They may try to tell you things aren’t happening in your country but look for yourself and see that many good things are happening! 🏡🇯🇲
Perth Estate Phase 2 Development, Manchester #Jamaica 🇯�
As the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference enters its final day, I want to express sincere appreciation to Jamaicans living abroad for their continued commitment to the growth and development of our nation.
Over the past several days, we have engaged in meaningful discussions, shared valuable ideas, and strengthened partnerships that will contribute to Jamaica’s future. As we approach the hurricane season, we are also reminded of the important support our diaspora continues to provide to families and communities across the island.
The enduring connection between Jamaica and its sons and daughters overseas remains a powerful force for progress. I look forward to the conversations and collaborations that will continue long after this conference concludes.
Thank you for your dedication, your advocacy, and your belief in Jamaica’s potential.
Missed Day Two? What a day at the Diaspora
Conference!
We were honoured to welcome Senator the Most Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith to the NIRA booth, where she met with our team and saw firsthand how we are helping patrons access their National ID and other Civil Reg. services.
Jamaica’s democracy is one where different voices have their place, and our institutions continue to play an important role in national life. Welcoming the Leader of the Opposition to national events is part of recognising and respecting those constitutional offices.
Democracy is not always neat or comfortable. It can be loud, spirited, and sometimes messy, but that is part of the process. So, despite what you may read in the newspapers or see on social media, Jamaicans should take pride in the democratic traditions that have shaped our country.
Our democracy belongs to all Jamaicans, and it is through participation, dialogue, and mutual respect that we continue to move Jamaica forward.
Jamaicans may live all over the world, but our love for home never changes.
It was inspiring to join over 1,000 members of the Jamaican diaspora at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference to discuss how we can continue building our beloved country.
As we recover and rebuild, especially after Hurricane Melissa, our brothers and sisters overseas continue to play an important role through their ideas, skills, support, and investments.
No matter where Jamaicans call home, the desire to see our country thrive remains strong.
The wealth of Jamaica is not just on the island; it is distributed across the globe in the minds, hearts, and hands of our diaspora.
Looking out at the 1,000 delegates, leaders, and familiar faces gathered at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference this morning, I felt an incredible sense of pride and shared purpose. This year's gathering is particularly meaningful as our nation continues the vital work of recovering and rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.
During my address, I shared critical updates on our macroeconomic stability and security initiatives. We discussed practical ways to channel diaspora investment and expertise directly into rebuilding stronger infrastructure, protecting our agricultural sector, and implementing modern technologies that safeguard our communities from future disasters.
The energy in that room made one thing clear, distance does not change what it means to be Jamaican, and our global family is fully committed to our national recovery.
This morning, we broke ground for 221 new homes at Wick Hall Estate in Spanish Town, another important step in expanding housing opportunities for Jamaican families.
To the future homeowners of Wick Hall Estate, I hope these homes become places filled with love, growth, and cherished memories, the setting for birthdays, homework, Sunday dinners, quiet evenings, and the everyday moments that strengthen families.
Minister of Finance, Hon. Fayval Williams has clarified the rules for bringing cash into Jamaica.
Travellers can bring cash into the country, but if you are carrying US$10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency), you must declare it when filling out the Enter Jamaica form.
If you are carrying less than US$10,000, no declaration is needed.
The Minister explained that the J$100,000 figure mentioned in law is a security guideline used by law enforcement to support checks where necessary. It is not a limit on how much money you can bring into the country.
Minister Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, announced that more than $10 billion has been spent to support Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa.
This includes approximately $9.5 billion through the ROOFS Programme, as well as funding for food assistance, emergency response efforts, damage assessments, and recovery operations. An additional $152 million from UNICEF provided grants to PATH households and persons with disabilities.
Support has also been strengthened through partnerships with the World Food Programme, churches, and other organisations assisting affected communities.
The Ministry remains focused on completing payments to eligible beneficiaries, strengthening accountability, and ensuring that no eligible Jamaican is left behind in the recovery process.
The groundbreaking of the $148 million Santa Cruz By-pass Mains Replacement Project is more than an infrastructure upgrade. It is a commitment fulfilled to the people of St. Elizabeth. By replacing decades-old pipelines, this investment will deliver a more reliable water supply, improved pressure, and greater resilience for families and businesses.
This project reflects our Government’s commitment to investing in communities and delivering on the promises made to the people. We said we would improve water infrastructure, and today we are keeping that commitment while building a stronger Jamaica for generations to come.
#TurningOnThePipes
#mweccja @NWCjam@AndrewHolnessJM
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., has announced the start of the pilot phase of HARP, the Humanitarian Assistance Relief Platform, as part of Phase Two of the Government’s recovery programme.
HARP will support individuals who were unable to be transitioned to payment earlier due to issues such as incorrect TRN information, outdated phone numbers, duplicate records, or other verification challenges.
Under Phase Two, payments will be made through direct deposits. Persons without bank accounts will receive assistance to open accounts through partnerships with financial institutions. Alternative arrangements will also be made to ensure support reaches those who choose not to use banking services.
Beneficiaries are encouraged to bring valid identification and any required supporting documents to help resolve outstanding issues and complete the process for payment.
It has come to my attention that a dangerous social media post is purporting to use my image to promote a fake 'investment scheme'. This is a scam. This is a good reminder to only pay attention to news from credible sources and to be vigilant in how we conduct our financial affairs - especially online! #checkandverify
What an absolute joy it was to spend time with the incredible members of the Best Climate Senior Citizens Club of Malvern in St. Elizabeth!
When people think of retirement, they often think it means stepping back from society. But these vibrant seniors, with members ranging from 60 all the way to 93 years young, are showing us exactly what it means to live life to the fullest.
They are out in the community visiting centenarians (including a 106-year-old!), going on trips to Treasure Beach, giving back through Labour Day projects at the local police station, and even winning gold for St. Elizabeth in sports and dominoes! As Miss Kerry beautifully told me, they are having such a wonderful time they feel they should have done this part of life first.
Malvern is famous for having the "best climate" with its beautifully cool, clean air, but the true warmth of the ridge comes from the spirit of its people. I want to highly commend this club and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, through the National Council of Senior Citizens, for supporting these vital programmes.
Let the energy of Malvern inspire every single community across Jamaica to get our seniors together, active, and celebrated!
#Update: I am confirming receipt of a preliminary report regarding the All-Island outage experienced on Friday June 5th, 2026.
Ministry's Summary Findings Thus Far Based on the Report:
The system behaviour strongly suggests a failure or delayed operation of the primary protection scheme at Hunts Bay and the Rockfort lines resulting in:
* Extended fault duration,
* Escalation of the disturbance, and
* Wider propagation of system instability
I must state categorically that the findings suggest a situation that is completely untenable and unacceptable. The reports suggest the same old findings as in previous instances regarding system failures. In 2026, with improved technologies and greater experience, we should not be exposed or be vulnerable to the challenges we experienced a in 2006, approximately 20 years ago.
I am meeting with my team at the ministry and will provide a more comprehensive report in a statement to the parliament later this week. I have also received reports of additional outages since the restoration on Saturday morning across the island. The Ministry remains in constant dialogue with the utility provider and will continue to provide updates to the public as they become available. We await the findings from the Office of Utilities Regulator (OUR).
The Jamaican people are sick and tired of this and quite frankly SO AM I!
As I visited the newly completed Troy Bridge, I received an update from the leadership of the Trelawny police division on the work being done to keep communities safe and address crime concerns in the parish.
I commended the officers for their dedication and professionalism. One important message I shared is that when we understand the challenges we face through proper data and analysis, we are better able to develop effective solutions and improve public safety.
We have invested in strengthening the Jamaica Constabulary Force through better systems, training, and leadership development. The JCF continues to combine frontline policing with strategic planning and analysis to support crime prevention and community safety.
I am encouraged by the commitment of our police officers who continue to engage communities through outreach programmes, intervention initiatives, and efforts aimed at resolving conflicts before they escalate.