- Speaking at CAF’s International Economic Forum in Panama, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasised the need for regional alignment, competitiveness, and proactive leadership in shaping global change.
PAMAMA, CITY, Pamama – Jamaica’s prime minister, Andrew Holness, has urged Latin America and the Caribbean to assert itself more deliberately as a central actor in the global economy and move beyond the vulnerability narrative.
Addressing regional and international leaders, policymakers, investors, and development partners at the opening ceremony of CAF’s second International Economic Forum in Panama City, Panama on Wednesday, prime minister Holness framed the moment as one of choice and agency, arguing that Latin America and the Caribbean must decide whether to shape global change or be shaped by it.
“For too long, our region has been described primarily through the language of vulnerability,” prime minister Holness said. “But vulnerability is not destiny. We are not peripheral to the global system; we are central to its stability, sustainability, and future growth.”
He referenced the region’s strategic geography, young populations, natural assets, food-producing capacity, renewable energy potential, creative industries, and resilient democratic institutions as strengths that position Latin America and the Caribbean to play a more influential role globally. Realising that potential, he argued, requires clearer regional alignment on important issues.
“We must articulate clearer regional positions on climate resilience, supply-chain diversification, digital inclusion, and sustainable energy,” he stated. “We must move from fragmented national initiatives to aligned regional priorities. And we must shift from reacting to global change to anticipating it, helping shape the standards and partnerships of the next decade.”
Prime Minister Holness outlined three imperatives for advancing the region’s economic positioning: a regional competitiveness agenda anchored in connectivity, logistics, energy security, and digital transformation; institutional readiness built on credible and predictable frameworks; and a renewed diplomatic and economic posture that deepens engagement with both traditional partners and emerging markets.
Drawing on Jamaica’s own experience, the prime minister highlighted how sustained fiscal discipline, institutional reform, and macroeconomic stability have strengthened the country’s capacity to absorb shocks and recover more quickly from crises. He noted that Jamaica’s response to hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm that struck just months ago and caused significant economic losses and damage across key sectors, has demonstrated the country’s resilience, supported by strong institutions and continued international confidence.
Prime Minister Holness also used the forum’s platform to extend an invitation to investors and partners to engage with Jamaica’s growing pipeline of bankable opportunities across various sectors including, infrastructure, logistics, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and the digital economy.
The prime minister encouraged participants to view Jamaica not only as a market, but as a platform for regional growth, one that is underpinned by macroeconomic stability, and a predictable and welcoming investment environment. As part of the forum’s agenda, CAF has organised a Jamaica Investment Forum in collaboration with the government of Jamaica, aimed at attracting investment to support the islands rebuilding drive.
