A few days ago, in preparation for Labour Day, I collected my plants from the Forestry Department. This is one of them, the national flower of Jamaica, the Lignum Vitae. The lignum Vitae symbolizes strength, endurance, and healing, and is a protected species which we cherish as part of our natural and cultural heritage. I will be planting this tree...

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.

Madam Speaker, let me again heap gratitude on all who reached out to me with their congratulations after my opening budget presentation. I deeply appreciate all of you! You give me strength! Let me also, Madam Speaker, pause to acknowledge the media persons who traveled over hills and valleys to go to Tydixon to check out the district ‘weh me...

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to acknowledge my husband Leo of 35 years, who is in the gallery, and our two daughters and family members who are watching online from the United States. I want to acknowledge as well, “all de people dem whe’ me grow up wid inna Tydixon” the very rural, subsistent...

Madam Speaker, the privilege granted to me to deliver this eighth Sectoral Presentation as Minister of National Security is one I regard with humility and gratitude. National Security has been one of the most challenging portfolios over the last three decades. To have retained the confidence of our leader and Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, to lead...

Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps, Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, listening, watching and following on various media platforms, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen in the gallery, I stand before this Honourable House with a heart full of gratitude. First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God for His grace, wisdom, and countless mercies to allow me to stand...

Honourable Members, We thank the Almighty for His kindness and mercy. The challenges of the past year — Hurricane Beryl, Tropical Storm Rafael, and the unseasonal rains that tested our infrastructure, economy, and communities — confirmed not just the strength but also the indomitable spirit of the Jamaican people. Through courage, ingenuity, collective action, and the grace of God, we...

As we welcome 2025 with all the new opportunities and possibilities it promises, we give God thanks for sparing our lives to see yet another year and we spare a thought for those who left us in 2024. 2024 tested our resilience, but it also revealed our strength. We faced challenges with courage and celebrated achievements with pride. Category 4...