored…