Durrant Pate/Contributor

This year’s Throne Speech, indicating the government plans and programmes for the new 2025/2026 parliamentary year, delivered no new announcement but a repetition of existing promises on Thursday (February 13).

In fact, the Throne Speech—delivered by Custos of Kingston Steadman Fuller, deputising for Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, who is recovering from spinal surgery—focused on existing projects, which the Andrew Holness administration intends to complete during the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Fuller advised of the active legislative programmes in this parliamentary year and the continuing completion of many government and bilateral programmes.

Fuller spoke about the reform of the Jamaican Constitution saying to thunderous applause from the governing side, “The people of Jamaica will also be provided the opportunity to have their say on the matter of Jamaica’s final court. Among other pieces of legislation, a referendum bill will be tabled to provide for the procedures for the people’s participation in the reform of the Constitution.”

“The remaining steps will be taken to pass the Constitution (Amendment) (Republic) Bill, 2024 and then have it approved by the people. The reform work will continue into the next phases with a sharp focus on Chapters III and VII of the Constitution (the Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms and the Judicature, respectively),” the deputy governor-general added.

Major focus on tourism this fiscal year

Fuller made special mention of the tourism sector, which demonstrated resilience, innovation, and growth in 2024, overcoming challenges, including travel advisories and severe weather to welcome 4.1 million visitors, generating US$4.3 billion in revenue. This moved the sector closer to the 5 by 5 by 5 goal, that is, 5 million visitors and US$5 billion in earnings by 2025. 

The deputy governor-general said tourism investments continue to show strong growth disclosing that “Six new hotels totalling 5,600 rooms and 1,000 hotel workers’ housing will commence construction during the fiscal year. When completed, this will bring foreign direct investment of US$2.5 billion and 10,000 new jobs.”

Meanwhile, he disclosed that the revolutionary Tourism Workers Pension Scheme has now surpassed 10,000 registrations and savings under an investment of J$4 billion. 

Transportation and energy 

On the matter of transportation and energy, Fuller told the parliament that public transportation this year will see an additional J$3 billion investment with 100 more buses procured and slated for delivery by July 2025.

Of these, 10 buses will also be fitted for persons with disabilities. 

This will bring the total investment in improving this mode of public transport to 250 buses in 24 months. At the same time, he reported that port security will be strengthened through increased Ports Security Corps recruitment. 

Legislative advancements to be made will include the Petroleum (Downstream Activities) Bill to regulate imported fuel quality by 2025/ 2026. Updates to the Civil Aviation Act and Shipping Act will also be made to align with international safety standards. Fuller noted that the US$4-million energy security investment will install 6,368 rooftop solar panels across six hospitals and 16 government facilities, saving 5 million kWh annually.

National security 

In the area of national security, Fuller lamented that significant progress is being made in modernising Jamaica’s anti-crime policies and legislative framework to achieve these goals under Plan Secure Jamaica. For 2025/2026, the legislative priorities include updates to the Firearms Act to include a framework for plea negotiations, among other things. 

According to him, “This is consequent to the effectiveness of the new mandatory minimum penalty, which has increased the level of interest among accused persons in entering guilty pleas. Updates will also be made to the Proceeds of Crime Act and Finger Prints Act, alongside a comprehensive reform of the Corrections Act.”

In conclusion, Fuller explained that the Child Offender Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration Strategy will also be launched to support transformative justice.