Andrew Holness

I spent a few moments with members of the Police Youth Club in my constituency. We spoke about upcoming activities including a community hike! Our young people are full of promise, and with the right support, they will continue to grow into strong leaders for the future of our communities and our country.

This is our home, where we raise our children and dream of a better life. But if we truly want to move forward, we must take responsibility for how we treat the space around us. It was a pleasure meeting with residents of Olympic Court to have an honest conversation about improving our environment and strengthening our community. We are committed to making Olympic Court a model for Jamaica. Because when we work together, each playing our part, we can transform where we live.

Yesterday afternoon, I met with residents of Olympic Court in my constituency of St. Andrew West Central for a community development meeting. We brought together key partners, including MPM Waste Management, National Housing Trust, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, to share clear plans for improving the community. We are installing new skips, fixing long-standing waste collection issues, and introducing recycling at your doorstep. But real change starts with all of us. That is why we are launching an education programme across St. Andrew West Central, especially for our children, to build a stronger culture of pride and responsibility.

I was deeply impressed by how Webster Memorial United Church integrates its young people into the service. Our children are watching, learning, and forming their own ideas about service, country, and character. In the midst of a conversation with Sir Oliver Jones, young Liam walked up to me and said, “I saw you on TV!” 😄 Well it’s a pleasure to meet you in person Liam!

Ten years ago, Jamaica was carrying one of the heaviest debt burdens in the world, around 140% of GDP. Today, just before Hurricane Melissa, we have brought that down to just under 60%. At the heart of this journey is trust. Trust between government and citizens, trust with our investors and partners, and trust that the decisions we make today will not compromise the next generation. We have also shifted our mindset as a country. We are no longer seeing our challenges only through the lens of what is imposed on us, but through what we choose to do for ourselves. Fiscal discipline is now understood not as hardship, but as a foundation for stability and true economic independence. What gives me confidence is that this progress is no longer dependent on any one individual. We are building strong institutions so that responsible economic management is protected and carried forward.

As the NHT celebrates 50 years of “Building Communities, Housing Generations,” we recognize that meaningful progress is always a shared effort. Just as Nehemiah inspired the people to come together and build, the NHT’s journey reflects what can be achieved when people commit to a common goal, building something that lasts beyond themselves. May God continue to bless the NHT, its leadership, its staff, and all the people it serves.

Spent time this morning after church with Oliver Jones, one of Jamaica’s stalwarts who has blazed a trail as both a businessman and public servant, playing an invaluable role in the life of our nation. His work has supported successive governments and helped shape Jamaica’s economic foundation. At 94, he remains sharp, engaged, and principled. It was a pleasure to meet him and to see him in such good spirits!

I worshipped with the National Housing Trust family this morning at the Webster Memorial United Church, as we marked 50 years of service and impact. The message was timely and deeply reflective. Rev. Astor Carlyle spoke about building, about communities, about generations, and about the responsibility each of us carries in shaping what endures. Referencing Matthew 7:24-27 & 1 Peter 2:5, Peter, who was called a stone, we were challenged to consider our own role in the building process: what kind of stone are we? It is a question that speaks directly to nation-building. For five decades, the NHT has played a vital role in providing housing solutions for Jamaicans. Beyond the physical structures, it has contributed to stability, dignity, and opportunity for countless families. This morning’s worship was a moment to give thanks, for the work that has been done, and for the continued responsibility to keep building with care and intention.

If we want Jamaica to grow, we have to produce more, simple as that. Our economy is stable, but stability alone won’t take us far. There’s a gap between what we want and what we create. We want better lives, but we cannot expect it without putting in the work. We cannot keep waiting on others to build our future. We have to do it ourselves. This is a call to action, each of us must do more, so Jamaica can achieve more.

They say balance is key, and I couldn't agree more. After a productive two-day work trip in New York, there’s no better way to decompress than supporting our national team in this crucial World Cup qualifier against Guyana. Our Girlz are leading 1-0, let's keep that same energy until the final whistle!

