I am pleased to extend Workers Week and Labour Day greetings to all Jamaicans, in particular our workers. Observing Workers’ Week is especially meaningful to me, given my portfolio responsibility as Minister of Labour and Social Security to advance the rights of workers, and promote harmonious working environments, job creation and human capital development. This year, the celebration takes on...

I congratulate the National Child Month Committee on its successful advocacy in having today, Friday May 18, 2012 declared National Children’s Day. I am also pleased to note that following today’s inaugural commemoration, the third Friday of May each year will be observed in Jamaica as Children’s Day. This special observance is one more way of focussing attention on a...

It is my honour to address you on the occasion of your 37th regional conference, which Jamaica is proud to host in our 50th year of independence.  I am also pleased to extend a warm welcome to each of you visiting our beautiful island, and do not hesitate to return, because I am sure you will be captivated by our...

Serious initiatives will have to be undertaken to rescue young people who are among the majority of the country's population. This was stated by Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, as she addressed Kingston Bookshop Teachers’ Luncheon, held at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, on May 8. “The majority of the country’s population is under 30 years...

May is being observed as Child Month against the backdrop of significant public concern here in Jamaica about the state and well-being of the nation’s children, particularly in the context of reports of physical and sexual abuse against minors. The Ministry of Youth and Culture and the Government of Jamaica, welcome the national media focus on children issues even as...

Mr. Chairman, Honourable Ministers and Heads of Delegation, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen I take great pleasure in addressing this thirteenth Ministerial Conference of UNCTAD.  I wish to thank the Government and people of Qatar for the warmth and hospitality extended to me and my delegation. I would also like to thank the Secretary General of UNCTAD, Dr. Supachai, and...

Salutations §  Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Glendon Harris §  Custos of St. James, Hon. Ewen Corrodus §  Members of Parliament and other political representatives §  Executives from government entities and the business community §  Reverend Cecil Roache and Mrs. Roache §  Other distinguished guests/ citizens of Montego Bay and its environs including Principals, Service Club Members and the Media...

Salutations Over the past couple of months, I have been meeting with the leadership of a number of agencies and branches associated with the Ministry as well as with stakeholders to get a better understanding as to where we are at. During my meeting at the Export Division some three weeks ago, I made a commitment to plant some 150...

§  Your Royal Highness §  Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller - Prime Minister §  Mr. Andrew Holness - Leader of the Opposition and Mrs. Holness §  Members of the Cabinet and other Members of the Government of Jamaica §  Your Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps §  Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen This evening I take great pleasure in welcoming all of...

State Minister for Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Colin Fagan, says the Government is working to implement a good governance structure, which is vital to the Local Government Reform process. “We do not take it (governance) lightly. We view governance as a critical success factor at varying levels of the reform process. We have gone further by making it...

Mr. Chairman, colleague minister, Mrs. Ffolkes- Abrahams, officials of JAMPRO, distinguished panelists,  ladies and gentlemen – a pleasant good afternoon to you. Let me begin by thanking the Jamaica promotions agency, JAMPRO, for their invitation and allowing me this opportunity to address this distinguished gathering on the tremendous opportunities and possiblities for producing for export. Agriculture currently contributes 5.6% to...