Fellow Jamaicans at home and abroad, I greet you on this the celebration of our Golden Jubilee—fifty years as a proud and independent nation. This is a time of special significance to those of us who experienced the pride and joy of August 6, 1962. Today we all celebrate our accomplishments and reflect on our experiences and the lessons we...

In the midst of our celebrations of Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee, we take time to highlight the significance of this the 178th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery. We recall the end of that systemic oppression which vainly sought to rob our ancestors of their humanity. We cannot forget the struggles of those who fought for freedom, for which many paid...

My fellow Jamaicans: As we commemorate Emancipation Day on August 1st, let us not forget the extraordinary importance it holds for our lives. It is the day on which hard won freedom from chattel slavery; the worst form of inhuman imposition by man was finally secured. Jamaicans at home and abroad are now looking forward with great anticipation to the...

INTRODUCTION Mr. Speaker, as I thank god for his sustaining grace in our lives as parliamentarians, I wish to extend sincere gratitude to the beautiful people of south St. James for the confidence they continue to repose in me as their representative in this honourable house. They have afforded me a wonderful priviledge over these many years, and i pledge...

MR. SPEAKER, in this our 50th year of Independence, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, Prime Minister, appointed me as Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. I express my thanks to the Prime Minister, for her courage, vision and the confidence she has reposed in me. I am fully cognizant that this is a significant responsibility...

OPENING REMARKS The subject of my presentation is “PARTNERING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”.  In this regard I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller for conceptualizing and forming this new Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change. My use of the word “partnering” is deliberate, as my portfolio areas touch and concern everyone.  No...

Today, in commemorating the life and work of His Excellency, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, patriot, humanitarian and one of the most inspirational leaders of our time, I am pleased that Jamaica will recognize his exceptional legacy by committing 67 minutes of our time in service to others, especially our children, who are the focus of our observation of this Day. The...

INTRODUCTION… Our systems of national security, policing, law enforcement and justice are facing a range of rapidly evolving challenges. Criminals are using modern cyber-technology and psychological tactics. They are becoming increasingly innovative, developing new forms of crime, and expanding their international cooperation. It is clear that incremental adjustments to the way we do things will not provide an adequate response....

Acknowledgements Mr. Speaker, as I rise, it is with a deep sense of gratitude that I stand here today to give thanks to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for affording me the opportunity to be here in the capacity of Minister of State. I thank our Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller for including me among the...

Acknowledgements Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to be a Member of this Honorable House and to represent the people of Jamaica as their Minister of Health. I wish to thank the Most Hon. Prime Minister for the confidence she reposed in me with such an important portfolio. I am grateful to the staff of the Ministry of Health including the...