Speeches by the Prime Minister

Address By Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the NSHP Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Lime Tree Gardens, St Ann On October 10, 2025 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------  We have 304 units completed under the New Social Housing Programme; that's 697 rooms benefiting over 1,500 individuals so that's a massive impact on homelessness and persons who don't have shelter in the country. We have another 86 units that are presently under construction, that's 186 rooms and we have 65 units that will start construction this year so that would be another 173 rooms. The New Social Housing Programme has picked up pace and Jamaicans are benefiting from it. The programme in my estimation is a success. Jamaicans understand the programme, they see the benefits, they identify with the programme and persons who are now currently either homeless or in really deplorable shelter conditions, they have hope they can look forward to this programme. The objective now is to expand the programme and increase the pace of delivery. Today, we're merely just handing over houses that were already entrain, already being constructed, but for the next budget year, we're going to revise the programme because we want to…

Keynote Address By Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the Groundbreaking Ceremony for BOOT 2 Commercial Complex Drax Hall, St Ann On October 10, 2025 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It gives me great pleasure to join you this afternoon to break ground for the construction of Boot 2, a modern service complex which will become the hub of this area and will redefine the experience that residents and visitors have along the North coast. Today, is about the continuation of a Jamaican vision for growth, for innovation, and self-reliance. I met Mr Boothe somewhere around 2019, or maybe before that, maybe about 2017, but in 2020, I visited. At that time, you were just doing the development for Ibex, if I recall, but it was right during the period of COVID and I was questioning the wisdom of his intense investment at the time and I recall in the tour, he said to me that he was serious about Jamaica. He is going to invest in his country. I was taken by his very high level of patriotism and optimism about his country and here we are today making another major investment. I accepted the…

Remarks By Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the Tour of St Catherine Police Divisional Headquarters On October 8, 2025 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Thank you, minister. Let me thank the various teams that have organized this tour, the St Catherine North Police Division, and the leadership of the JCF, DCP Clarke who is here. Let me also thank the team from the Ministry of National Security and Peace, our Member of Parliament and her team, and of course our contractors. Let me start with a few words on the contractors. This project is being undertaken at a cost of approximately 2.3 billion Jamaican dollars. It is, by any measure, a significant expenditure in the capital budget. It is being undertaken by a local contractor that has very strong roots and history in Jamaica, WIHCON Construction, and they are indeed one of our premier contracting houses in Jamaica and we have had a very good relationship with WIHCON over these many years. Their reputation is solid, and they have been involved in many signature infrastructure and capital projects for Jamaica, and we are confident that this project will be finished in a timely fashion…

Statement By Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica During his visit to the grieving families in Commodore, Linstead On October 6, 2025 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   I'm here to personally express to the family members my own personal and sincere and deep condolences on this very tragic incident, which has taken the lives of four innocent Jamaicans and has threatened the lives of members of the community, and I am hoping for the speedy recovery of those who were injured in this gruesome unwarranted attack. I'm also here to assure the families and loved ones of the victims that the Jamaican state and government will support them through this very difficult time, whether it is with support in counselling or in supporting any other needs that may arise. As I have met with some of the family members, I'm seeing where there are needs and some have even expressed particular support that they would require so the entire government will be mobilized to give support to the victims and the loved ones of the victims. Now, I'm also here to highlight a few other important facts that should give context to the Jamaican discourse on…

Address By Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica at the United Nations Climate Summit On September 24, 2025 ____________________________________________________________ Excellencies, I wish to extend Jamaica's support for the work of the COP presidency of Brazil and the UNFCCC ahead of COP30. Climate change is an existential threat to both the livelihoods and environments of communities worldwide, but disproportionately so to SIDS and LDCs. Sobering reports and assessments globally of the current state of the climate have increased the necessity for enhanced adaptation and mitigation measures to confront the challenges and bolster resilience. In Jamaica, the nation is contending with intensifying adverse effects of climate change. Droughts, floods, tropical storms, and hurricanes have already impeded Jamaica's development. 90% of our GDP is generated in close proximity to coastal regions. Robust adaptation measures are not merely preferable, but are imperative. Over the past decade, Jamaica has made steady progress in climate action. Yet as we know, global climate ambition remains below what is required, and countries like ours must lead with both credibility and innovation. Jamaica's journey with our nationally determined contributions reflects this leadership. Our first NDC focused primarily on the energy sector, targeting…

