The Cabinet, Chaired by Prime Minister Andrew Holness Reaffirms Separation of Powers and Judicial Independence and Accountability in Responding to Judges The Cabinet of Jamaica, as the principal instrument of policy, charged with the general direction and control of the government of Jamaica, has responded to a ‘Declaration’ issued by a group of judges. The following is a statement from...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is concerned about the political and economic crisis in Venezuela, and is desirous of seeing Venezuelans again enjoying their democracy. “This (matter of democracy) is a principle that has nothing to do with any other country. This has always been Jamaica’s position. We wish the best for the people of...

United States Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, has lauded the Government for the important progress made in combating lottery scamming and assured of the US Government’s continued support to Jamaica’s security forces and criminal justice system. Mr. Tillerson said he appreciated the country’s close cooperation with US authorities to extradite suspected lotto scammers to the US and welcomed the establishment...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, tabled a copy of the Report of the Commission to Review Jamaica’s Relations within the CARICOM and CARIFORUM Frameworks in the House of Representatives,  yesterday (February 6). The Commission was charged with evaluating the effects of Jamaica’s membership in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the country’s economic growth and development, with particular reference...

Mr. Speaker, you will recall that relatively early in the term of this Administration, I mandated the establishment of a Commission to review the effectiveness of existing arrangements within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as well as to explore the strengthening of strategic partnerships within the CARICOM and CARIFORUM Frameworks. The Terms of Reference were made public, but in summary, Mr....

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has expressed confidence that Justice Bryan Sykes, who has been appointed to act as Chief Justice, will effectively carry out his role in the public’s interest. He said Justice Sykes was appointed based on his “extraordinary legal insights, clarity and erudition”, adding that his “discipline, structure, efficiency and timeliness recommends him highly to...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has said lawmakers would be taking steps to ensure that the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) carries out its duties with “balance”. “We take the view that there really needs to be balance in how INDECOM operates... . I think this House which created the institution still retains the power. At some point,...