News from the OPM

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…

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has reiterated the Government of Jamaica’s support for safe entertainment and recreational activities in communities affected by Hurricane Melissa, noting that such activities play an important role in helping citizens cope during the recovery period, particularly throughout the Christmas season. Prime Minister Holness made the comments during an engagement in Black River, St. Elizabeth, where he received an update on security and recovery efforts from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Minto of the St. Elizabeth Police Division. SSP Minto reported that residents and promoters have been enquiring about permits for entertainment activities and underscored the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) commitment to facilitating these events once all safety and security requirements are met. “A number of the citizens have been locked away in the darkness, and queries are coming to me regarding permits. I want to make it clear to Jamaica, to St. Elizabeth and to the promoters that we are supporting entertainment activities. We want you to apply. We will help you go through the necessary process,” SSP Minto said. The SSP noted that several promoters have indicated the availability of alternate energy solutions, allowing events to proceed safely despite ongoing challenges. Furthermore, SSP Minto…

The Government of Jamaica welcomes the election of the Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Matthew Samuda, as the new President of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). The announcement of his election was made on Friday (December 12) in Nairobi, Kenya, during the Seventh Session of the Assembly (UNEA-7). Minister Samuda, who is currently leading Jamaica’s delegation to UNEA-7, was endorsed by the Latin America and Caribbean region and will preside over the Eighth Session (UNEA-8). The Minister’s assumption of this leadership role positions Jamaica and the wider region at the forefront of global environmental governance at a time when coordinated action is urgently required. The UNEA, comprising all 193 Member States of the United Nations, is the world’s premier forum for setting the global environmental agenda. The presidency carries a strategic mandate to guide policy deliberations, build consensus among diverse Member States, and influence the direction of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) as it responds to escalating environmental challenges. In his acceptance remarks, Minister Samuda underscored the magnitude of the work ahead and the need for collaborative, practical solutions. “Environmental stewardship is no longer an isolated agenda item; it is the defining challenge of our century. The…

The Government of Jamaica, through the Energy Ministry, in partnership with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), will implement a national energy recertification programme to regularize and restore safe electrical access to homes impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The recertification programme will also provide renewable energy solutions for vulnerable groups. Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Hon. Daryl Vaz made the announcement at Wednesday’s Post Cabinet Press Briefing. $1 billion under the National Energy Poverty Reduction Project will be reprioritized for this relief and recovery initiative. This programme will be implemented from December 2025 and March 31, 2026. “When families return to homes that have been repaired, they must be confident not only that the roof is back on and their walls are up, but that their electricity is safe, efficient and resilient. The Government’s recertification effort will ensure that every connection and every wire meet the standards required for a modern, climate-resilient Jamaica. We are using this moment of recovery to tackle energy poverty head-on. I want everyone to rest assured that we will maximize on every dollar to give you the most value.” — Hon. Daryl Vaz, Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications The Government of Jamaica is committed to…

At the Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, it was clarified that only structures that have been formally assessed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) will be eligible to receive a Government of Jamaica grant for roof repairs or other reconstruction support. This measure is intended to ensure fairness, accountability, and the proper targeting of limited public resources to households most in need. Assessments are ongoing across affected parishes, and the Government is urging citizens to cooperate fully with assessment teams. Approximately 40,144 homes have been assessed up to December 9, 2025. This is nearly doubled the number of assessments conducted in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Citizens are encouraged to self-report damage to their homes to the MLSS via the report mechanism on the Ministry of Labour’s website (https://mlss.gov.jm/hurricane-melissa-reporting-form/)  if they have not had an assessment. This information will help the Ministry to prioritise and plan especially in heavily impacted communities. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is seeking additional volunteers to complete assessments within the next few weeks. Ministries, Departments and Agencies have been asked to identify assessors to speed up the assessment process. If any citizen is able to volunteer as an assessor, they…