I have arrived in Jamaica after a two-day trip, filled with meetings, interviews, and meaningful engagements with the diaspora in New York. The interviews were centred around recovery from Hurricane Melissa and the broader welfare of the region. It meant a great deal to connect with members of our Jamaican diaspora in New York. The conversations were thoughtful and full of genuine care for Jamaica and our future. I am truly honoured to have received the Legacy Award from the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies, an institution that continues to make a significant contribution to education and national development across the region. In all, the visit reaffirmed the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to Jamaica’s continued recovery and regional wellbeing.

I am honoured to accept the Legacy Award from the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies at its 29th Annual Gala. The journeys and stories we celebrated last night were truly deserving of recognition. They are defined not only by personal achievement, but by the lives you have touched, the doors you have opened, the opportunities you have created, and the paths you have helped to shape. At the same time, I remain mindful that recognition, particularly for those of us in public service, must always be approached with humility. Awards can sometimes give the impression that the mission is complete or that the journey is nearing its end. But for me, and I believe for many of us, this moment is not a conclusion; it is a call to continue, to do more, and to serve with even greater purpose.

I am honoured to accept the Legacy Award from the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies at its 29th Annual Gala. Under the theme “The Legacy Continues,” AFUWI continues to make a meaningful impact by providing financial support to talented students across The University of the West Indies, helping them turn ambition into achievement and strengthening the future of our region. I am pleased to stand among an exceptional group of honourees, men and women whose leadership and contributions have shaped their respective fields. I thank the organizers, sponsors, and members of the diaspora for their continued commitment to education.

Tonight I am accepting The American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) Legacy Award. AFUWI has been doing a phenomenal job in supporting the education of our students, and tonight I am pleased to be among exceptional Men and women who are being honoured as movers and shakers in their field.

In New York today, during an interview with Cheryl Wills on New York One, I shared Jamaica’s hurricane recovery story. I also met with Carl E. Heastie, the first Black Speaker of the New York State Assembly; incidentally Carl is the 100th Speaker. Jamaica continues to receive strong and meaningful support in times of need, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

New York One (NY1) commands a large share of the attention of New Yorkers. Today I had the opportunity to discuss Jamaica's hurricane recovery story, as well as the larger issue of climate change. I also had the pleasure of meeting the Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl E. Heastie who has done tremendous work in Support of our recovery. Jamaica has always been a much loved country but the recent hurricane demonstrated just how deeply we are cared for. I was interviewed by the wonderful Cheryl Wills. You can look out for the Broadcast in the coming weeks.

This morning, I delivered a lecture on “Securing Jamaica’s Fiscal Future” at the NYU Stern School of Business. Engaging with students and faculty, I shared Jamaica’s fiscal journey, one defined by discipline, resilience, and a clear commitment to economic independence. Our progress, even in the face of crises, reflects the strength of our people and our determination to build a country that is the place of first choice to live, work, raise families, and do business. I am grateful to New York University and the Stern School for the opportunity to exchange ideas and highlight Jamaica’s path forward on the global stage.

This morning, I had a very productive discussion with Bharat Anand, Dean of the NYU Stern School of Business, alongside members of the leadership of the University of the West Indies, Mona. Our conversation focused on the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and how we can harness its potential to solve real-world challenges. As Jamaica continues its journey toward greater economic independence, these partnerships and exchanges are critical in ensuring we remain innovative, resilient, and globally competitive.

Governance is about accountability, fairness, and transparency in how public funds are used. Every dollar collected from taxes or loans must be properly tracked and used for its intended purpose, and the public must have confidence in that process. It also means ensuring fairness, where contracts and opportunities are awarded based on merit rather than connections, and addressing any conflicts of interest among decision-makers. Even with good intentions, policies can fail between planning and execution, so stronger oversight is essential. That is why a model similar to the Economic Programme Oversight Committee will be used, bringing together respected stakeholders to monitor performance and report to the public.