Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday urged investors to seize opportunities he said are emerging from Jamaica’s stable macroeconomic environment and improving public safety.

In his keynote address at the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) 21st Investment and Capital Markets Conference, Holness cited the island’s disciplined fiscal management and consistent economic growth over the last decade before adding that enhancing citizen security is essential to sustaining investor confidence.

“Lowering crime is not just a social imperative. It is central to attracting the quality investment our country needs,” he said, reinforcing the link between safer communities and economic opportunity.

Holness pointed to government strategies that have contributed to declines in serious crime in recent years and increased support for law enforcement, noting that these efforts are part of creating a more attractive business climate.

“When people feel secure, businesses flourish. When investors see progress on crime, they see Jamaica as a place to grow,” he said.
Jamaica recorded fewer than 700 murders in 2025, the lowest homicide tally for the island in more than 30 years.

In his address, Holness also challenged both local and international investors to think boldly about the future, emphasising that a combination of economic stability and improvements in safety can unlock new opportunities across sectors.

The three-day conference, which brings together policymakers, business leaders and market participants, serves as a formal platform to discuss strategies for expanding Jamaica’s capital markets and deepening investor engagement.

Police say there has been a 43 per cent decrease in murders locally and a 13 per cent decrease in violent crime