Mr. Speaker, I begin my presentation this year with thanksgiving. We have much for which to give God thanks. The almighty has been faithful to us in good times and in these challenging times. Let us give thanks for the strong, steady, inspirational leadership of our Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, as he leads our nation in the...

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today, as Minister with the portfolio of Gender Affairs to join with all well-thinking Jamaicans to condemn and speak out against the recent brutal acts of violence against women which are part of the ‘horrific monster’ of gender-based violence. Gender-based violence can be perpetuated in many forms such as psychological, physical, sexual...

Mr Speaker, yesterday Jamaica joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. It is a necessary commemoration because violence is still a major factor of life for too many women. We now know from the results of the Women’s Health Survey: - That one in every four women in Jamaica...

It is a sad reality that at this moment, a woman and a girl and a family and a community in our country are experiencing the horrific effects and consequences of gender-based violence. Despite progress at reducing it, gender-based violence is still a major factor of life for too many women in Jamaica and across the world. Each year on...

Mr. Speaker, I wish to begin by thanking the people of Central St. Catherine. It has been my great pleasure to represent them in this House over the past twenty one years. We have come a far way together, and we will go farther still together — as a team involving some of the best Councillors in Jamaica. To my...

Salutations Ladies and gentlemen, this is a difficult time for all of us as a nation. The passing of one of our great sons, the Most Honourable Edward Seaga — who has served us so well — is a time of sadness. It is a moment for reflection which calls us as a national family to come together in celebration...

The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has released the following statement at the passing of the former government minister, Dwight Nelson. Minister’s statement follows: “This is a sad moment as we learn of the passing of one of our outstanding sons of the Jamaican soil – Dwight Nelson, trade unionist, politician and personal friend....

Each year on this date we recommit as individuals and as a country to take steps to eliminate violence against women. It is a serious problem that affects many women in our country and can affect any woman wherever she is — at home, at school, on the street, in public transport, in the club and in her place of...