PRIME Minister Dr Andrew Holness says Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa must be used as a catalyst to address long-standing development constraints while advancing national priorities such as economic growth, public safety and social stability.

Speaking with journalists in Black River following the inaugural Black River Fireworks Festival on December 31, Holness said the devastation caused by the hurricane has created an opportunity for transformational change across the country.

“The crisis…should be seen by all Jamaicans as an opportunity for us to rebuild — but not what was there before because what was there before is a constraint on our development,” the prime minister said.

He explained that the hurricane exposed structural weaknesses that have limited growth over time, particularly in relation to infrastructure layout and urban planning.

Pointing to congestion as a major development challenge, Holness noted that, “the size of the roadways that we have within these areas and how congested they are, that’s a constraint on our development.”

The prime minister stated that the rebuilding process must, therefore, focus on creating modern, functional towns that better serve residents and businesses.

“Now is an opportunity for us to build towns where people can actually move without congestion; where there is adequate sidewalk, and parking, and things that we all want as modern conveniences,” he emphasised.

Turning to his hopes for the new year, Holness said public safety remains a central national priority.

“My new year’s hope for Jamaica is that we will keep the murder rate low. We are [at a] low [of] 700. That’s the lowest in 31 years,” he noted.

Holness added that sustained economic performance is critical to recovery.

“Last quarter we had a five per cent growth. That’s the highest growth we have had in a little while,” he said.

He emphasised that economic progress must be accompanied by social stability and responsible public discourse.

“It’s one thing to reduce murders, it’s another thing to deal with violence and the dysregulated behaviour of many of our citizens,” he said.

Holness also noted the importance of peace as a foundation for national development.

“We [also] need peace in the society. If we get those things — peace with a good focus on investment and infrastructure — you will begin to see the actual outward transformation in people and lives in Jamaica,” he outlined.

— JIS News