Holness Highlights Infrastructure, Housing and Public Service Priorities in Jamaica House Weekly

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness used last week’s Jamaica House engagements to point to government priorities in infrastructure delivery, housing, maritime security and public-sector efficiency.

In Trelawny, Holness opened the Troy Bridge, restoring a key link for communities and business activity between southern Trelawny and north-west Manchester. The former bridge, first constructed in 1869, was destroyed during Tropical Storm Grace in 2021. It has been replaced by a triple-cell box culvert, while river training works continue.

The $231-million contract for the bridge was signed in July 2024, but the project and planned road repairs on both approaches were affected by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. Holness said the nearly five-year process showed the need to reshape government systems so urgent infrastructure can be completed faster. “This is a turning point. We are not going to allow critical infrastructure to be tied up in procedures and processes that satisfy procedures and processes and don’t deliver. Let Troy be a lesson to Jamaica,” he said.

The prime minister also visited Malvern, St Elizabeth, where the National Housing Trust handed over 27 service lots. He said the lots give families the chance to build in a planned setting with roads, drainage, water, electricity and sewage already provided. “Today, we hand over land, but we are also handing over a foundation for families to build, to settle, and to grow on,” he said.

Earlier in the week, Holness welcomed Ambassador Anthony Anderson as the new head of NARO on his first day in office. Anderson indicated that the agency should be fully operational within two months. The discussions covered institutional knowledge, technical capacity, training and leadership development.

Holness also toured the USS Nimitz, which was docked in Kingston from May 30 to June 5. He said secure maritime space is critical during emergencies, citing Hurricane Melissa and the role of sea access and partner coordination in moving supplies, restoring communication and delivering relief.

On Thursday, Holness addressed a long-service awards ceremony for 157 employees of the National Solid Waste Management Authority and MPM Waste Management, honouring workers with 15 to more than 30 years of service. He also noted that more than 2,000 NSWMA contract workers have moved into permanent employment.