ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS   Mr. Speaker, I am humbled by this opportunity to make yet another contribution to the Sectoral Debate in this Honourable House.   Let me pay homage to the Almighty for keeping me fortified and invigorated as I take on the challenges of public life.  It is His inspiration that keeps me focused as I serve my constituents, and...

INTRODUCTION I welcome this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to participate in another Sectoral Debate. After more than three decades in this Parliament, one would believe that it would be a mere formality speaking in this debate. But, it is such an important annual event, that even a veteran Member like me, still takes pride in participating. However, Mr. Speaker, I am...

Preamble Mr. Speaker, please allow me to express my appreciation for you mature and responsible management of the affairs of this Honourable House.   I would also like to express my thanks and appreciation for the efficient manner in which the Clerk, Deputy Clerk and staff of Parliament have tried to make life of Members at least more tolerable.  I...

We welcome the New Year with all the hopes and possibilities it holds and we give thanks that we have been spared to see 2015. As we the people of Jamaica make our personal resolutions to live healthier lifestyles, to be more prudent with our resources, and to improve ourselves and grow our business, so too must the government of...

The Parliamentary Opposition has signalled its full cooperation for the actions being taken by the Government to contain and reduce the spread of the Chikungunya virus, and plans being put in place to prevent the introduction of the Ebola virus in Jamaica, as well as measures to deal with any possible Ebola case in the country. The Opposition has welcomed...

The Parliamentary Opposition has signalled its full cooperation for the actions being taken by the Government to contain and reduce the spread of the Chikungunya virus, and plans being put in place to prevent the introduction of the Ebola virus in Jamaica, as well as measures to deal with any possible Ebola case in the country. The  Opposition  has  welcomed ...

Independence marked a major milestone in our journey towards nationhood and the creation of our Jamaican State. That journey started with the arrival of Columbus in 1492 and the subsequent conquest, exploitation and establishment of a system of enslavement and a plantation society under European colonial rule which lasted for 470 years until our Independence 1962. After World War II...

Fellow Jamaicans: We celebrate Labour Day this year under the theme “'Take a stand... Beautify our Land'. This is an exhortation that has my full support. God has blessed Jamaica with a naturally beautiful physical environment. We are the stewards of this land. As we seek to build our society and economy, we sometimes neglect, sacrifice and even scar our...

Leader of the Opposition, Andrew Holness, has suggested that with the proposed development of Goat Island as a logistics hub, efforts should be made to develop the necessary human capital that will be of benefit to the sector. “Jamaica has always been close to the major shipping routes and we have had a port for a long while. Aside from...