Prime Minister Holness Commits to Stronger Healthcare System as Monument is Unveiled for Fallen COVID-19 Healthcare Workers
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says the government is now better equipped to withstand future health crises.
The Prime Minister’s declaration came as he today (March 10, 2025) unveiled a monument to honour healthcare workers who died during COVID-19 in 2020.
The monument is part of activities to mark the fifth anniversary of the impact of the pandemic on Jamaica, which put workers, particularly in the medical field, on the frontlines.
On March 10, 2020, the Government recorded the first case of COVID-19 in Jamaica.
Speaking on Monday (March 10) at the unveiling of a monument honouring healthcare workers, Prime Minister Holness emphasized that the lessons learned from the pandemic have driven substantial investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and resilience-building within the health sector.
“If our economy isn’t doing well, we cannot respond adequately and effectively to crises. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities that we have since worked tirelessly to address, and because of the difficult but necessary economic reforms we have undertaken, Jamaica is now better prepared for future shocks, whether it is another pandemic, a natural disaster, or a global economic downturn,” stated Prime Minister Holness.
Dr. Holness said emerging from COVID-19, his administration is dedicated to strengthening Jamaica’s healthcare system and medical professionals.
“It is out of a commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce that we launched the Dr. Barry Wint Memorial Scholarship in 2024, investing $2.5 billion to support 607 students pursuing studies in medical technology, nursing, biomedical engineering, and other critical health-related fields,” the Prime Minister announced.
Dr. Holness stressed that the investments are part of a long-term strategy to create a sustainable and modern healthcare system capable of delivering high-quality care to all Jamaicans.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to the healthcare heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during the pandemic, underscoring their lasting impact on the nation.
“This monument is not just a structure; it is a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by our healthcare workers. Their legacies live on in the lives they touched, the patients they healed, and the stronger healthcare system we are now building,” he noted.
Prime Minister Holness also pledged that beyond symbolic gestures, the government will continue prioritizing investments in healthcare.