Andrew Holness
@AndrewHolnessJM • 357,777 subscribers
Father of two || @JulietHolness' Husband || Prime Minister of Jamaica || Leader of @JLPJamaica. || Tweets may be archived. #AMH 🇯🇲
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I was pleased to welcome Mr. Vegas for a courtesy call and a productive discussion on a range of national importance, including education, entrepreneurship, real estate, and the future of Jamaica’s creative industries. We spoke about the importance of lifelong learning, creating opportunities for economic growth, and finding new ways to strengthen and showcase Jamaican culture both at home and abroad. I always appreciate these exchanges with members of our creative community. Their experiences, insights, and ideas help to inform meaningful conversations about Jamaica’s development and the opportunities ahead for our people.
Andrew Holness19,566 views • 4 days ago
We must speak plainly about what is happening in Cuba. Cuba is our Caribbean neighbour. Their doctors and teachers have supported countries across our region, including Jamaica. Our histories are connected, and we care deeply about the Cuban people. Today, many Cubans are facing serious economic hardship, energy shortages, and growing humanitarian challenges. We are sensitive to their struggles. But we must also recognise that a prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain there. It can impact migration, security, and economic stability across the Caribbean, including Jamaica. Jamaica stands for democracy, human rights, accountability, and open, market-based economies. I believe lasting stability comes when people have opportunity, a voice in their governance, and the freedom to build and invest. This moment calls for responsible leadership and constructive dialogue, particularly between Cuba and the United States, to ease tensions and promote reform and stability. Jamaica will continue to stand in solidarity with the Cuban people while supporting practical steps that lead to stability and shared prosperity for our region.
Andrew Holness174,938 views • 3 months ago
Growth requires patience. Like tending to a plant, the effort we invest today may take time to show, but with discipline and persistence, it will bear fruit. Let us remain committed to the process, knowing that in due season, we will reap the rewards of our labour. Happy Sunday Jamaica, plant a tree today!
Andrew Holness62,125 views • 1 month ago
This morning I am heading to South Africa for the G20 Summit. The G20 (Group of Twenty) is where leaders from the world’s largest economies meet to discuss global economic issues, development, and major international challenges. Having just experienced the most devastating hurricane in our nation’s history, our experience and the call for climate action will be on my agenda. Before I depart, however, I am having the customary security briefing.
Andrew Holness285,168 views • 6 months ago
If we are to understand many of the challenges Jamaica faces today, we must honestly reflect on the policy decisions made in the 1990s by the People’s National Party, which led to the Financial Sector Adjustment Company crisis. When the financial sector collapsed, the government at the time created FINSAC to bail out failing institutions, and that intervention cost the country approximately 42 percent of our entire economy. As a result, Jamaica’s national debt rose dramatically, from about 72 percent of GDP to nearly 130 percent within a few years. At one point, almost 70 percent of the taxes collected by the government had to be used simply to pay interest on that debt. This meant there was very little money left to maintain roads, repair hospitals, build schools, or invest in the infrastructure our people depend on every day. For many years, the country had to focus on stabilizing the economy and restoring fiscal discipline so that we could rebuild our financial strength. My commitment is to ensure that Jamaica never returns to those kinds of policy decisions that placed such a heavy burden on our people and our economy.
Andrew Holness118,920 views • 2 months ago
The Hurricane Melissa Relief website is now operational. Rebuilding Lives. Restoring Hope. Hurricane Melissa is a powerful Category 5 storm posing a serious threat to the lives and livelihoods of Jamaicans. In its aftermath, recovery will take every helping hand. Together, let us stand ready to protect and help families recover, rebuild homes and restore livelihoods once the storm passes.
Andrew Holness192,010 views • 7 months ago
Our young people have fully embraced social media and it’s interesting to see how they express themselves creatively. Yesterday I shared a light moment with Bad Sekki and Ganja Clause. There were a number of other young people and social media content creators in the space yesterday, and although I didn’t get a chance to meet everyone, I see you and I encourage to continue to express your creativity with our unique Jamaican flair.
