Jamaica joins the rest of the international community to observe World Diabetes Day this year, under the theme “Diabetes: Protect Our Future”. This is an important message and comes at a time in which our health, productivity and development are threatened by the epidemic of non-communicable diseases including diabetes. NCDs kill 36 million persons each year of which 4% of...

Salutations: I am most grateful for this opportunity to address your association. Insurers and the health ministry share many interests in common, including a vested interest in preserving the well-being of our clients. We share many similar goals in this regard. I am pleased with your continued support to the health sector over the years through your outreach projects including...

Madame Chairperson Permanent Secretary Mr. Jerome Thomas, Acting UN Resident Coordinator Members of the Diplomatic Corps Distinguished guests Ladies and gentlemen,   It is indeed an honour for me to deliver these remarks on the occasion of the United Nations Day, which was commemorated around the world on 24th October. The commemoration of UN Day this year is particularly significant...

A meeting of the National Disaster Committee which comprises all the relevant agencies was convened this afternoon as the nation prepares for the threat posed by Tropical Storm Sandy.   Jamaica is now under a tropical storm warning as Tropical Storm Sandy approaches the island. By later this afternoon into tonight, the country will begin to experience deterioration in the...

Health care has a significant role to play towards the social and economic health and development of our nation. Family planning is essential in contributing to this process. Family planning is one of the most cost effective health interventions that can have a positive effect on the health of women, children, families and communities. This has been an important platform...

Mr Speaker, I rise to update this Honourable House on matters related to energy, and specifically the matter of LNG. Electricity prices are the most important impediment to economic growth and job creation facing Jamaica today. Mr Speaker, there is no delicate way to repeat this: Jamaica will not move forward with electricity rates of 40 US cents per kilowatt...

Today, Monday October 1, 2012, Jamaica joins countries around the globe in observing World Habitat Day. This year the United Nations has chosen the theme "Changing Cities, Building Opportunities" to focus our attention as a people on the state of our towns and cities, as well as the basic right of all to adequate shelter. World-wide it is recognized that...

Salutations:   Today I am delighted to participate in Jamaica's observation of World Tourism Day 2012, under the theme "Tourism and Sustainable Energy:  Powering Sustainable Development". As our nation joins the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and its global tourism partners in commemorating this symbolic day, it is in joint recognition of the global importance of tourism. Locally, the...

Jamaica is proud to join the global community in recognising 'International Right to Know Day' 2012. We do so against the background of the considerable progress which has been made since the passage of the Access to Information Act of 2002. This has led to the opening up of public access to information as part of government’s commitment to foster...

Mr. President, The Government of Jamaica welcomes this initiative of the UN in convening this high level meeting on the rule of law, given the acknowledged importance of the subject at both the national and international levels. Read More

Cabinet has approved a three-year contract valued at $73.1 million to Quest Security Limited for the provision of security services at the Ministry of Education's three main locations. These are at the central office at National Heroes Circle, the Cainwood Centre, and at 56 Duke Street. Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, made the disclosure at...