Madam Speaker, 2020 has been an extraordinary year for Jamaica, and the world. The COVID-19 virus - and its impact globally and on Jamaica - has been life changing. This is a once in a 100 year experience. There was no playbook prescribing a response; we had to adjust and learn as we went along. This public health threat tested...

Acknowledgements Madam Speaker: Let me first of all give honour and glory to Almighty God, the Creator of all things. Great is His faithfulness and  mighty power which has brought us through a challenging year. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 which states, “for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and...

Implementing the national goal of recovering stronger through the institutions of local government Madam Speaker… I am privileged today, to make my fifth contribution to the Sectoral Debate as the Minister responsible for Local Government. I am also pleased to address you in this forum, since your ascension to the Speaker’s Chair last year. That special occasion came after the...

Introductory Remarks "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Madam Speaker, I am honoured and humbled to stand before you at this time as Jamaica's youngest Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. I would like to express my...

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS Madam Speaker, It is an honour and a privilege to stand before this Honourable House this afternoon to report to this country, that I love so much, on the performance of my Ministry over the past year, the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce; and to outline our programmes for the new financial year. Madam Speaker, I don’t...

Madam Speaker the COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the usual patterns of life. The Government continues to innovate policies and programmes to address the issues that have arisen on account of this pandemic. I announced the SERVE Jamaica Programme in my budget presentation which is a $60 billion programme of social and economic initiatives to boost economic activity and support Jamaicans...

Madame Speaker, I rise today to advise this Honourable House about the plans being put in place for National Labour Day 2021. National Labour Day 2021 will be observed on Monday, May 24th. In keeping with the provisions of the Holidays (Public General) Act, since May 23rd falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be known as “National Labour...

Towards a Future of Sustainability, Structural Innovation, Engineering Creation and Investment Opportunities   Madam Speaker, it is with heartfelt gratitude that I rise this afternoon to speak in this Honourable House. I want to thank the Most Honourable Prime Minister, Andrew Holness for once again entrusting me with this august responsibility in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation...