Amid the ongoing global competition for resources and skills, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness wants Jamaica to step up and become a major player on the world stage by presenting itself as a viable stakeholder in the international economy.

Addressing the RIU Hotels and Resorts’ 25th anniversary celebration at RIU Montego Bay last Thursday evening, Holness used the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament as an analogy of how Jamaica must acknowledge its place as a participant in the global arena.

“There is sometimes a mind-set, especially for small nations, that we cannot compete in the global world. I say to every Jamaican, we have to change that mind-set and see ourselves as competitors on the global football field,” he said. “Too often we see ourselves as spectators cheering on other teams, not understanding that we are on the field as well, and we must be competitive.”