Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness is inviting members of the Jamaican diaspora to return home to invest and build the country.
It’s the second time in two months that he’s made the call.
Colliecia Wright has our story.
Prime Minister Holness was in Florida late last week into the weekend.
On his itinerary were the annual Jamaica Charity Gala of American Friends of Jamaica, on Saturday and an address at Christway Baptist Church in Miramar on Friday.
In a wide-ranging speech at the church, Prime Minister Holness presented an overview of his administrations accomplishments in its two-terms, and outlined its vision for the country.
Included in the vision, a return of members of the diaspora.
Florida has the second-highest concentration of Jamaicans in the United States, with more than 300,000 residing primarily in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Florida ranks behind New York, estimated to have over 400,000.
Also included in the vision, Prime Minister Holness spoke to long-term road improvement and maintenance.
The government launched two road rehabilitation projects late last year – the $45 billion SPARK programme and the $3 billion REACH programme.
SPARK aims to accelerate improvements in secondary, parochial, and community roads across the island over a two-year period, while REACH (Relief Emergency Assistance and Community Help) focuses on providing immediate and sustained relief to communities affected by Hurricane Beryl.
In terms of health, Prime Minister Holness says the quality of healthcare has improved in the last ten years, largely as a result of the budget moving from $60 billion to $140 billion.
Mr Holness conceded that as the administration pursues the vision, it could lead to displacement for some.
Prime Minister Holness says, however, that’s democracy at work.
