News from the OPM

Jamaica welcomes the endorsement by the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, of Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, for appointment as Commonwealth Secretary General. Responding to the announcement of the UK’s support, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says it signals confidence in Minister Johnson Smith’s capabilities and demonstrated competence. The Prime Minister said, “The support of the United Kingdom, along with those of other Member States indicates that Minister Johnson Smith is increasingly enjoying confidence in her ability to positively transform the Commonwealth in keeping with the hopes and aspirations of its Members.” For her part, Minister Johnson Smith has warmly welcomed the UK’s endorsement and the confidence expressed in her ability to seize the opportunities ahead, through her vision for the Commonwealth to deliver meaningfully for all of us in a rapidly evolving world drawing on her diplomatic and managerial experience. Minister Johnson Smith has been leading a strong and convincing campaign across the Commonwealth. She recently wrapped up a tour of several African countries where she was very warmly received. Minister Johnson Smith is currently in Guyana where she continues to meet and share her vision for the Commonwealth with…

Says the Posture of the Government is One of Understanding and Dialogue Towards a Solution that is in the Best Interest of Everyone Prime Minister Andrew Holness is again urging public sector workers to seek to resolve their labour concerns in a way that does not disturb the ecosystem and revenue intake of our country.  The Prime Minister said industrial actions such as strikes without notice can destabilize the entire country and destroy the gains that have been made, putting the country in a worse off position to address the issues of the country’s workers. Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the Area 4 Headquarters of the Jamaica Fire Brigade in Montego Bay, Prime Minister Holness said, while we are faced with an ongoing pandemic and shocks from a war overseas, “we must not create shocks for ourselves.” Prime Minister Holness said; “We must not bring crisis onto ourselves because the posture of the government is not an antagonist one. The posture of this government is to take on the challenges in a respectful way because we recognize that the power of the government does not only lie in the authority of the legislation but it really lies in…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed deep sadness at the passing of broadcast journalist, playwright and historian the Hon. Barbara Gloudon, OJ, FIOJ. Affectionately called Miss G, she died at age 87 years old. Miss G served in media for more than 40 years, dating back to the early 1980s when she entered the field of broadcasting as host of Radio Jamaica's talkshow, Hotline. Additionally, she presented the weekly Anglican radio show, “Think on These Things”, on Radio Jamaica for many years. She also wrote radio plays, the most successful of which was the long-running "Wrong Move", which also aired on Radio Jamaica. Notably, she served for decades as the lead writer of Jamaican classics in the pantomime. In 1975 Barbara Gloudon received the honorary title of Order of Distinction and later in 1992 was awarded the Order of Jamaica. In 2012, she received the title of Fellow of the Institute of Jamaica, FIOJ. In the 1970s Barbara Gloudon served as Deputy Director of Tourism. Prime Minister Holness said: “My sincere condolences to the media and theatre fraternities, the family and friends of Barbara Gloudon. Jamaica has lost a woman who has helped to shape the history and culture of our…

The Government of Jamaica is pleased to welcome the President of the Republic of India His Excellency the Honourable Ram Nath Kovind to the island on a four-day State Visit. President Kovind will be in Jamaica May 15 to 18. The visit comes as Jamaica celebrates 60 years of political independence and also marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and India. President Kovind is the first President of India to visit Jamaica. During the historic visit, the Indian President will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Norman Manley International airport and will be met by State and Government officials. He will pay a courtesy call on the Governor General His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen. President Kovind will also meet with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and engage in other activities including laying a wreath at the shrine of Jamaica’s first National Hero the Right Excellent Marcus Garvey and hold an engagement with the Indian community in Jamaica. President Kovind will leave Jamaica on May 18.

