Holness rejects criminal relocation claims as government advances housing, tourism and mediation reforms

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has firmly rejected suggestions that the Government of Jamaica has struck a deal with the United States to bring criminals into the country under the third-country nationals (TCN) arrangement. Speaking during a tour of the Boundbrook Urban Center in Portland on Friday, he said no external power could compel him to accept offenders after the heavy investment Jamaicans have made to reduce crime.

"Let me be clear. The government of Jamaica has invested too much. The people of Jamaica have paid a very high price to reduce the level of crime in Jamaica. So, why would I then agree to take criminals here? Why would I put in peril all of that hard work of the police force and the military? It's nonsense. And we have been very clear. And there is no country that could force me to take criminals having gone through what we have gone through," Dr. Holness said.

He stressed that although an MOU supports the transit of TCNs, each person would face rigorous criminal-background screening. Any offender among them would immediately void the agreement. Details of how the arrangement will operate are still being worked out, but the broad understanding is that no criminals would be admitted. Dr. Holness also noted that TCNs would pass through Jamaica in transit to their home countries, not relocate here permanently.

The National Housing Trust (NHT) is stepping up delivery after losing two years toward its five-year target of 70,000 housing solutions because of the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather. Of that total, the NHT was assigned 42,000 units. By the end of 2025, the Trust recorded approximately 31,540 housing starts and 21,166 completions since 2016, while issuing 67,000 mortgages for the 2026–2027 financial year. For 2026–2027, it plans 10,675 new starts and expects 5,673 completions. Dr. Holness acknowledged the output will fall short of demand, especially for low-income and affordable housing, but said the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARA) would work with the NHT to identify developable lands along planned highway corridors to lower infrastructure costs for buyers. He made the remarks at last week's handover of 14 units at the NHT's Vineyard Town housing development.

In Westmoreland, 102 churches received a combined $18.7 million under the Community Churches Clean-up and Restoration Grant Initiative, a programme of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and the Social Development Commission (SDC). Pastors and church representatives collected cheques during a grant ceremony at the Darliston Holiness Church. Minister Desmond McKenzie commended congregations that continued their ministry after Hurricane Melissa, and announced an additional $50 million for Clarendon and St. Ann parishes affected by Hurricane Matthew. Among the recipients was the Bible Way Apostolic Church, whose Bishop Bernard Findlay described the assistance as a timely boost to rebuilding efforts.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck tabled the Mediation Bill 2026 in the House of Representatives to establish a legal framework for mediator registration, licensing and regulation of mediation service providers, and the creation of a mediation board. He said mediation would be central to settling conflicts, preventing crime and violence, and aligning Jamaica with the Singapore Convention on mediation to strengthen its position for international business. The bill will now proceed through the parliamentary process.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett announced plans for a National Tourism Council at the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association's 65th Tourism Forum at Sandals Dunn's River in St. Ann. The council would bring together representatives from government ministries and key stakeholder groups, complementing a planned National Tourism Authority. Mr. Bartlett said existing tourism laws, including the Jamaica Tourist Board Act and the River Rafting Act, would be collapsed into one national tourism act.

Castleton Botanical Gardens in St. Mary has reopened following a $172 million restoration under the Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean initiative, with funding from the Ministry of Agriculture, the European Union in Jamaica, and the Planning Institute of Jamaica. Upgrades include climate-resilient river protection along the Wag Water River, improved walkways, renovated facilities, solar energy systems, and enhanced accessibility. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said work is also underway at Bath Botanical Gardens in St. Thomas, while designs are well advanced for a new garden at Montpelier in St. James.

The Government and people of Jamaica are mourning the death of track and field coach Vincent Stephen Francis, who died on 4 July at the age of 64. Prime Minister Dr. Holness praised his immeasurable contribution to brand Jamaica, while Opposition Leader Mark Golding noted his role as co-founder and technical director of MVP Track and Field Club, whose athletes earned more than 56 World Championship medals and more than 28 Olympic medals. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange highlighted his legacy of developing athletes who excelled globally and gave back to their communities. In 2017, the Government bestowed on Mr. Francis the Order of Jamaica.