My fellow Jamaicans, at home and abroad, join me as my heart sings “Give thanks and praises, we are 51”. Fifty-one years is a short time in the life of a nation. As we journey along our path to development we proclaim our theme “Jamaica: Triumphant, Proud and Free”. We are indeed triumphant! Our triumphs shine through the spirit and...

My fellow Jamaicans, I greet you warmly as we unite in celebrating that momentous first of August in 1838 when “Full Freedom” finally ended the oppressive slave regime in Jamaica and elsewhere in the British Empire. Amidst the various celebratory events, we must not forget the journey of our ancestors: the degradation, hardships and suffering they endured; the resilience they...

My fellow Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, it gives me great joy to greet you on this special Emancipation Day! This year we celebrate the 175th anniversary of full freedom from slavery. Now more than ever we must draw on the history of our ancestors, the spirit of our ancestors and heed their call - a call captured...

Address by Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer at Plaque Unveiling Ceremony for UNESCO Memory of the World Register  THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013 at 10.00AM THE JAMAICA ARCHIVES, SPANISH TOWN  SALUTATION Spanish Town Mayor, His Worship Councillor Norman Scott Mr Sidney Bartley, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Culture Distinguished Representatives of the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO Officials of...

Mr. President, Please accept heartiest congratulations on your assumption of the Presidency of the Assembly during its Nineteenth Session. I am confident that under your able stewardship, the work of the Assembly will result in a fruitful and productive outcome. I also commend Ambassador Milan J.N. Meetarbhan of Mauritius for his commendable stewardship of the Assembly during its Eighteenth Session...

Rationale for the 2013 Emancipation/Independence Celebrations 1. The celebration of Independence 2013 commemorates some very important milestones in our country’s history, which have all been taken into consideration in the planning and implementation of this year’s celebrations. 2. Among these milestones are: The 275th anniversary of the Treaty between the Windward Maroons and the British that established the first community...

Once again, Jamaica proudly joins the global community in celebrating Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18, 2013. This year’s observance takes on added significance as this international stalwart and freedom fighter fights for his life on his 95th birthday. We give thanks for his sustained life while continuously praying for his recovery. It was my distinct pleasure to serve...

Mr Speaker, We are all aware at this time that Jamaica’s track and field programme is being scrutinized from top to bottom as a result of the recent news of the Adverse Analytical Findings in the A-samples provided by some of our best athletes during the National Junior and Senior Championships which were held at the National Stadium from June...