KINGSTON, Jamaica —Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says his administration will spur economic growth during its third term, and end absolute poverty.
“The vision of this government in this next chapter is to spur economic growth. Growth that lifts every household, across the length and breadth of Jamaica, out of absolute poverty. Sustained economic growth will end absolute poverty in Jamaica. We can and we will end absolute poverty in Jamaica,” Dr Holness said during his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday at King’s House.
“We want growth that gives every child the opportunity to dream and to achieve, no matter where they are born or their surname. Growth that reaches the trying mother, who can send all her children to university without facing crippling debt or having to choose between firstborn or second born,” he continued.
This growth, he noted, will also impact other sectors such as healthcare, agriculture and tourism and attract investments from the diaspora.
“Growth that reaches the farmer, who now has reliable irrigation, storage, and a market for his produce. Growth that strengthens our healthcare system, which, in turn, keeps our people well and productive. Growth where tourism is even more integrated in our economy, where world-class resorts thrive along with community tourism, and where the benefits reach every corner of Jamaica, from farmers, entertainers, to taxi operators and craft vendors. Growth that inspires the Jamaican in the diaspora, not only to send remittances but confidently invest their time, talent and resources in building their homeland Jamaica,” he said.
Acknowledging that Jamaica is a small country with a global influence through culture and sports, Dr Holness emphasised the need to convert Jamaica’s global influence into a pillar of the economy.
“The next chapter of Jamaica’s journey must be about converting this unmatched global influence into a pillar of our economy. We will elevate the creative industries — music, film, fashion, art, and sports — transforming creativity into an engine of growth. The world already consumes our culture; now we must realise the value from it, invest in it, and respect it as one of Jamaica’s great exports,” Dr Holness said.
Additionally, Dr Holness said Jamaica’s creative industries must be complemented with ‘infrastructures of growth’ such as ports, highways, digital systems, energy grids and real estate.
The prime minister during his remarks also acknowledged the Jamaican athletes competing in the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
“I want to acknowledge Oblique, Kishane, Tina, Orlando, Tyler and all the members of the Jamaican contingent who participated in the World Athletic Championship. And I also want to make special acknowledgement of Shelly-Ann Frazer-Pryce, who carried the Jamaica flag with dignity and excellence,” he said.