KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness is encouraging Jamaicans to assist in further strengthening Jamaica’s economy through hard work.

Speaking during Tuesday’s ground-breaking ceremony for the Kingston 2 Apartments (K2) development in Bournemouth Gardens, Kingston, Holness said Jamaica’s growth is fuelled by individuals with incomes and markets for consumption.

He pointed out, however, that this cannot happen without diligent dedication to hard work by persons.

“The only thing that can lift you out of poverty is your economic independence, coming through earning from the sweat of your brow, meaning employment… getting your own income that frees you from any obligation to anyone else, because you’ve worked for what you have,” the prime minister emphasised.

Holness also encouraged Jamaicans to participate in the labour market, as unemployment rates decrease, to further spur the country’s development.

He denounced the practice of scamming among young people and shared his personal experience of working hard to attain success.

“I had to take taxis to school every day and struggle on buses to get to university every day. I want to encourage our youngsters – there are many jobs; don’t look down on any. Get into the labour force, earn an income and get your own money. Very soon you can step up in life and you will be able, one day, to push your key into one of these apartments or the hundreds of them that will be built across Jamaica. You will own your own home,” Holness stated.

He also underscored the Government’s role, noting that an increase in the number of persons earning incomes will not occur unless spaces are created for economic growth.

“My Government is vested in creating the environment in which the shared prosperity, the commitment, is that every Jamaican can get a job [and] from that job, an income; from that income, you get your independence – your economic independence,” he declared.

Regarding squatting or illegal settlement, Holness said while the Government has a responsibility to address this issue, the sustainable solution is for all citizens to commit to being disciplined with their finances and ensure that the economy is stable by working to earn an income.

“Let us not diminish the value of having an economy that is robust, sustainable and resilient,” he emphasised.

Prime Minister Holness endorsed the investment made by Sherbourne Limited and Island Homes to construct K2 Apartments and expressed his gratitude for their decision to undertake the project.

The $2.1-billion 10-storey residential development will feature 119 units, ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments.

Amenities include a gated entrance, 150 parking spaces, an outdoor entertainment deck, ground floor lobby and lounge, roof terrace with a fitness centre and pool, an onsite wastewater system, backup generator for common areas, and water storage tanks.

BYD Construction is the contractor for the development, which is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Prime Minister Holness described the project as “an investment in the people”, as many Jamaicans in Bournemouth Gardens and the wider Kingston 2 area are expected to be able to gain employment.

He added that businesses in the community are expected to benefit significantly from the population growth in the area.

– JIS