I wish to address the House on two related matters that have generated much public discussion and controversy. The one has to do with the request by the US government for the extradition of Christopher Coke, the other with the engagement of the US law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips. The Extradition Treaty between Jamaica and the US specifies...

Teachers' Day 2010 sees us confronted by considerable challenges and some instability in our education sector. I urge us however, not to let the problems which prevail, shroud or cloud this very significant Day; but let us herald and praise our teachers, who over the years, have provided sterling service to our children and contributed to the advancement of our...

Budget contextEvery government, in presenting its budget, desires to be able to do more and spend more. Budget debates traditionally provide the occasion for grand announcements of projects and programmes to address every possible need, satisfy every important segment of the population. For many people, that has come to be the standard by which a government is judged and a...

"Further to my statement in Parliament on Tuesday, I have made investigations to ascertain whether the government has had any connection with the US law firm, Manatt, Phelps and Phillips. I am advised that in December while on a flight to Washington DC for a meeting with the US State and Justice Departments, the Solicitor-General was approached by Mr. Harold...

The report of the Commission of Enquiry into the tragedy that occurred at the Armadale Juvenile Correctional Centre on May 22, 2009 is being tabled in the House today. The sole Commissioner, retired President of the Court of Appeal, Mr. Justice Paul Harrison, found negligence on the part of the State and dereliction of duty, administrative errors, unlawful conduct and...

In recent broadcasts, I have spoken about the problems facing us as a country, problems that have been so terribly aggravated by the global recession but problems which existed and had accumulated long before the recession. Every year for many years, we have been spending more than we earn. Every year, we have to borrow to make up the difference,...

The people of Jamaica extend deep sympathy to the people of our neighbour Haiti, who are currently suffering from the effects of the earthquake and aftershocks of January 12. I have been in contact with President Rene Preval and assured him that all Jamaica is offering prayers that God's mercy will take the Haitian people through this tragedy even as...

'The allegation by the Leader of the Opposition that the National Housing Trust is being politicized is baseless and provocative. The contract of the Managing Director expired at the end of December. There is no requirement in the contract for it to be automatically renewed. The decision was taken to advertise the post and the period for receipt of applications...

My fellow Jamaicans. This past year was a tough one - tough for many of you, tough for the government, tough for Jamaica. It was a year in which we felt the full-blown effect of the global crisis with the closure of three of our four alumina plants, significant job losses and downturn in the economy. There are signs that...

"Christmas has come at a time when our country continues to endure the pain and stress that have afflicted the entire world for most of the last two years. It has affected Jamaicans both at home and abroad. Yet, Christmas has such powerful significance that it is able, at least for the moment, to transcend the hardship we are undergoing...

My fellow Jamaicans...The public anger that has arisen since the announcement of new taxes last Thursday is understandable and I sympathize with the Jamaican people. The world-wide recession has hit us badly and I know that many Jamaicans are having it hard. In these difficult times, no one would want to impose additional taxes if there was a way it...