Holness urges Caribbean energy security as Jamaica rolls out grid, market and wage reforms

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has renewed his appeal for stronger Caribbean energy security, saying recent conflict in the Middle East and the pressure it has placed on global oil and food prices show how vulnerable small economies such as Jamaica remain to external shocks.

Speaking on Wednesday at the sixth Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition, Dr. Holness said genuine energy independence means retaining value, capital and decision-making within the region. With oil-producing neighbours including Guyana, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, he argued the Caribbean now has a chance to secure reliable supplies at fair and predictable prices while giving island states room to scale the renewables best suited to them.

"This region holds world-class resources that opens an opportunity we have never had before," he said. "Now, we have an opportunity to make energy the strongest thread binding our single market together."

He reaffirmed Jamaica's commitment to generating half of the country's electricity from renewable sources by 2030 as the Government continues to diversify the national energy base. "Energy security for a small island like Jamaica is never about betting on one fuel or one supply," he added. "It is about building many paths so that we keep the lights on, the economy moving, the cost of living within reach of our people whatever the world may throw at us."

More than 2,200 households in hurricane-affected communities have been wired for electricity under the $1 billion National Energy Poverty Reduction Project, implemented by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund in partnership with the Ministry of Energy. Project manager Dane McLean told a recent Jamaica Stock Exchange Think Tank that the programme was expanded after Hurricane Melissa to reach some of the hardest-hit areas. Of the homes wired so far, more than 500 are already connected to the national grid, with remaining beneficiaries to receive service in phases. JSIF has opened temporary community offices to help residents apply, and contract teams install starter systems with two lights, two plugs and the certification needed for grid connection.

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 initiative for widening access to capital formation, 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 already preparing to enter the market.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr., addressing Parliament on Tuesday, encouraged employers to treat the new minimum wage as a floor rather than a ceiling. Effective July 1, the national minimum wage will rise from $16,000 to $17,000 for a 40-hour work week. The standard hourly rate will move from $400 to $425, overtime from $600 to $637.50 per hour, and double-time pay on rest days and public holidays from $800 to $850 per hour. The minimum wage for industrial security guards will also increase from $16,000 to $17,000 per 40-hour week, with corresponding adjustments.

The Ministry of Education has expanded its National School Garden project to 79 institutions, tripling investment since the initiative began in 2024. The milestone was highlighted at the National School Garden Grand Exhibition 2026, held at Jose Marti Technical High School in St. Catherine under the theme "From the Farm to the Table," with projects from 56 early childhood, primary, special education and secondary schools on display. Deputy Chief Education Officer Dr. Winnie Berry said spending has grown from $10 million across 23 schools in 2024 to $30 million in the programme's third phase, with students engaged in container gardening, hydroponics, crop cultivation, poultry rearing and apiculture.

The National Water Commission advised that some residents in St. Andrew may experience low to no water supply through Saturday, June 27, after maintenance work began at the Mona Treatment Plant. Corporate Public Relations Manager Delano Williams said output had to be scaled down during phased cleaning and other works, and trucking may be needed in elevated communities. Affected areas include Mona, Crossroads, Mountain View, Old Hope Road, Devon Square, Waterloo Road, Cashoo Park, Eastwood Park, Red Hills Road, communities below Grand Span, Half Way Tree Road, Upper Maxfield Avenue, Zaidie Gardens, Don Robin and New Kingston.