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...

Leader of the Opposition, Andrew Holness, is urging the government to begin implementation of the tax reform measures. Mr. Holness, who was making his contribution to the 2012/13 Budget Debate Thursday May 31 in the House of Representatives, said that tax reform is necessary to increase compliance and broaden the tax base. “In the context of Jamaica, tax reform must...

Fellow Jamaicans: Today on Labour Day we remember the sacrifices of the workers of Jamaica as they dedicated themselves to the struggles for realization of their hopes, dreams and aspirations. Today we honour as well our visionaries; leaders who gave of themselves unstintingly to lead a mass of people determined to find fulfilment; the Rt. Excellent Paul Bogle, The Rt....

My Fellow Jamaicans: The theme for this year's Labour Day is the well-known African proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child." It challenges us to be each other's keepers. As members of one community we have to take responsibility for each other. This year the emphasis is on our children. Much of what we do as parents and...

Morning has broken, like the first morningBlackbird has spoken, like the first birdPraise for the singing, praise for the morningPraise for the springing, fresh from the word.And I might add, praise for the New Year! Another eventful year has passed by and here we are at the start of a New Year with its customary promises of a brand New...

On the occasion of the celebration of Heritage week and National Heroes' Day 2010. "I believe in Jamaica... Our People, Our land, Our Heritage" My fellow Jamaicans, each year on this day, we pause to review our journey, remember our National Heroes and Heroine as we celebrate their contribution to the freedom and independence which we enjoy as a people....

My Fellow Jamaicans, Leader of the Opposition The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller O.N. M.P. As we celebrate the 48th Anniversary of our Independence let us be reminded of the hard work and sacrifices of those from previous generations whose dreams are fulfilled each time we mark our Independence. Each step along the path to becoming a 'full free' and...

My Jamaican brothers and sisters This year we celebrate Emancipation Day amidst the challenges and hardships that we continue to face as a nation. Every year at this time I can imagine and feel the excitement of our ancestors as they prepared for the August Morning, referred by our ancestors as "Augus Mawnin", that promised them freedom. I can imagine...

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...

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...

Let me use this opportunity to greet Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, as we celebrate National Heritage Week. This year we celebrate National Heritage Week at a time when Jamaicans and indeed the world face tremendous challenges. As we celebrate, let us draw strength and determination from our National Heroes who rose to the occasion of their time...