Prime Minister Andrew Holness is calling on Jamaicans living overseas to go beyond remittances and philanthropy by investing directly in the country’s development. Speaking at ChristWay Baptist Church in Miramar, Florida, Holness laid out a bold vision for economic growth, job creation, and national transformation—driven in part by diaspora investment.
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“Yes, we want the remittances. Yes, we want the great philanthropy that you exercise for our country. But I want you to buy homes in Jamaica. I want you to come back with the AI technology. I want you to come back with the cybersecurity expertise and set up businesses. Yes, I want you to come back to Jamaica and invest in Jamaica and help us build that economy,” said Holness.
Florida, which hosts the second-largest population of Jamaicans in the U.S.—more than 300,000, mostly in Broward and Miami-Dade counties—was a fitting backdrop for Holness’s diaspora-focused visit. His itinerary included Friday’s address in Miramar and Saturday’s annual Jamaica Charity Gala of the American Friends of Jamaica.
The prime minister’s appeal emphasized the role of productivity in stabilizing Jamaica’s economy. He noted that attracting new industries and training the local labor force would be essential in managing the cost of living and preserving purchasing power.
“It means that we will have to bring in new businesses and new industries in Jamaica,” he said. “So, what I’m enlisting you to do this afternoon is to explain what I’ve said to you to your family back in Jamaica. Because you easily relate to what I have said to you, because you have the lived experience here every day.”
Holness acknowledged that challenges such as healthcare and infrastructure remain top concerns for returning Jamaicans. However, he pointed to recent improvements in these areas. In the health sector, he noted the national budget has more than doubled over the last decade, from $60 billion to $140 billion. Additionally, the government has launched two major road rehabilitation initiatives—the $45 billion SPARK programme and the $3 billion REACH programme.
SPARK is designed to accelerate upgrades to secondary and community roads over the next two years, while REACH provides emergency support and long-term road restoration to areas hit by Hurricane Beryl.
Holness admitted that not everyone will respond to the call to return, but said even a few could make a big difference.
“I understand that and I’m not expecting that everyone will heed my call, but if only 10 it’s a big start… . Bring the new industries in,” he said.
His remarks also touched on the broader debate over whether members of the diaspora should be allowed to vote in Jamaican elections. While not taking a definitive stance, Holness emphasized the importance of informed decision-making.
“So, it is very important that whatever you vote for and whoever you vote for, make sure that you are voting for the maintenance of good economic management. Whatever colour you prefer, whatever household you grow up in, whoever is your favourite leader, whoever inspired you, all I’ll say to you is this, vote for the best interest of Jamaica,” he said.
He concluded by urging the diaspora to support Jamaica’s ongoing transformation—likening the country’s growth to a caterpillar becoming a butterfly—and to trust that the process would be fair, inclusive, and equitable.
“Jamaica is at the inflection point in its transformation journey,” Holness said.
