Jamaica House Weekly(JHW) 27.05.2026

Added: 2026-05-31

[00:00:01][music] [music] >> The administration is not taking the funds from the NHD for reasons that are not solid and sound reasons.

[00:00:23]>> That was Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness as he defended the government's decision to continue the drawdown of 11.4 billion dollars annually from the NHD for the next five years. To facilitate this, amendments to the National Housing Trust Act were passed in the House of Representatives on Tuesday and sent to the Senate for further debate and approval. The need arises from the fiscal impact of Hurricane Melissa of approximately 12.2 billion US dollars equating to roughly 56.7% of the country's GDP.

[00:00:58]>> We must preserve the fiscal integrity of the government's operations.

[00:01:04]And this fiscal integrity is something that benefits every Jamaican.

[00:01:12]And I want you to think of it this way.

[00:01:14]If we didn't have the 11.4 billion dollars from the NHD, it would have to come from somewhere else.

[00:01:21]Likely more taxes.

[00:01:23]>> The special transfer from the NHD is one of the government's revenue measures for the 2026-2027 financial year.

[00:01:33]>> We will continue to do our best to to try and cushion the impact.

[00:01:37]>> That impact is the cost of fuel at the pumps and on energy costs to businesses and households. During a meeting on Thursday with Petrojam and the Ministers of Finance and Energy, Prime Minister Holness was updated on measures being taken. While Petrojam has been purchasing fuel at an expensive rate, the cost has not been passed on to consumers. It was revealed that since the start of the latest Middle East conflict, approximately 22 million US dollars has been spent on fuel.

[00:02:09]>> So, the government is um very, very cautious about uh instability [music] in the um fuel markets in Jamaica because of the inflationary [music] impact. But, you know, the the terrible impact that we'll have on the poor. And And so, we have taken a posture to as best as possible manage the increases. [music] But, uh anyone listening would immediately come to the conclusion that this is not something that can be done for the long term.

[00:02:41]>> Dr. Holness cites consumer behavior changes as an important part of the coping mechanism in this global fuel crisis.

[00:02:49]>> But, I think at this point every Jamaican should be thinking about their energy consumption.

[00:02:56]Thinking about their fuel consumption.

[00:02:58]And uh how they will uh conduct their business.

[00:03:03]>> [music] >> And um uh using various conservation methods uh to ensure that um >> [music] >> the cost to them is less.

[00:03:15]>> An update on the 40 billion dollar SPARK program to improve roadways across the country was presented to Prime Minister Holness on Thursday. It was revealed that 380 community roads were in the contracting stage, >> [music] >> 107 community roads had been completed, and 35 main road corridors were set to receive attention. Through SPARK, the government is repairing community roads, improving major road corridors, and upgrading important utilities like water systems. The aim is to build a safer and more reliable roads to facilitate easy commuting, drive productivity and development and spur economic growth.

[00:03:55]Among the courtesy calls made to Prime Minister Holness last week was a visit from Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization, Daren Tang. His visit it led to the signing of a letter of intent with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office, JIPO, for the establishment of the Intellectual Property Training Institution, IPTI.

[00:04:17]Corporation activities under the letter of intent are expected to commence in 2027.

[00:04:23]A partnership was also struck with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the establishment of a structured intellectual property training program for Jamaican diplomats and government officials.

[00:04:34]>> Uh so we we are very much supportive of the various frameworks as um WIPO has created and and uh leads internationally. And and we continue to be a part of it here.

[00:04:49]And uh we're building our framework here. JIPO has grown from strength to strength.

[00:04:56]>> On Friday, Prime Minister Holness commended the men and women of the Jamaica Constabulary Force 91st Cohort, who graduated from the Staff and Junior Command Course at the National Police College of Jamaica.

[00:05:09]The course prepares mid-level and senior officers for leadership, critical decision-making, and advanced operational management within the JCF.

[00:05:19]>> Leadership, professionalism, communication, resource management, administration, investigation, intelligence, and operations.

[00:05:33]These are the operating tools of command that you will need to master to be effective managers in one of the most difficult public institutions in our country.

[00:05:47]>> Dr. Holness also used the opportunity to extend condolences to family of Latoya Bulgin who died in an accident involving the police recently, which the Prime Minister said was a matter of great concern.

[00:06:00]>> I extend my sincere condolences to her family, her friends, her community, and all who are grieving.

[00:06:11]I know that the incident has caused pain, anger, and deep concern across Jamaica. And not just in Jamaica.

[00:06:19]>> The Prime Minister asserted that at the core of the police-related shooting incident was humanity, dignity, and respect, and commended the quick launch of investigation into the matter. And that's it for Jamaica House Weekly. Be sure to join us next time for more of the news stories coming out of the office of the Prime Minister.

[00:06:40]>> [music] [music]