Prime Minister tells Jamaican diaspora in Guyana efficiency must drive national renewal

Jamaica's prime minister told members of the Jamaican diaspora in Guyana that national progress depends less on mineral wealth than on disciplined leadership, public-sector efficiency, and a stronger work ethic across society.

Speaking at a community gathering attended largely by medical students and professionals working in fields such as oil and gas, hospitality, and administration, the prime minister was joined by Senator Orin Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce, foreign affairs officials, and High Commissioner to Trinidad Natalie Rodriguez Campbell.

He praised Guyana's management of its forests and offshore oil and gas resources, describing President Ali as a visionary leader, while noting Jamaica's own offshore petroleum prospects remain uncertain. Drawing comparisons with Singapore and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he argued that efficiency—not natural resources—underpins lasting prosperity, and warned that Jamaica ranks among the least productive countries in the region.

The prime minister said fifteen years of fiscal discipline had stabilised the exchange rate, interest rates, and inflation, allowing the government to redirect resources into security, housing, health, education, energy, and infrastructure. He said the national security budget had tripled, Jamaica Constabulary Force strength had risen from just under 11,000 to its 14,000 establishment target, and the murder rate had fallen from 54 to 24 per 100,000. He added that efforts now focus on organised gang violence and social conflict, including a new peace portfolio within the Ministry of National Security and expanded restorative justice programmes.

On health, he said no new hospital had been built for thirty years until recent investments, including new wings and replacement facilities at Kingston Public Hospital and Spanish Town Hospital, the Western Regional Adolescent Hospital gifted by China, and three hospitals under the National Asset Reconstruction programme. He urged doctors to improve patient experience alongside clinical care.

In education, the government plans seven new schools—one arts-focused and six STEM-oriented—designed as academies outside the standard Education Act framework to ensure stronger leadership and modern learning environments.

The event also recognised Sister Marie Harper, a Jamaican Ursuline educator and founder of Guyana's Marian Academy, for decades of service to education.