Address By Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the Consulate General of Jamaica New York Reception On September 26, 2025 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Thank you very much, minister. And everyone should know that is not why you have been reappointed as minister. Allow me to again, acknowledge our hardworking Minister of Foreign Affairs, our newly appointed Ambassador to the United States, a man with so many titles; major general, former commissioner of police, former chief of defence staff, a fantastic Jamaican who has contributed so much to development of Jamaica. I just call him Tony. Ambassador Brian Wallace, our permanent representative to the UN, someone who I've known for many years, and who is making his own mark in the UN as a well-respected voice. I am going to acknowledge in her absence Alsion, our Consular General and of course, the incredible staff of the consulate who made all of these arrangements and for the great hospitality. Let me acknowledge members of the global Jamaica Diaspora Council and Youth Council who are here. Members of clergy, civil society, academia and private sector who are here. My Jamaican family and friends, one love. It is…

Remarks By Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the Swearing In Ceremony for Senators and Members of Parliament On September 18, 2025 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   Thank you, Madam Speaker, and my congratulations on your election to the seat of Speaker of this House. It is with profound humility and renewed resolve that I rise to address this honourable House on this historic day. The swearing-in of the newly elected Members of Parliament and the swearing in of the members on this side who will form the government for a third consecutive third. Today is a reaffirmation of the mandate given by the people, a recommitment by all of us in this House to service and a solemn reminder of the weight of responsibilities that rest upon us all. First, Madam Speaker, I give thanks to the Almighty who continues to guide our steps as individuals. But more so as a people without his providence and mercy, neither I nor any member seated here today could have reached this moment. I extend gratitude to the people of West Central St Andrew who have sent me here, but to the people of Jamaica who have…

National Statement By Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) General Debate Annual Meeting of the Heads of State and Government On September 26, 2025 ____________________________________________________________   Madam President, Excellencies. On behalf of Jamaica, I extend warm congratulations to you, Madam President, on your election to preside over this landmark 80th Session of the General Assembly. Just last week, Jamaica marked 63 years as a proud member of the United Nations. As we celebrate the UN's 80th anniversary, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the principles of the UN Charter. From decolonisation to peacekeeping, from eradicating diseases to promoting human rights, the UN has achieved remarkable success over these past eight decades. Yet, as we confront global challenges, including pandemics, climate change, armed conflict, and persistent poverty, we must acknowledge that our multilateral system requires urgent reform and revitalisation to meet the needs of the 21st century. The UN80 Initiative is an opportunity to strengthen multilateralism with concrete action, institutional reform, and renewed political will. We must build a system that is more democratic, representative, and responsive to evolving challenges. Jamaica is honoured…

Remarks By Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the Ceremony for the Swearing-in of Cabinet Ministers On September 17, 2025 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Excellencies the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, our Governor General, and the Most Honourable Lady Allen Members of the new Cabinet Members of the new Senate The Honourable Audrey Sewell, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Public Service, and other government officials in attendance Bishop the Honourable Conrad Pitkin, Custos Rotulorum for the Parish of St James Family members and support teams of the newly appointed Members of the Executive and the Senate Other special guests Representatives of the media Fellow Jamaicans viewing these important proceedings at home and abroad, a very good afternoon. Following on my swearing in yesterday as Prime Minister, today we begin the work of delivering on demanding as we gather to swear-in the women and men who will serve as ministers of the government of Jamaica. This is indeed a milestone, and it is right that we pause to celebrate the personal journeys that have brought each of you here. Your families, your communities, and your supporters share in this achievement, and they too deserve…