Mr Speaker, the team at the Ministry of Health and Wellness is saddened at the passing of Jodian Fearon, who was transferred from the Andrew’s Memorial Hospital to the Spanish Town Hospital and then to the University Hospital of the West Indies. On behalf my own family, as well as the entire team at the Ministry; we extend our sympathies...

Building a Climate Resilient and Sustainable Future As a small island developing state, Jamaica is acutely aware of how the risks of climate change threaten the development, the well being and economic-security of its citizens. Over the years, we note with grave concern the impact we experience from extreme events of hurricanes, drought and flooding to the slower onset events...

“Last year Jamaica and the IMF came to an agreement for the IMF to continue to maintain an office in Kingston for two years. This has facilitated a close and open working relationship with frequent exchange of views and information. In particular, I have been in regular communication with the Fund over the past few months as the Covid-19 pandemic...

Mr. Speaker, I rise to update this Honourable House and the people of Jamaica on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Mr. Speaker, as of Wednesday, April 15, the National Surveillance Unit has advised that there are 125 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica. The 20 additional confirmed cases...

The Covid-19 pandemic is the most threatening global health crisis in over a century. It has led to a global economic shock of unprecedented proportions. The Government of Jamaica is responding with a $25 billion stimulus, the largest stimulus package in Jamaican history. It consists of a reduction in the rate of GCT from 16.5% to 15.0% and other tax...

These are unprecedented times. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has wreaked havoc globally with the way we live and our way of doing business. Our island was on the cusp of making major economic breakthroughs, but we are now suddenly facing the challenge of our lifetime, a challenge that affects Jamaica’s greatest asset: the wellbeing of its people. The Jamaican...

My Fellow Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora. For the past two weeks, our nation has been gripped by fear, panic, and uncertainty as the dreaded COVID-19 virus reached our shores. I am using this opportunity to speak to you, not only as your Governor-General, but as a husband, father, brother, friend and concerned citizen. Firstly, I thank the...

Introduction Mr. Speaker, I again extend gratitude to the staff at the Ministry of Finance and Public Service and to the board, management, and staff of the public bodies within my portfolio. Thanks to Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and the Opposition Spokesperson on Finance for their contributions to the 2019/20 Budget Debate. Mr. Speaker, I am closing this...