Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the government has successfully steered Jamaica through a period of significant global uncertainty, marked by turbulent geopolitical and geoeconomic conditions.

Prime Minister Holness was speaking at the 20th Gathering of the Heal the Family, Heal the Nation Day of Prayer Service, on January 7, 2026, at the Power of Faith Ministries in Portmore, St Catherine.

Addressing the congregation, Holness noted that Jamaica is operating in a complex global environment characterised by instability, external shocks, and overlapping crises, requiring steady leadership and careful decision-making.

“We are living in changing times, uncertain times, and in many instances, uncharted waters,” the prime minister said. “My job as the steward of your affairs and the servant of your wishes is to keep Jamaica safe.”

The prime minister emphasised that navigating such conditions demands restraint and prudence, cautioning against unnecessary actions that could expose the country to avoidable risks.

“Not to steer into waters for which we don’t have to go, and not to invite problems on ourselves when we already have our own problems to deal with,” he added.

The prime minister underscored that Jamaica’s approach to global and domestic challenges has been guided by consistency, principle, and a clear understanding of the country’s national interest, particularly as a small developing state.

“This is not us recoiling from our principles and duties as a member of the international community,” Holness stated. “Jamaica has always been consistent, and we have always been a strong voice of reason for small developing countries globally.”

He further noted that Jamaica has taken clear and considered positions on international issues well before they became the subject of broader global debate.

“Many of the issues that are presently being discussed, if persons were to do even cursory research, they would see the positions that Jamaica has taken and continues to take,” the prime minister said.

Reflecting on the broader global climate, Holness credited careful stewardship and faith for helping Jamaica remain stable amid international turbulence.

“We give God thanks for keeping Jamaica safe in turbulent geopolitical and geoeconomic times,” he said. “We have navigated those waters carefully and skillfully, and we will bring the ship of the Jamaican State to the destination of prosperity for which God has ordained.”

Prime Minister Holness reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining stability, safeguarding national interests, and ensuring that Jamaica continues to move forward despite global uncertainty.