PM Holness urges diaspora to invest in Jamaica: ‘Come back and help us’

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.

“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.”