News from the OPM

Over the past few days, details of land transactions involving the Sugar Corporation of Jamaica (SCJ) and parties connected to the Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. J. C. Hutchinson MP, have been reported in the public media. As Head of the Government of Jamaica, I am committed to ensuring the highest standards of accountability, probity, transparency and integrity in the administration of public affairs. Acting in this regard, I have consulted with the Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries the Hon. Audley Shaw, MP and Permanent Secretary Dermon Spence. In addition, I met with Minister Hutchinson and had frank and meaningful discussions on matters of current concern. Our discussions centred on an examination of the general details of transactions in question, the policy intent behind the transactions, and the administrative and legal requirements of such transactions; analyzed against the ethical standards and code of conduct of ministers outlined in Ministry Paper no.19. At the conclusion of our meeting, Minister Hutchinson reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of good governance, ministerial responsibility and the standards set out in the Code of Conduct. From my discussions with Minister Shaw, Permanent Secretary Spence…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, working with the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology, the Ministry of Education, and other Government stakeholders, distributed tablets to public sector teachers from across the island under the Tablets for Teachers Programme this morning, July 9, 2020. The initiative will see public sector teachers receiving 25,000 tablet computers as part of their compensation package. While delivering the keynote address, at the Balcombe Drive Primary and Junior High School in his West Central St. Andrew constituency, Prime Minister Holness noted that the Covid-19 pandemic reinforced the need to accelerate progress to enhance teaching and learning through digital inclusion and digital literacy. The Prime Minister further added that there is a need for greater investment in broadband internet in Jamaica. He underscored that though access to internet connectivity has improved over the years, Jamaica still has a far way to go. “The new economic Sub-committee of the Economic Recovery Taskforce is looking at how we can revolutionize our internet and broadband capabilities here. The technologies and the investments that we have, have outlived their useful capacity, and it is now time for meaningful investments to take place in order for Jamaica to be on good footing to…

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has made further changes to the ministerial arrangements in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. Minister without Portfolio, Hon. Daryl Vaz, will assume responsibility for the Water and Housing Portfolios and subject matters having to do with certain special economic development projects. Minister Vaz will be tasked with ensuring that water and housing projects are accelerated and that special economic projects, such as the Special Economic Zones, become a reality in short order. This is a necessary part of the Government’s recovery strategy from the COVID19 economic fallout. Newly appointed Minister without Portfolio, Leslie Campbell, has been assigned to the Land, Environment and Climate Change portfolio. Prime Minister Holness has said that the entire focus of the Government must be on ensuring that Jamaica recovers stronger from the Pandemic as we secure lives and livelihoods.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in continuing to ensure that the Government is on strong footing to effectively manage Jamaica’s economic recovery, has recommended to the Governor General that Mr. Leslie Campbell MP, an Attorney at Law, be appointed Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. Mr. Campbell became a lawyer in 1994 having attended St Mary’s College and the University of London; he specializes in civil matters and is also a businessman. The Prime Minister has also written to the Governor General recommending the appointment of Ms. Tova Hamilton, Attorney-at-law, to the Senate. Miss Hamilton who attended Westwood High School, the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, and the Norman Manley Law School, has been practising law since 2007. She specializes in conveyancing, corporate and entertainment law. Miss Hamilton is to be sworn in at the next sitting of the Senate. Prime Minister Holness says that the entire focus of his Administration is to ensure that Jamaica recovers stronger through this time of crisis as we preserve lives and livelihoods.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced the appointment of Hon. Karl Samuda to the post of Minister of Education, Youth and Information and Hon. Lester Mike Henry as Minister of Labour and Social Security effective June 18, 2020. Minister Samuda was previously Minister without portfolio with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information and Minister Henry was Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Holness noted that having brought the Ministry of Education under the umbrella of the Office of the Prime Minister, he is now satisfied that a strategic and strong governance framework has been implemented to ensure breaches such as those which occurred at the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) are not repeated. The Prime Minister said having had oversight of the portfolio for months, he is confident Minister Samuda will do a good job as  Minister. And, Minister Henry’s appointment to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security comes following the death of Hon. Shahine Robinson. Minister Robinson died on May 29, following a period of illness.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Government is refocusing its efforts to get the economy back on track to provide job opportunities for all Jamaicans, especially those persons impacted by the novel Coronavirus. The Prime Minister was speaking yesterday, (Wednesday, June 17) at the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) Groundbreaking ceremony for the Catherine Estates Housing Development in St. Catherine. The Prime Minister says the Government’s objective is to provide opportunities for persons severely affected by the pandemic. He noted that in getting the economy “up and running” the Government is working to create jobs that can also allow more persons to purchase their own homes. Since 2016, the Government has been on a successful mission to provide every Jamaican with the keys to their own homes, with a record number of housing starts in the history of Jamaica. The pandemic has separated many Jamaicans from their sources of income and in other cases many have suffered significant cuts to their earnings. In this regard, Prime Minister Holness said the Government’s goal is to ensure everyone has an income and to restore hope for a bright future. “With the resources available, the Government is ensuring that it can arrange the…

The Government will today (June 1, 2020) begin a phased reopening of the country’s borders. In an address to the nation last night (Sunday, May 31), Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that effective June 1, in the first phase of the lifting of border restrictions, passenger vessels carrying Jamaican citizens will be accommodated. In the second phase which will begin on June 15, the borders will be open to non-nationals or visitors. In that regard, the Government will seek to implement new controlled re-entry protocols that will be based on a risk assessment of the countries from which persons are seeking to enter Jamaica and their travel routes. “Countries that have a similar management and profile result for the epidemic regarding spread, death rate, infection prevention and control measures, contact tracing protocols and other such criteria could constitute a “travel bubble” that would determine the protocols that would apply to their entry,” said Prime Minister Holness. Nationals seeking to re-enter Jamaica from countries within this ‘travel bubble’ may not need to be tested on arrival. However, they would be subject to health status screening. Protocols that will be established for re-entry of nationals between June 1-14, 2020 include; Sensitization programme…

It is with deep sadness that I inform the nation of the passing of our dear Hon. Shahine Robinson, Minister of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for North East St. Ann. Shahine was a patriot, a servant of the people, a much loved political representative adored by her constituents, a humanitarian and great personal friend. In previous years, Shahine who is from Claremont, St. Ann, served as Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (2007) – with the responsibility for Local Government added in July 2011 – and Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Works (2011). An earnest and passionate member of the Jamaica Labour Party, Shahine never wavered in her love for her Party. She fought courageously against her illness; her passing has left us with a sense of deep sorrow and we shall miss her dearly. I extend heartfelt sympathy to her family and loved ones. May her soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine on her.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed sadness at the passing of former Government Minister, Dr. Neville Gallimore, CD. Dr. Gallimore who commenced his service in Government in the 1960s held several Ministerial posts in the Cabinet of the Edward Seaga led Government of the 1980s.  He was 81 years-old. In a statement to the media Prime Minister Holness said: “Dr. Gallimore served Jamaica with distinction. Dr. Gallimore had a passion for his God, his people and his politics. Indeed, He was undoubtedly a pioneer and a patriot. Dr. Gallimore has been a part of Jamaica’s political landscape from the 1960s and helped to shape policy and institutions in modern Jamaica.  I am indeed saddened at his passing as we have lost another of our nation-builders particularly on a day when we mark the 90th anniversary of the birth of the father of modern Jamaica, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga.” Dr. Gallimore was first elected member of Parliament for the constituency of South West St. Ann in 1967, becoming, at the time, the youngest member of the Jamaican Parliament. Two years later he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs from 1969-1972. In the 1980s under the leadership of former Prime…