Holness pushes Caribbean energy security as Jamaica rolls out wage rise, school gardens and grid wiring

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has renewed his appeal for Caribbean energy security, warning that recent conflict in the Middle East and the resulting pressure on global oil and food prices have hit small economies such as Jamaica especially hard.

Addressing the sixth Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition on Wednesday, Holness said the region holds world-class energy resources and should retain value, capital and decision-making at home rather than remain exposed to the next global shock. With oil-producing neighbours including Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, he argued that producers should supply reliable oil and gas at fair, predictable prices while islands scale the renewables best suited to them. Jamaica remains committed to generating half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 as the government continues to diversify the national energy base.

More than 2,200 households in hurricane-affected communities have been wired for electricity under the National Energy Poverty Reduction Project, a $1 billion initiative led by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund in partnership with the Ministry of Energy. Project manager Dane McClean told a recent think-tank session that the programme was expanded after Hurricane Melissa to reach some of the hardest-hit areas. More than 500 homes are already connected to the national grid, with remaining beneficiaries to receive service in phases. Temporary community offices have been set up to help residents apply, and contract teams install starter systems with two lights, two plugs and grid certification.

The Jamaica Stock Exchange has launched a micro market aimed at helping small and emerging businesses raise equity financing from $50 million up to $100 million. Finance Minister Fayval Williams praised the platform for widening access to capital, noting a full income-tax holiday for the first five years after listing and a 50 per cent concession for years six through ten. The exchange says 10 companies are preparing to enter the new segment.

Effective July 1, the national minimum wage will rise from $16,000 to $17,000 for a 40-hour work week, with the standard hourly rate moving from $400 to $425, overtime from $600 to $637.50, and double-time pay from $800 to $850. Minimum pay for industrial security guards will also increase to $17,000 per 40-hour week. Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr., speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, urged employers to treat the statutory floor as a starting point and invest further in workers.

The Ministry of Education and Youth has expanded its National School Garden Project to 79 institutions, tripling investment since the 2024 launch. Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr. Winnie Berry highlighted the milestone at the National School Garden Grand Exhibition 2026 at José Martí Technical High School in St. Catherine, where 56 schools showcased work in container gardening, hydroponics, crop cultivation and poultry rearing.

The National Water Commission advises that residents in St. Andrew may face low or no water supply through Saturday, June 27, while cleaning and maintenance work continue at the Mona treatment plant. Corporate public relations manager Delano Williams said output has been scaled down, with trucking expected for elevated communities. Affected areas include Mona Crossroads, Mountain View, Old Hope Road, Devon Square, Waterworks Road, Cassia Park, Eastwood Park, Red Hills Road, Halfway Tree Road below Grand Span, Upper Maxfield Avenue, Ziadie Gardens, Dunrobin and New Kingston.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen also honoured seven diaspora members at the recently concluded Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay for contributions to humanitarian relief, mentorship, education, migration advocacy and cultural exchange between Jamaica and global partners.