Prime Minister Andrew Holness says his primary focus is rebuilding the economy to ensure Jamaica recovers from the effects of COVID-19. Jamaica like other economies in the world is experiencing an economic recession as a result of the global pandemic. Speaking on Friday (July 17), at the handing over of a house under the HOPE National Social Housing Programme, in...

As Prime Minister acting in accordance with the advice of the National Security Council, and having received the written agreement of the Commissioner of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff, I have declared a Zone of Special Operations under the Law Reform (Zones of Special Operations) (Special Security and Community Development Measures) Act, 2017. The Law Reform (Zones of...

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...

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...

As part of the Government of Jamaica’s (GOJ) Controlled Entry Programme, arrangements have been finalized for approximately 300 Jamaicans to arrive in the island. The Jamaicans will arrive at Port Royal via two cruise vessels, Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas and the Disney Wonder, over the next 24 hours. Debarkation of both vessels will take place on Saturday, June...

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...

On the advice of the Security forces, I have recommended to the Governor General that a State of Public Emergency be declared in the Kingston Central and Kingston Western Police divisions. The Governor General has signed the proclamation giving effect to that state of public emergency in the areas recommended from this morning for 14 days. This will connect the...

We have observed an uptick in queries via JamCovid19, social media and other outlets seeking further information on non-nationals who are seeking to enter Jamaica to visit family and friends or to attend funerals, weddings and other events. Under the protocols already declared, it should be noted that returning Jamaican nationals and non-nationals who are resident in Jamaica are under...