Prime Minister Says There Is Need For Review Of State Institutions

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says there is need for a review targeting the modernisation of State institutions, in order to facilitate further improvements in the business processes of Government, thereby making it more efficient as a regulator and service provider.

Delivering his inaugural address during Thursday’s (March 3) swearing-in ceremony at King’s House, Mr. Holness said it is important that Jamaican citizens have a “sense of entitlement” to good service “from their country and the Government.”

He noted, however, that increasingly “this is not being balanced with a duty of ‘giving back’.”

“Jamaica has benefitted significantly from the civic pride and sense of nationhood that drove so many to give generously of their talent and treasures to build our great nation. That spirit still exists, to a great extent, locally and in our Diaspora. However, we have to be more active in promoting the civic responsibility of our young people (in particular). We have to promote volunteerism and giving back to Jamaica,” the Prime Minister said.

“We also have to integrate the incredible talents and assets of the Jamaican Diaspora in local development,” he added.

Citing challenges which members of the Diaspora say they experience, at times, in giving back to Jamaica, Mr. Holness contended that this engagement should be “easy.”

“As our Partnership for Prosperity is unfolded, we will ensure that it is easy for the Diaspora to participate in the development of their homeland,” the Prime Minister emphasised.