INTRODUCTIONMr. Speaker, the first quarter of this year has been a very busy period for the Ministry of Finance & the Public Service and all the economic agencies under its umbrella. We entered the year navigating uncharted waters as we set about completing negotiations with the IMF while at the same time designing a debt exchange programme that would not...

Over the last five years, the world has witnessed the greatest and fastest migration into cities and towns. In 2007, for the first time in history, over half of the world's population lived in cities. It is estimated that by 2030, six out of every 10 persons across the world will be living in urban areas. This phenomenon continues to...

The 2010/11 session of Parliament got underway today (March 25), at Gordon House, highlighted by the delivery of the Throne Speech by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Dr. Patrick Allen. This year the large crowd of well-wishers who traditionally lined Duke Street to view the proceedings, and offer sporadic cheers, was not present due to the area being categorised...

As we begin this new session of Parliament, we reflect on the legislative year just ended with cautious relief and renewed hope. It was a year in which the global crisis continued to bear down heavily on the economy. As the economy contracted, revenues fell below what was required to meet essential government expenditure. Despite exerting tight restraint on expenditure,...

Each year, World Water Day draws attention to the need to manage our water sources and supplies. This year's theme "Clean Water, Healthy World" speaks to the link between safe supplies of clean water, and the physical, and economic health of individuals and nations. At its foundation is the recognition that access to safe drinking water is a vital element...

Shortly after taking office, the Government announced the decision to divest Air Jamaica. This decision was consistent with a commitment stated in our Manifesto as part of necessary measures to relieve the taxpayers of the burden of loss-making state-owned enterprises that were not considered part of the core functions of government. Since its inception in 1969, Air Jamaica has accumulated...

My Fellow Jamaicans,As we begin yet another New Year, and as we step tentatively; perhaps even haltingly, across the threshold of this calendar demarcation, no doubt, many of us are contemplating what lies in store for us this year. Evidently, for the vast majority of us Jamaicans, the anticipation which traditionally greets the dawning of a New Year has been...

Since the start of the year we have lost over 300 persons as a result of traffic collisions. This is a horrendous loss of human capital and I would like to use this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to every Jamaican family that lost someone due to traffic collisions since the start of the year. I know your pain...

My fellow Jamaicans: As we approach the end of a year of varying challenges, difficulties and triumphs, it is time once again to celebrate Christmas. We can all agree that we are a blessed people and for that we are thankful. We are thankful that: . We were spared the fury of a Hurricane this past season;. We were able...

My fellow Jamaicans, I address you today with mixed emotions - sensing the need to celebrate the Good News of what this Christmas season means to so many of us, but cognizant of the undue pressure that has been brought to bear on the people of this great country. The Season ought to be one of sharing, caring and the...

Salutations: Colleague Minister of Arts and Culture of the Republic of South Africa, the Honourable Lulama Xingwana, Members of the media, Ladies and Gentlemen Good afternoon. Welcome to this media briefing where Minister Xingwana and I will, with your help, update the peoples of Jamaica and South Africa on the agreements we have made to co-operate in the area of...