Last Thursday, we were advised by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) of laboratory confirmation of cases of cholera in the Artibonite province in Haiti. As of last Saturday, the Ministry of Health in Haiti reported 3,015 cases of cholera resulting in 253 deaths. Cases have been reported in other areas such as Port au Prince, the Ouest and Central...

One of our most precious assets as a people is our heritage - the experiences, traditions and culture that have moulded us over the years into who we are and what we are. It includes the struggles that we endured, the triumphs won and the wisdom we gained to confront the challenges of tomorrow. This past week was observed as...

Torrential rains and other adverse weather conditions associated with Tropical Depression No. 16 which later became Tropical Storm Nicole impacted the island of Jamaica from 26-29 September 2010. The event produced bands of showers and thunderstorms over most of the island but more so to the southern, south eastern and western ends of the island. The tropical system resulted in...

Again, I congratulate you on your assumption of the Presidency of the 65th Session of the General Assembly and assure you of the full cooperation of my delegation. I extend Jamaica's appreciation to your predecessor, His Excellency Dr. Ali Treki, for so ably guiding the proceedings of the 64th Session of the General Assembly. Partnership of Nations We come to...

Mr. President,My delegation joins in congratulating you on your Presidency of the 65th Session of the UN General Assembly and for your chairmanship of this important High-Level meeting. I also commend Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for his initiative in convening this meeting. Mr. PresidentIt is clear that we are in danger of failing the targets which we set for ourselves at...

Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of our nation. It was a memorable night 48 years ago when we respectfully lowered the Union Jack and proudly hoisted the Black, Green and Gold as the symbol of our nationhood. With that flag was also raised our hopes and expectations as a people. What were those hopes and expectations?That we...

We celebrate, once again, our emancipation from slavery 176 years ago. We glory in that achievement as the greatest victory that mankind has ever won because slavery is the worst form of oppression that man can impose on his fellowman. We celebrate the heroes of that victory, especially those who risked their lives and gave their lives in the struggle...

Mr. Speaker, it is well known that ICTs are the pivot of productivity and growth in the post-industrial world and it is for this reason that our own growth prospects are inextricably bound up with how we drive this industry. Mr. Speaker, Jamaica has taken great care in not only laying a strong and sound foundation, but in adding value...

Since the declaration of a State of Emergency in the Corporate Area on May 23rd which was later extended to St. Catherine, the Police and the Military have been conducting an intensive campaign to reduce the level of crime and violence that have plagued the country for many years. The results have been positive and encouraging. For the first time...

Jamaica is honoured to be hosting this 31st regular meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, in Montego Bay, a city whose links with the Caribbean integration movement go back to that historic conference in 1947, when British colonies of the Caribbean met here to chart a course for the region as the world emerged from the...

The Cabinet took the decision on Sunday to advise the Governor-General to issue a proclamation declaring a state of public emergency for the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew effective 6:00 p.m. that day. This decision was taken on the advice of the security forces that action had been taken and further action was likely to be taken to endanger...