Looking Ahead – Sustainable Growth in the “New Normal” INTRODUCTION M r. Speaker, I rise to make my sectoral contribution to this Honourable House with a feeling of optimism, in spite of all that we have endured recently as a nation and a people due to the Novel Coronavirus, COVID 19. I am cognizant that Jamaica and indeed the entire...

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS Mr. Speaker, I am sure that we will all agree that the year 2020 will be etched in our individual and collective memory as a historic experience of monumental and unprecedented proportions. Indeed, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has placed us front and centre in confronting our strengths, our weaknesses, threats and opportunities, not just as individuals,...

Mr. Speaker; Until 1954, (only 8 years before Jamaica’s independence) most people believed that a human being was incapable of running a mile in less than 4 minutes. But that very year, English miler Roger Bannister proved them wrong. After he dashed the record, Bannister is reported to have said that “Doctors and scientists said that breaking the four-minute mile...

Jamaica joins the international community in celebrating World Oceans Day 2020 under the theme “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean”, with the focus on uniting conservation efforts of the Ocean and its resources through novel ideas and solutions. As a small island state, we cannot over-emphasize the significance of conservation and management of the Ocean and Seas as they represent important...

SALUTATIONS Mr. Speaker, I give thanks first to the Almighty for His grace and never ending mercies, which have allowed us to be here today, despite the many challenges we have faced, particularly in the past few months as we combat this COVID-19 pandemic. I also express my gratitude to the Most Honourable Prime Minister for his guidance and leadership...

It is with deep sadness that I inform the nation of the passing of our dear Hon. Shahine Robinson, Minister of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for North East St. Ann. Shahine was a patriot, a servant of the people, a much loved political representative adored by her constituents, a humanitarian and great personal friend. In previous...

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our colleague Member of Parliament for St. Ann North Eastern and Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson. I extend heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. Shahine was more than a colleague to me, she was a friend whose company I cherished....

Mr President, Members of the Senate will recall that I had recently undertaken to provide an update on the activities and actions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade during this COVID-19 Pandemic. Mr President, it bears repeating that the Ministry, which I am privileged to lead, is staffed by a remarkable, committed cadre of professionals both here...