Mr. Speaker, you will recall that I addressed this Honourable House last week on the current dry spell and its impact on the agricultural sector. We have since, thankfully, got a little sprinkling, but we are by no means letting down our guards. In fact, the Government of Jamaica and, in particular, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, has been...

Address to the Nation By the Prime Minister Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller ON, MP On Issues Affecting Children   My fellow Jamaicans   The month of May is celebrated as Child Month and on Friday, May 15, we observed National Children’s Day.   This year, our children will also be the focus of Labour Day activities on Monday, May...

Salutations   Current Dry Spell As was predicted, this year we are again experiencing the effects of the phenomena of global warming and climate change. This continues to manifest itself not just in the lack of rainfall, but also in the forest and farm fires which have resulted from the current dry spell. In light of this, I wish to...

Tribute to Teachers Today we pause to honour and pay tribute to some real heroes –our teachers. Teachers’ Day is a time to share stories about and express appreciation to teachers who have shaped our lives –fundamental people who helped us to be what we are today. For me there was Ms Butler who took time to notice that the six-year-old...

Mr. Speaker, as I rise to make this contribution to the sectoral debate 1. I give God thanks for the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference 2. I want to thank you and the parliamentary staff for the work that has been done in organizing...

The Vision of a Lawful Jamaican Society In my first Sectoral Debate Presentation as Minister in July 2012, I said to the House that we were “On a Mission to Make Jamaica Safe and Secure.” I made the point then that we needed a new framework of law enforcement based on: Transparency, trust, and credibility; Strong measures against gangs, major...

2015 SECTORAL PRESENTATION BY HON. ROBERT PICKERSGILL M.P. MINISTER OF WATER, LAND, ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE “Enabling Jamaica’s Sustainable Future”   INTRODUCTION Mr. Speaker I begin my presentation by thanking you for your patience and understanding in providing the requisite leadership for our deliberations, over the years.  In fact, based on my research, you are the tenth Speaker to serve...

A: INTRODUCTION Before I get into the heart of the presentation, let me publicly express appreciation for the work of my two political colleagues, my Minister without Portfolio and the Minister of State. The reality is that, without their support, it would be impossible to manage the range of sectors covered by this mammoth Ministry. In addition to carrying out...