I have always believed that strong institutions matter because they shape how our country works and how we deliver for our people.

Over the years, Jamaica has invested in the laws, policies, systems and institutions that guide our country. We have also strengthened the way we manage our economy, including monetary and fiscal policy, and the institutions responsible for protecting that stability.

But building institutions is not the end of the work. We have to keep reviewing them, improving them and making sure they continue to serve the people.

At the same time, we have to be honest with ourselves. Sometimes we create new rules and systems without taking away those that are no longer necessary. That can make government more complicated than it needs to be.