The unforgettable 2025

The year 2025 proved to be a rollercoaster for Jamaica – marked by historic political victories, devastating natural disasters, notable social developments, and international attention. As the island navigated its highs and lows, Jamaicans once again demonstrated resilience, community spirit, and the enduring “one love” mentality that continues to define the nation. From global recognition for generosity to transformative infrastructure projects and controversial headlines, Jamaica’s 2025 story reflected both progress and the persistent challenges that shape the country’s future.

Historic political milestones

September 3 marked a historic day in Jamaican politics. The Jamaica Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Michael Holness, secured a third consecutive term, winning 35 seats in the 63-member Parliament, while the People’s National Party under Mark Golding took 28 seats. The victory positioned Holness to potentially match P.J. Patterson’s record 14-year tenure as Jamaica’s longest-serving prime minister. Yet the triumph was tempered by continuing low voter turnout, recorded at just 38.8 per cent – the second-lowest in the nation’s history – renewing calls for the revision of the voters’ list to remove deceased or migrated citizens.

Natural disasters and recovery efforts

Hurricane Melissa made international headlines when it struck Jamaica with Category 5 intensity on October 28, ravaging sections of the island, mainly parts of Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, Trelawny, St James, Hanover, and St Ann. The storm inflicted hundreds of millions in damage and tragically several claimed lives. Jamaica triggered the full US$150 million payout from the World Bank’s Catastrophe Bond after Melissa met pre-agreed parameters and received an additional US$91.9 million from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility. In total, the country secured a US$6.7 billion recovery package from the IMF, World Bank, and Inter-American Development Bank, underscoring the scale of the devastation and the global support mobilised for rebuilding.

Melissa’s onslaught came weeks after a massive flooding event in the Corporate Area triggered by persistent rainfall.

Crime, legal milestones, and safety improvements

Jamaica faced significant developments in its crime and justice landscape in 2025. In May, the Constitutional Court ruled that repeated states of public emergency declared between 2018 and 2023 were unconstitutional, siding with PNP General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell. The ruling found that 15 declarations were not constitutionally valid, including rolling proclamations by the governor general in 2022, breaching the separation of powers.

On a positive note, the country recorded its lowest murder rate in over 30 years, with 673 homicides – a 41 per cent reduction from 2024 – signalling major progress in crime reduction.

On the other hand, a dramatic rise in the number of killings by members of the security forces has triggered alarm. Last year, some 311 people were killed by members of the security forces, 64 per cent more than in 2024.

Labour and business developments

A dramatic government intervention in April temporarily closed WH Car Services, a mechanic shop in St Catherine, due to concerns over foreign work permits. After meeting conditions, including apprenticeship programs and staff training, the garage reopened in June, highlighting the ongoing tension between regulation and business operations.

Infrastructure and development projects

May witnessed the official opening of the Morant Bay Urban Centre in St Thomas, a $6 billion development hosting several government agencies, including the Parish Court and Passport and Immigration Agency. The project, which began six years prior on the former Goodyear factory site, symbolized new economic and administrative investment in a historically significant parish.

Public health alerts

April brought public health concerns when a container of chicken from Brazil washed ashore in Portmore, St Catherine. Residents, many of whom collected the meat, risked serious illness despite Ministry of Health warnings. Authorities eventually secured the remaining chicken, and no illnesses were confirmed.

The National Water Commission (NWC) also faced scrutiny in March over faecal contamination in water samples from rural St Andrew, exceeding safety thresholds. While the Ministry of Health and NWC maintained that water met international standards, public debate intensified about transparency and infrastructure quality.

International affairs and diplomacy

Jamaican Orville Isaac Etoria became a focal point in a controversial US deportation programme when he was sent to Eswatini in August despite having no personal ties. He was quietly repatriated on September 21.

