KINGSTON, JAMAICA – Prime Minister Andrew Holness has articulated a bold vision for his third consecutive term, pledging to spur significant economic growth as the primary vehicle to eliminate absolute poverty across Jamaica. The announcement came during his inauguration ceremony at King’s House on September 16, 2025, where he took the Oath of Office, signaling the commencement of a new chapter for his administration.
The Prime Minister’s Vision for Growth and Poverty Eradication
Prime Minister Holness declared that the core objective of his government in this new term is “to spur economic growth. Growth that lifts every household, across the length and breadth of Jamaica, out of absolute poverty”. He emphasized that sustained economic growth is the pathway to achieving this ambitious goal, stating, “We can and we will end absolute poverty in Jamaica”.
This growth, he elaborated, is intended to have a transformative impact on various critical sectors. Holness highlighted that the economic uplift would positively influence healthcare, providing a stronger system that keeps citizens well and productive. The agricultural sector is expected to benefit from investments that ensure reliable irrigation, storage, and market access for farmers. Furthermore, tourism, a cornerstone of Jamaica’s economy, is slated for deeper integration, aiming for world-class resorts to thrive alongside community tourism, ensuring benefits reach all stakeholders, from farmers and entertainers to taxi operators and craft vendors.
Beyond traditional sectors, the Prime Minister also intends to elevate Jamaica’s global influence as an economic pillar. His administration plans to champion creative industries—music, film, fashion, art, and sports—transforming creativity into a potent engine for growth and viewing culture as one of Jamaica’s greatest exports. He also stressed the need for “infrastructures of growth” such as ports, highways, digital systems, and energy grids.
Context: Economic Outlook and Poverty Reduction Efforts
The government’s pledge comes amidst forecasts for moderate economic expansion. The Bank of Jamaica projects GDP growth between 1.0 to 3.0 percent for the financial year 2025-26, driven by sectors like agriculture, mining, and tourism. The World Bank anticipates a 1.7 percent growth in 2025, with a focus on advancing green, resilient, and inclusive development. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a 2.1 percent GDP growth for 2025.
Recent data indicates significant progress in poverty reduction. The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) reported that Jamaica’s poverty rate declined to 8.2 percent in 2023, the lowest figure recorded since tracking began in 1989. This represents a substantial reduction from 16.7 percent in 2021, attributed to the country’s post-COVID-19 economic recovery, increased employment, a rise in the national minimum wage, reinforced social protection programs, and strong remittance inflows. Food poverty, or extreme poverty, also saw a historic drop to 2.8 percent in 2023.
Calls for Clarity and Future Challenges
Despite the ambitious pronouncements, some observers are calling for greater specificity. Public commentator Granville Knight has urged the Prime Minister to provide clearer metrics on growth projections and more detailed plans for the elimination of absolute poverty. Knight stressed that citizens need a precise understanding of how the government intends to generate the necessary growth levels to make such a significant pledge a reality.
Jamaica’s economic history has been marked by fluctuations, with poverty rates significantly impacted by global economic shocks, such as the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Past poverty reduction strategies have historically focused on skills training, social infrastructure, community-driven development, and social assistance. The nation faces ongoing challenges, including low productivity, a narrow economic base, and vulnerability to external and climate-related shocks.
Moving Forward
Prime Minister Holness’s re-election on a platform emphasizing performance underscores the public’s desire for tangible results. His call for unity and collaboration, even extending an offer to the Opposition Leader, suggests an approach aimed at national consensus for tackling the country’s development agenda. As Jamaica embarks on this new term, the focus on economic growth as the linchpin for poverty eradication sets a clear, albeit challenging, path forward. The success of this vision will hinge on the government’s ability to translate these broad promises into concrete, measurable outcomes for all Jamaicans.