“Before the road wasn’t probably usable, but now it is better… it means a lot for the community.”
Those are the words of Gary Robinson, who has lived in the Caenwood community in West Portland for many years.
For Gary and his neighbours, this upgraded road is making daily life easier. Children are getting to school more safely, residents are travelling more comfortably, and getting around the community is no longer the challenge it once was.
Your Government is working for you by investing in roads that connect communities, and support development across our country.
I toured the new Boundbrook Urban Centre in Portland yesterday and was encouraged by what this development represents for the people of the parish.
The Boundbrook Urban Centre will provide space for Government services, businesses, and other essential amenities, making it easier for residents to access what they need while creating new opportunities for enterprise, employment, and economic activity.
Every project like this reflects our commitment to building communities where people can thrive.
Your Government is working for you by delivering meaningful development that creates opportunities, expands access to services, and helps build a stronger future for every community.
After facing incredibly tough times and unstable living conditions, brighter days are finally here for Recardo Gibson and his family!
Today, their resilience is rewarded as they step into a safe, beautiful, and decent home they can finally call their own.
Congratulations to Recardo Gibson and his family in Portland Western on receiving their brand-new home under the New Social Housing Programme. A true turning point!
Join us in wishing the Gibson family a lifetime of happy memories in their new home!
I note the concerns raised by Eugenie Brown regarding reports on social media about deportees being brought to Jamaica.
I want to clarify that Jamaica has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the United States, but it is not yet operational. No one has been brought into Jamaica under this arrangement.
I have made it clear that Jamaica will not accept individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.
Any persons involved will be properly vetted and are only expected to be in Jamaica for a short transit period before returning to their country of origin.
I also encourage Jamaicans to verify information before believing what is seen on social media.
Last night, I joined the National Water Commission in recognising 969 outstanding employees whose years of dedicated service have helped sustain one of Jamaica’s most essential services.
Behind every household, school, hospital, farm, business, and community supplied with water are hardworking men and women whose commitment keeps the system running.
It was a pleasure meeting with the team from Frazsiers Whip Football Club at Jamaica House and hearing about their commitment to developing young women through football.
I was encouraged by their focus on education, mental wellness, and creating scholarship opportunities for their players. This kind of investment helps young people build a strong foundation for their future.
I also shared that athletes should be equipped with the confidence and communication skills to represent themselves well, engage with supporters and sponsors, and build opportunities beyond the game.
This morning, I met with Mr. Jaime Muguiro, CEO of Caribbean Cement Company Limited, to discuss the company’s ongoing investment in Jamaica and its role in supporting national infrastructure and economic development.
He expressed his strong impression of the pace and scale of development taking place across Jamaica, and the growing confidence in the country’s investment climate.
Our discussion reinforced the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing Jamaica’s development agenda.
I look forward to continued collaboration with Caribbean Cement as we move forward on projects that support Jamaica’s long-term growth and resilience.
At the recently held agency-wide meeting on the National Recovery and Resilience Agenda (NaRRA), UDC General Manager Robert Honeyghan outlined 27 projects across eight parishes, including housing developments, urban renewal, and community improvement initiatives.
He also highlighted plans to deliver more than 20,000 homes across the island, giving more Jamaicans the opportunity to own a home while strengthening the country’s housing supply.
Mr. Honeyghan said the UDC will continue its work in St. Elizabeth, St. James and Trelawny, helping to rebuild communities and support recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa through the Government’s National Recovery and Resilience Agenda.
This morning, we officially launched the SPARK Main Road Programme.
With an investment of $40 to $45 billion, we will modernize more than 600 roads across Jamaica.
We are improving road surfaces, strengthening safety, upgrading drainage, and modernizing critical infrastructure.
These improvements will make travel safer, more reliable, and better connected for communities across the island. We are preparing Jamaica for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Lyttleton Shirley, Chairman of Factories Corporation of Jamaica (FCJ), spoke following a working session with agencies under the NaRRA.
He noted the use of public-private partnerships to help deliver projects faster and support national development goals, with the aim of improving opportunities for Jamaicans in housing, work, and education.
Your Government is working for you.
This morning, I met with the Chairman and Board of the Factories Corporation of Jamaica.
We discussed the various projects currently being undertaken by the Corporation, as well as plans moving forward to strengthen investment, expand opportunities, and support national growth.
I remain grateful for their dedication, expertise, and continued service to Jamaica.
A proud moment in Vineyard Town this afternoon as I handed over 12 new studio units to their well-deserving owners. Providing safe, affordable housing remains a top priority for my administration.
We are continuing the work to ensure that affordable, safe housing is within reach for our people. Welcome home to our newest homeowners!
This afternoon, I met with Frazsiers Whip Football Team following their historic achievement in Jamaican women’s football.
They secured their fourth consecutive Jamaica Women’s Premier League title with a 2-0 win over Arnett Gardens.
They played with control, discipline, and confidence throughout the game, managing the result from start to finish.
It was a proud moment to recognise their continued success and contribution to women’s football in Jamaica.
This morning, I met with the Chairman and Board of the Factories Corporation of Jamaica for their dedicated service to our country.
Public service is not without its challenges, and much of the work done by boards is rarely seen by the wider public. Yet, their commitment, sound governance, and belief in Jamaica’s potential continue to move important projects from ideas to reality.
As Jamaica reaches a pivotal stage in its development, institutions like the FCJ play an essential role in creating opportunities, and building the foundation for sustained economic growth.
I thank every board member for their time, expertise, and commitment to the service of Jamaica.
Port Authority of Jamaica President Professor Gordon Shirley shared updates on key development projects taking shape across the island, including Kingston, Montego Bay, Falmouth, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, St. Thomas and Port Royal.
He said the recently held NaRRA meeting brought Government agencies together to align their plans, strengthen collaboration and ensure projects are delivered in a coordinated way that supports Jamaica’s growth.
Your Government is working for you.
Happy International Reggae Day!
Today, we celebrate International Reggae Day and the music that has carried Jamaica’s spirit across the world.
Reggae tells our stories. Through every generation, it has given voice to the experiences of our people and continues to inspire millions.
I am proud of the musicians, songwriters, producers, and creatives whose talent keeps reggae alive and ensures that its message continues to reach new audiences.
As we observe this day, let us celebrate our culture, and honour those who built this legacy.
I had the absolute pleasure of stepping outside for a true Jamaican-style backyard cooking session with the brilliant Chef Tkaiya Dryden.
Tkaiya is taking the world by storm using the secret recipes and bold Caribbean flavours she learned right at her grandmother’s side. She is proof of what happens when our youth stay grounded in their roots while chasing big dreams.
We shared some laughs, great conversation, and of course, amazing food.
Check out the full video to see how our session turned out and hear more of her inspiring journey. Let's keep cheering her on!
This afternoon, I welcomed Mr. Achim Fock, the World Bank’s newly appointed Country Director for the Caribbean, on his first official visit to Jamaica.
I also took the opportunity to thank outgoing Country Director Ms. Lilia Burunciuc for her dedicated partnership over the past five years.
She developed a deep understanding of Jamaica’s priorities and worked closely with us to advance important initiatives in education, healthcare, innovation, and disaster risk management. Her support has had a lasting impact, and I wish her every success in the future.
I look forward to working with Mr. Fock as we continue strengthening our partnership with the World Bank.