INTRODUCTION Mr. Speaker, Colleagues and Honourable Members of this House, I am tasked to update you and the nation on the implementation of Phase II of the modernization and expansion of the alumina refinery in Nain, St. Elizabeth. As you are aware, this refinery, ALPART, is 100% owned and operated by Jiuquan Iron and Steel (Group) Company Limited (JISCO), which...

It is with great honour that I inform you Mr. Speaker, and through you, the Honourable Members, that Jamaica was among the over 40 nations that signed the Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation (Singapore Convention) on August 7, 2019 in Singapore. MS, on 20 December 2018 by Resolution 73/198, the United Nations General Assembly, via Resolution 73/198,...

My fellow Jamaicans, good evening. I hope you enjoyed a good summer and you are eager to start a new school year. Tomorrow morning, a total of 1000 public schools at the infant, primary and secondary levels will open their doors to welcome almost 500,000 students and teachers. Rest assured that the Ministry of Education has worked very hard to...

The provision of potable water continues to be a priority for the Government, the Ministry and the National Water Commission. Since the beginning of the year sections of the island have been severely affected by drought conditions, which have impacted our ability to provide constant piped water supply to our citizens. The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has...

My fellow Jamaicans, I greet you warmly as we celebrate the 57th Anniversary of our Independence. This is a time when we reflect and give thanks for: Love Liberty Freedom and Nationhood. The theme of our Independence celebrations this year, “One Nation, One People” encapsulates the message that in spite of our differences, we must be united in our mission...

My fellow Jamaicans, As we celebrate our 57th year of independence, we have much to be thankful for: ◙ The lowest unemployment rate in our history at 7.8% and youth unemployment fell by 6 percent. ◙ The annual inflation rate is low and stable at 4.2% and the consumer price index is trending downwards. ◙ Our credit ratings are positive,...

My fellow Jamaicans, As we celebrate the 57th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence, we salute the patriots who built the national movement and laid the foundations of our nationhood. Independence time also provides us with an opportunity to celebrate our culture and the achievements of our country and our people. We should always treasure the fact that we have remained a...

Members of the Media, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for joining us this afternoon, I am delighted to welcome my brother and friend, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya and his delegation on his historic State Visit to Jamaica. The President and Mrs. Kenyatta are our Special Guests for the celebration of the 57th Anniversary of...