Citizens must also change how they respond to authority and law enforcement Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government of Jamaica absolutely rejects the abuse of Jamaica’s citizens by law enforcement. In response to recent videos that have surfaced of altercations between law enforcement and citizens in the Denham Town community, the Prime Minister said he has been in discussions with the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of National Security who are closely monitoring the conduct of the officers. The Prime Minister said; “The Government of Jamaica will never, in any way empower our security forces to abuse our citizens. Everyone who wears a uniform and is under oath to serve and protect, must understand  that directive of the government.” Sections of the Denham Town community have been under a Zone of Special Operation for several months. However, there has been an increase in reports of challenges between citizens and the security forces. The Prime Minister underscored that the incidents are unfortunate, and noted that directives have been given to the security chiefs which are to be properly and thoroughly executed “to ensure the preservation of life and the enhancement of the security of the citizens.” He stressed…

“We have underutilised capacity in our population which we must bring into the labour force in a structured and organised way,” said Prime Minister Holness. Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is seeking to expand the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC), to facilitate the training of more young people and to promote the meaningful engagement of unattached youth. Noting that Jamaica is currently experiencing challenges in meeting the demand for labour, the Prime Minister says the programme will ensure growth in the labour force, while simultaneously empowering our youth to be productive members of society. Importantly, the Prime Minister says the programme will absorb significant 'leakage' from the education system and divert young men from illicit activities including gang culture, the underground society, and a life of crime. Prime Minister Holness says the challenge with labour could become chronic and could have significant negative impacts on Jamaica’s growth and development outlook. Importantly, Prime Minister Holness clarified that, “It’s not that we are short of people; that’s not the problem. We are short of labour.” In order to be counted as a part of Jamaica’s labour market, one must be 14 years or older and actively seeking employment over a…

The Prime Minister says Jamaicans should be able to enjoy their country’s natural assets Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) will be providing the financial resources to upgrade designated public beaches for the enjoyment of Jamaicans. The Prime Minister said: “The upgrades will improve the overall experience for the benefit of the Jamaican people.” Prime Minister Holness says where applicable, each beach will receive changing areas and restrooms, perimeter fencing, parking, children’s play areas, seating, walkways, electricity and sewage treatment facilities. The Prime Minister reported that three beaches have benefited from these enhancements thus far, with several more being targeted. Prime Minister Holness also emphasised that the Government remains sensitive to the issues of the public. Considering this, the Prime Minister said that the Jamaican people must be able to access and enjoy the natural assets of their country. Additionally, the Prime Minister encouraged investors to ensure that community members are involved in the development process and that their rights are also protected. Prime Minister Holness says residents must be viewed as key stakeholders in this regard. The Prime Minister was speaking today (April 20, 2022) at the ground-breaking ceremony for the RIU Aquarelle resort in…

Says There Will be Greater Enforcement of the New Road Traffic Act Prime Minister Andrew Holness is cautioning road users to be extra vigilant while traversing the nation’s roadways, this following a spate of traffic accidents over the last few days. Prime Minister Holness stated; “There is no need to be reckless, there is no need to be irresponsible. You can get to where you are going even if you drive a bit slower; even if you drive with greater care; even if you stop and allow someone else to go. There is no need for this kind of abandonment of responsibility on the road.” Speaking at a groundbreaking event in the Parish of Trelawny, Prime Minister Holness noted that the National Road Safety Unit has reported an increase in traffic accidents. The Prime Minister also stressed that the increase in accidents presents additional stress to Jamaica’s health system. He also used the opportunity to caution particularly bike riders, to utilise the necessary protective gear while riding. Together with his public plea for safe road usage by all stakeholders, the Prime Minister underscored that there will be greater enforcement of the new Road Traffic Act.

1. At the invitation of the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica, His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, paid a State Visit to Jamaica from 13th to 15th April 2022.  The Visit, initially planned for 2020, was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was rescheduled for 2022 as a part of the year-long celebration of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of Independence. 2. The visit provided the opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between Jamaica and Rwanda and to foster greater trade and investment; promote technical cooperation; as well as to develop a formalised framework for engagement between the two Governments. 3. The President was accompanied by Dr. The Honourable Uzziel Ndagijimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning; Ms. Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board; His Excellency Claver Gatete, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Rwanda to the United Nations and High Commissioner for the Republic of Rwanda to Jamaica, resident in New York and several members of his support team.4. President Kagame was received upon arrival by His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J, Governor-General, The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP and other senior government officials.5 The…