‘Dig deep for 2026’

   En Jamaïque, à l'occassion de la Nouvelle Année, tous les chefs des partis politiques (de la majorité comme de l'opposition) se sont réunis pour lancer un vibrant appel à l'unité nationale face aux défis qu'affrontent le pays.

   Non seulement, le pays doit se relever des terribles dégâts causés par le cyclone Melissa, mais, comme d'autres nations caribéennes, il se retrouve à son corps défendant en première ligne dans la guerre que mènent les Etats-Unis contre le Vénézuela et son président Nicolas Maduro...

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https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20260101/dig-deep-2026…

‘Dig deep for 2026’

Jamaica’s leaders urge nation to attack future with determination, prepare for crises, live with purpose

As Jamaica rings in the new year, the nation’s leaders are calling for citizens to face the future with determination, unity, and clarity of purpose, drawing confidence from a shared experience grounded in faith in God and one another.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen noted, in his New Year’s message, that 2025 tested Jamaica’s maturity as a nation, and gave rise to incredible courage and generosity as the country navigated a general election and faced the fury of Hurricane Melissa.

“As we stand at the threshold of 2026, we must reflect honestly on where we are, and look forward with determination to where we must go,” he said.

‘This new year calls for a renewed ethos: one of resilience, responsibility, cooperation, and shared sacrifice.”

He added: “Recovery will not be easy, but it is possible, if we dig deep within ourselves and give our very best in all situations.”

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While reflecting on lives lost to the monstrous Category 5 storm, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness warned that the climate is changing. He noted that its unpredictability is just one of the uncertainties that will face Jamaica in 2026, stating that “the global order is shifting; geopolitical and geoeconomic manoeuvring are reshaping trade… supply chains… peace and security…the multilateral system… and technology”.

“While no one can predict the future with certainty, the analysis is clear: climate shocks, geopolitical shocks, and economic shocks will create crises in 2026. We must therefore use our strengths…seize opportunities…overcome our weaknesses…and protect ourselves from the threats that will come. We must prepare to withstand crises, absorb their impacts, and recover quickly,” the prime minister said.

MANY CHALLENGES

He added that Jamaica has faced many challenges under his almost decade of leadership and, in each instance, has managed to rebound.

He noted the restoration of water and electricity to 90 per cent of Jamaica since the passage of Hurricane Melissa, and the extensive school repair programme that has been launched.

Further, he stated that hospitals are being repaired and are supported by field hospitals.

Acknowledging that many Jamaicans suffered extensive damage to their homes, Holness said the Government will be launching a targeted home repair and household rehabilitation programme shortly for persons assessed as being tangibly affected by Hurricane Melissa.

“My Jamaican family, your Government is working tirelessly to ensure the resources are in place to support your recovery. But a crisis also provides a brief window for a turning point. Hurricane Melissa has given us that window, an opportunity to build forward better, both in the affected areas and across nationally strategic infrastructure and economic sectors,” he said.

Lauding the country’s third consecutive year of decline in murders, Holness said it is an achievement that belongs to all Jamaicans.

Approximately 670 Jamaicans were murdered last year, a 43 per cent reduction compared to the previous year.

“It proves that Jamaica can overcome problems once considered impossible to solve,” he said.

For 2026, Holness said the national security strategy will focus heavily on peace-building, in homes, in schools, and in communities, as the Government works to purge the society of violent tendencies and dysregulated behaviours.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Mark Golding committed to continue advocacy on behalf of the people of Jamaica.

“We will continue to push for clarity and fairness in the distribution of hurricane relief and support for rebuilding. We will continue to demand transparency and accountability in the use of precious resources for recovery; we will continue to demand decisive action to restore hospitals, schools, vital infrastructure, and damaged communities,” he said.

Golding added: “We will continue to advocate for farmers whose crops, livestock and poultry were destroyed; for the thousands of small businesses now struggling to reopen; and for the stricken families in need of support. We understand that true leadership is about standing up fearlessly and consistently for the people’s interests.”

He noted that the circumstances facing Jamaica this year present a unique opportunity to restore physical infrastructure and rebuild destroyed housing with greater resilience to withstand future natural disasters. And as such, citizens must be empowered with practical knowledge on how to ensure that their homes are built back better than before, and support them with the materials they need to do so.

“In restoring our damaged public assets, whether they be roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, water and electricity systems, we must ensure that we invest to achieve greater climate resilience. We must expand mental health support for the many thousands of our people who are struggling to cope with trauma and loss,” he said.

But an important national goal for 2026, Golding said, should be to restore “trust in each other, and trust in those who hold governmental power on our behalf”.

Jamaica should also be a place where investment decisions are people-centred, where opportunities are accessible to our youth and persons with disabilities, where women are empowered, Golding said.

“As we enter 2026, let us all live with purpose and kindness, in the spirit of national unity. Let us always look out for our neighbours, support local businesses and industries, and be generous to those most affected by the impact of the hurricane,” he said.

editorial@gleanerjm.com