Jamaica Urged to Harness Foreign Policy as Pathway to Economic Independence

2026-02-13 - 15:48

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has called on Jamaica’s diplomatic corps to more deliberately deploy foreign policy as a strategic mechanism for achieving economic independence, arguing that sovereignty must be reinforced by sustained economic strength. Speaking to heads of diplomatic and consular missions at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in downtown Kingston on Wednesday, Holness noted that while Jamaica has safeguarded its political independence since 1962, the current global environment requires a sharper focus on economic self-reliance. He contended that political sovereignty remains incomplete without a resilient economic foundation. “The only way to fulfil your political objectives is to make sure that you are economically independent...We should declare that this must be the decade when we secure our economic independence,” Holness said. He stressed that Jamaica’s foreign engagements must be closely aligned with national economic priorities, directing diplomats to pursue partnerships that strengthen credibility, attract investment, and expand employment opportunities. “Our foreign policy must support our economic policy,” he stated, adding that envoys play a central role in shaping international perceptions of the country. “You are the custodians of Jamaica’s image, interest and influence. You hold the responsibility of ensuring that Jamaica’s voice is heard clearly, that our partnerships are strengthened, and that our national priorities are advanced with professionalism and conviction.” The prime minister also urged missions abroad to reinforce messaging surrounding Jamaica’s resilience, particularly its recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Beryl. While acknowledging the significant damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, he said the storm challenged but did not erase national progress. “Communicate clearly and consistently that fiscal discipline remains intact, that recovery and reconstruction spending will be targeted and strategic, and that Jamaica remains committed to responsible macroeconomic management,” Holness advised. Addressing national security, he pointed to reductions in violence and homicide rates over the past three years and encouraged diplomats to highlight these gains internationally. “We are moving towards peace, and that’s the message that you will take to the global community. Jamaica is seriously addressing and having great impact on safety and security,” he said. The consultations bring together officials overseeing 20 diplomatic and consular posts and guiding approximately 85 consulates worldwide, marking the first meeting of its kind since 2018. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith described the discussions as essential given shifting global dynamics. “Our foreign policy approaches clearly have to be sensitive to changes domestically and internationally, and for this reason, we have brought heads of mission once more home to meet with ministry leadership for an internal reset,” she said.