PRIME Minister Dr Andrew Holness has vowed that his Administration will continue its strenuous efforts to improve the lot of Jamaicans this year against the backdrop of what he says were significant achievements last year.

In his New Year’s Message, Holness said 2024 tested the resilience Jamaicans but it also revealed their strength.

“We faced challenges with courage and celebrated achievements with pride. Category 4 Hurricane Beryl badly damaged southern parishes; however, we staged the fastest and most comprehensive recovery from a weather event of that magnitude in Jamaica’s history.

“Within weeks of the disaster your Government was able to conduct assessments rapidly and distribute recovery grants of significant amounts. To date, just under 14,000 cheques have been delivered to beneficiaries,” the prime minister said.

He argued that there is no question that his Administration has had to deal with some of the greatest crises and shocks to have impacted the country in the last 100 years.

“Any truthful observer must admit that we have handled these crises comparatively better than previous governments and on par, if not better, than governments of peer countries regionally and even globally.

“We can be certain that 2025 will bring its own set of multiple, frequent, intense, and overlapping crises and challenges as global temperatures continue to rise, wars continue to drag on, and the global order becomes more uncertain. Rest assured that your Government is preparing, constantly improving, and learning from every challenge to develop smart, caring and sustainable responses,” added Holness.

He said the lesson to be taken from the 2024 chapter in Jamaica’s journey is that we must be ready for the next external economic shock, geopolitical crises, pandemic, or natural disaster.

The prime minister pointed to the strategy of long-term investments in equipment, personnel, intelligence, and leadership in the security forces with serious crimes down significantly in 2024 as one of the country’s significant achievements.

“Our economic performance continued to be strong, unemployment continued to decline to the lowest in our history, inflation declined to well within the targeted band of four to six per cent, interest rates have come down steadily, our dollar has been trading stably over the past year, and our national debt-to-GDP ratio is set to fall below 70 per cent, this is lowest in over 30 years,” said Holness.

He further pointed to the significant investments in infrastructural programmes and the increases in the social safety net programmes as proof of the Government’s strong performance.

“These achievements are phenomenal and uncontestable. However, we also hear and pay close attention to the feeling and realities of many Jamaicans who have suffered through the global spike in inflation for the last three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the supply chain shock. Food, electricity, transportation, medication, and basic amenities have become unaffordable for many. I hear your cry regarding the cost of living,” declared Holness.

“Though the number of Jamaicans employed is the highest it has ever been, the minimum wage has been increased and wages generally have increased, we understand that wages have been so low for so long that there is still pent-up pressure despite the efforts of the Government to create the economic environment where more Jamaicans can have income and inflation is controlled,” added Holness.

He argued that the improvements in the economy have allowed more Jamaicans with income to effectively demand goods, such as cars and housing.

“The number of vehicles on our roads has almost doubled in the last eight years to over 500,000. The housing market has not been so responsive to the increasing number of Jamaicans who are seeking housing solutions in the lower-income to lower middle-income segment of the housing market.

“I hear the cry of the hairdresser, mechanics, clerks, and factory supervisors who have been contributing to the NHT (National Housing Trust) for years but cannot find a house for the mortgage for which they are qualified. And, equally, I hear the cry of the motorist about the damage to their vehicles and the time in traffic due to poor road conditions,” said Holness.

He added: “It’s not just the cost of living that has gone up, the cost of doing business has also increased, and this is not only the impact on inflation, much of the increased cost is due to government regulation, some imposed by international obligations, but much of it is caused by the inefficient and antiquated government bureaucracy. I hear the cry of the small business and medium size business owners who are struggling under the weight of heavy bureaucracy.”

According to Holness, his Administration will build on the successes it has achieved, but more importantly, “We will take what we have learned and the challenges expressed by our people and write the next chapter in Jamaica’s prosperity story. The 2025 chapter.”

The prime minister said this year his Government will be making several policy and legislative changes to streamline procurement and approvals.

“This year is a pivotal chapter in a larger journey toward a Jamaica that is affordable for all, safe, efficient, productive, caring, and peaceful. I know you understand the importance of reducing debt, keeping the exchange rate stable by having strong reserves, and managing the fiscal affairs of the country to avoid profligate spending.

“I want you to know that the Government understands that you want your community roads fixed, water brought to your home, affordable prices for basic items, and progressive wages, peace and security in your communities and decent social services.

“There is a delicate balance which must be carefully managed, and my Administration has demonstrated time and time again, through crises and shocks, and time of stability, that we are the best Government at managing the economy and delivering the needs of the people,” said Holness.