News from the OPM

Tighter Restrictions Could Mean Less Work” – PM Holness


Tighter Restrictions Could Mean Less Work” – PM Holness

We have to reach a reasonable balance. Tighter rules could mean less work, it could mean less economic activity, less income and that could also mean,  more social problems.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the imposition of tighter COVID-19 containment measures could cause significant harm to the economy.

Speaking yesterday (January 19, 2022) at the official opening and launch of the new Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, the Prime Minister pointed out that he has heard the calls for tighter restrictions. However,  Prime Minister Holness asserted that based on several factors, the economy would suffer negatively.

“We have to reach a reasonable balance. Tighter rules could mean less work, it could mean less economic activity, less income and that could also mean,  more social problems,” said Prime Minister Holness.

Since the beginning of the pandemic in Jamaica in March 2020, the Government has been advising the public to observe the basic infection prevention protocols. In that regard, the Prime Minister reminded everyone that as the country now faces the fourth wave of the COVID-19 disease, personal responsibility must be the order of the day.

Further, Prime Minister Holness intimated that Jamaicans must develop and learn to use their freedom responsibly.

Prime Minister Holness said:

“Government has a duty to protect the citizens even against themselves but in a democracy which we claim, where people have freedom; that freedom comes with an inescapable responsibility.”