Andrew Holness220,174 views • 8 months ago
I am in Turks and Caicos Islands, where I am meeting with a contingent from the Jamaica Constabulary Force. These officers have been instrumental in helping to reduce crime here in the islands. Our officers are exceptionally well trained, and their presence here is a testament to that training. The Government of the islands is pleased with the work these officers have been doing under the leadership of Commissioner Fitz Bailey. I had the pleasure of inspecting our officers and speaking with them about the important work they have been carrying out here.
Andrew Holness21,833 views • 22 days ago
Hurricane Melissa has strengthened to a Category 5 system and is now approximately 100 miles south of Kingston, moving slowly westward. Based on current projections, all of Jamaica is likely to experience hurricane-force winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. The Government has declared the entire island a threatened area under the Disaster Risk Management Act, empowering agencies to take all necessary measures to protect lives and property. Shelters are open, emergency teams are on standby, and compulsory evacuations have been ordered for vulnerable coastal and flood-prone communities. Over $400 million has been allocated for drain cleaning and local preparedness, and emergency relief and recovery plans are fully activated. Our security forces and first responders are mobilized to maintain order and provide support before, during, and after the hurricane. I urge every Jamaican to prepare, stay indoors during the storm, and comply with evacuation orders. Check on your neighbours, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and continue to pray for our nation’s safety. We will weather this storm and rebuild stronger.
Andrew Holness159,726 views • 7 months ago
From 7:00 to 7:00; I am now rounding out my final meeting for the day.
Andrew Holness169,960 views • 8 months ago
Thank you to our Reggae Boyz. We saw how hard you played. We love you.
Andrew Holness129,618 views • 6 months ago
I have been seeing many photos of people handing out relief packages, and while this was necessary in the early days, I am concerned about how it affects the dignity of our people. I do not want Jamaica to be portrayed as a place where citizens are scrambling for food or fighting over packages. That is not who we are. We are an independent, proud people, even in times of hardship. If we are giving support, we must do it respectfully and quietly, protecting the dignity of those in distress. And those receiving help must also remember their dignity. This is why I announced that we will be transitioning away from handing out food packages. The system has become too politicized, who got, who didn’t get, and who was invited to distribute. That is not acceptable, and it is not the Jamaica we want to build. So we will move to a voucher or coupon system that allows people to purchase what they need directly, without stigma, without politics, and with their dignity intact.
Andrew Holness89,826 views • 6 months ago
When I entered the Chester Creek Housing Development, what stood out immediately was the order and structure. The layout is organised, the design is consistent, and it reflects careful planning. Most importantly, it creates a real opportunity for families to own a home and build stability for the future. The Wihcon Group and the ICD Group have been building Jamaica for decades. Long before many of the major developments we see today, they were contributing as contractors to the country’s growth. This project continues that legacy.
Andrew Holness48,665 views • 3 months ago
Congratulations to Oblique Seville, the new World 100m Champion with a brilliant personal best of 9.77s, and to Kishane Thompson who captured Silver in 9.82s. Our athletes continue to carry Jamaica’s legacy of excellence to the highest level! You have made us all so proud!
Andrew Holness113,078 views • 8 months ago
Our country has been ravaged by Hurricane Melissa but we will rebuild and we will do so even better than before. Tonight I encourage Jamaicans to be hopeful. I know many, especially those in the worst affected parishes, are feeling disheartened. Your homes may have been damaged or destroyed and your communities and towns no longer look the same. I know your pain and I feel your loss. We are mobilizing quickly to start the relief and recovery efforts and we will be there with you every step of the way.
Andrew Holness96,434 views • 7 months ago
It is important to note that this is only the second time Jamaica has been invited to the G20 Summit, and the significance of that is often overlooked. I am aware that some questioned my attendance, suggesting that I should have remained home directing the recovery. The truth is, we did not take the decision to attend lightly. Up to a few days before the Summit, the plan was that I would not travel. But after careful discussion, and given the opportunity extended to Jamaica, we determined that attending was in the country’s best interest. Real recovery is not measured by how fast food packages are distributed. It is measured by how quickly we restore electricity, water, security, and public health, and ultimately by how effectively we build back stronger and better. To rebuild Jamaica to a higher standard will require billions of dollars. My time, therefore, is best spent securing that support from the international community. That is why I went to the G20, to advocate for Jamaica, to mobilize resources, and to ensure that our long-term recovery is fully financed and future-focused.
Andrew Holness71,702 views • 6 months ago