Prime Minister Holness Highlights the Value of Purposeful Regional Action for Sustainable Global Growth
Prime Minister Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness says Latin America and the Caribbean have an important opportunity to pursue purposeful transformation as the region navigates an evolving global system. The Prime Minister shared these perspectives while engaging with regional leaders, investors, and policymakers examining the economic future of the hemisphere.
Addressing the International Economic Forum Latin America and Caribbean 2026 in Panama on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Prime Minister Holness reflected on the importance of collective intention and shared direction, noting, “The next decade will not belong to those who wait for opportunity to arrive. It will belong to those who create it. And the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, standing together, can shape a future worthy of our people and equal to our potential.”
Prime Minister Holness encouraged thoughtful collaboration among regional governments, institutions, and partners, highlighting the benefits of moving beyond fragmented national approaches toward a more coherent regional vision anchored in resilience, competitiveness, and shared opportunity. The Prime Minister emphasized that aligned policy positions can help reflect the region’s growing relevance within the global economy.
The Prime Minister stated: “We must articulate clearer regional positions on climate resilience, supply chain diversification, digital inclusion, and sustainable energy. We must move from fragmented national initiatives to aligned regional priorities. And we must shift from reacting to global change to anticipating it, helping shape the standards and partnerships of the next decade.”
Highlighting the region’s strategic strengths, Prime Minister Holness noted that young populations, favourable geography, abundant natural assets, food-producing capacity, renewable energy potential, creative industries, and resilient democratic institutions position Latin America and the Caribbean as contributors to global stability and future growth. Prime Minister Holness observed that these strengths can be most effectively advanced through coordinated regional action.
The Prime Minister outlined three areas of focus to support continued regional progress. These include a competitiveness agenda centred on connectivity, logistics, energy security, and digital transformation; institutional readiness supported by credible and professional frameworks that build confidence among global partners; and a diplomatic and economic posture that deepens engagement with traditional allies, emerging markets, global value chain leaders, and the expanding green technology ecosystem.
Dr. Holness stated: “The opportunity before us is not modest. It is broad, bold, and transformative. Jamaica stands ready to play its part through stronger institutions, more efficient government, and an increasingly competitive economic environment. We intend to contribute to a hemisphere that is not merely participating in global affairs but shaping them.”
Prime Minister Holness reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to a shared regional vision and extended an invitation to investors and partners to explore Jamaica’s expanding pipeline of bankable opportunities across infrastructure, logistics, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and the digital economy, positioning the country as a platform for regional growth and long-term partnership.