In January, US President Joe Biden posthumously pardoned National Hero Marcus Garvey, a long-awaited acknowledgement of efforts to clear the civil rights leader’s name. The Jamaican Government formally thanked the United States, with many celebrating the move as a step toward justice for Garvey’s legacy. Critics say the move did not go far enough, calling for Garvey’s full exoneration.

Data security and governance

Jamaica’s ability to safeguard personal data was questioned in January when discarded diaries from the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse were found in an abandoned building. Containing sensitive case information from 2013-2017, the diaries prompted an official apology from Police Commissioner Dr Kevin Blake and raised concerns over data management in public institutions.

Global recognition for generosity and happiness

In March, the release of the Happiness Report 2025 placed Jamaica at the top of the global “feel good” chart, reaffirming the nation’s reputation for warmth and generosity. Jamaica ranked highest worldwide in helping strangers, while also making gains in overall happiness, moving up to 73rd from 84th the previous year. The report assessed income, social support, life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Among the subcategories – donations, volunteering, helping strangers, and the return of lost wallets – Jamaica led in helping strangers, followed by Liberia, Trinidad & Tobago, Kenya, and Liberia.

US policy shifts impact Jamaica

The US introduced major visa changes affecting Jamaicans. Effective October 2025, H-1B visa applications faced a US$100,000 annual fee, while standard visitor visas rose to US$435. Asylum seekers were required to pay initial and annual filing fees, and most visa applicants had to disclose social media accounts.

Separately, the dismantling of USAID under a new US administration cut roughly 92 per cent of foreign assistance, impacting health and development programmes in Jamaica, including HIV/AIDS initiatives.

Looking ahead

As 2025 closed, Jamaica stood at the intersection of global recognition, domestic challenges, and transformative projects. From record-breaking happiness rankings and historic political victories to the trials of Hurricane Melissa and bureaucratic controversies, the year highlighted both the resilience of its people and the need for continued reforms. The nation’s future depends on building infrastructure, safeguarding governance, and addressing social inequities while maintaining the unique “no problem” spirit that continues to define the island’s identity.

25 stories that helped to shape 2025

1. Cops in Mario Deane case found guilty

2. Tesha Miller sues Gov’t

3. Four-hour siege rattles Mandeville: Egg price dispute reportedly triggers deadly stand-off

4. Dead babies déjà vu: Ministry says deaths at VJH due to premature births, not infection

5. An angel in the flood: Elderly couple saved by Good Samaritan in dramatic New Kingston flood rescue

6. Third term loaded: JLP secures historic mandate

7. IC: Tufton’s ‘indirect’ influence led to $80m in contracts for friend’s firm

8. Teen entrepreneur Aaden Dunn building an empire

9. Foiled hit: Five killed in Jacks Hill gun battle as police thwart murder plot

10. Divided we stand: JLP, PNP square off over Chung’s FID appointment

11. IC acted fairly in Charlemont Drive probe, court rules

12. Left behind: Hundreds of special needs children facing silent struggle out of school awaiting assessments

13. Job Lane horror: Community jolted after 9-y-o girl’s body found in barrel at home

14. Holness firm on Cuban docs: PM defends use of medical missions

15. Empty pulpits, empty pews: Churches grapple with pastor shortage, declining congregations

16. Baptist land fight: Pastor Shuttleworth, JBU tussle over Tarrant Baptist property

17. J’can Samaritan in Singapore gifts $1 million to teen with renal failure

18. Cops fire back at renewed criticism over lack of body-worn cameras

19. ‘You will meet a judge or your Maker’: PM issues warning to deportees intent on committing crime

20. Supreme Court blocks Portmore parish law from taking effect

21. Belnavis discharged from hospital after machete attack

22. ‘Absolute nonsense’: Holness rejects auditor general’s concerns over social housing programme

23. Police diary data blunder: Sensitive info on cases left exposed at former CISOCA HQ

24. Jury unable to conclude suicide or murder in businessman Jason Neil’s death

25. Poultry pickle: No illness yet, but authorities remain on high alert as Hellshire residents bite into salvaged chicken