Ananda Dean, 11 years old, student, abducted and killed in 2008. Khanice Jackson, 20 years old, accounting clerk of Portmore, St. Catherine, only daughter of her mother, body found in bushes in 2021. Jasmine Dean, visually impaired UWI student, missing since February 2020. Sharon Cole, 61 years old of McDonald District, Crooked River, murdered on February 15. Imani Green, 8...

Expression of Gratitude Madam Speaker, I rise this afternoon to close the budget debate on the Appropriation Bill for the 2021/22 fiscal year. This is the 59th budget debate in Jamaica’s independent history. Though it takes place in the almost impossible context of the worst economic crisis in our history and the worst health crisis in our country, it has...

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Madam Speaker, Members of this Honourable House, Jamaicans and friends joining us locally and overseas, as I rise to address the Nation in these Budget Debates for a 6th time as Prime Minister, we give God thanks for sparing our lives through the unprecedented travails of 2020 to see this day. Madam Speaker, this is your second time occupying...

One Jamaica, Powerful Together The role of the Opposition Madame Speaker, I wish to begin this presentation by saying a few words about the role of the Opposition at this time in Jamaica’s history. Some people may be of the view that it is the business of an Opposition to oppose for its own sake. We on this side do...

Restructuring For Growth With Equity   SALUTATIONS Madam Speaker, I start my presentation by giving thanks to the Almighty for continuing to bless me with health and strength to carry out my responsibilities in this House. I am forever grateful to the constituents of South East St. Andrew who have sent me here for the third time to continue to...

Preparing Jamaica To Recover Stronger   Salutations & Expressions of Gratitude Mr. Speaker, I begin by thanking Almighty God, from whom all blessings flow. Great is thy faithfulness. Great is thy mercy and thy loving kindness. Madam Speaker, I could not have possibly made it through this year without the support of family, friends and colleagues. Due to the restrictions...

OPENING REMARKS The 2021/22 fiscal year central government and public body budgets have been formulated around the continuing global and local impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the efforts to counter its spread and restore higher levels of economic activity. The Covid-19 pandemic generated both a health crisis and an economic crisis during the current financial year 2020/21. The pandemic...