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...

The unprecedented spread of Covid-19 has created a global health crisis. Each day brings new developments as countries around the world seek to “flatten the curve” and achieve “social distance” which is significantly, sharply and suddenly curtailing economic activity around the world. The Jamaican government, led by the Most Hon. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, has taken strong action to protect...

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 SALUTATIONS & EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE Mr. Speaker, I begin by thanking Almighty God, from whom all blessings flow. Great is thy faithfulness. Great is thy mercy and thy loving kindness. Mr. Speaker this is a demanding job and one I could not do without the support of family, friends and colleagues. To the Councillors and Executive of...

Mr. Speaker, I once again thank the staff at the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service for their commitment and dedication to their jobs and for the excellence in the performance of their duties. Thanks to the advisory and administrative staff in my office. Thanks to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Opposition Spokesperson on...

Mr. Speaker, I begin by thanking Almighty God, from whom all blessings flow. Great is thy faithfulness. Great is thy mercy and thy loving kindness. It was exactly one year and two days ago that the people of St. Andrew Northwestern elected me to represent them as their Member of Parliament. I thank them for their support and again pledge...

INTRODUCTION In line with the requirements under the Fiscal Responsibility Framework, I tabled the Fiscal Policy Paper (FPP) FY 2018/19 Interim Report in this House of Representatives on September 25, 2018, within the specified six months of the passing of the Appropriation Act for FY 2018/19. Based on the critical nature of some of the additional expenditure requirements outlined in...

Mr. Speaker, my presentation today, among other things, will speak to the advances we have made thus far on the journey from poverty to prosperity. I will also highlight how we have managed, and will continue to make our budget more responsive to the impact of natural disasters. Of course Mr. Speaker, I could not conclude this presentation without making...

Mr. Speaker, my esteemed colleagues, I wish to acknowledge the confidence reposed in me by the Most Honourable Prime Minister, Andrew Holness and the Honourable Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang to share on the national security portfolio for the country. I wish to pay special thank you to the former Ministers of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague and...