Jamaica is pleased to join other members of the Commonwealth family across the world in commemorating Commonwealth Day 2016, under the theme “An Inclusive Commonwealth”. The Commonwealth encompasses 53 states from all major continents and boasts a total population of over 2.2 billion people, representing the world’s major religions and racial groups. It exhibits rich cultural diversity, and is arguably...

Mr. Speaker, with the swearing-in of Senators and Members of the Parliament a new government of Jamaica is now effectively in place. Mr. Speaker, I stand here, Prime Minister of Jamaica, humble servant of the people and faithful steward of their affairs. Mr. Speaker, the Almighty has been good to us. His grace and mercies continue to see us through...

International Women’s Day (IWD) presents a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contribution women have made to the development and advancement of society and celebrate their social, economic, cultural and political achievement. Everyone knows that Jamaican women are hard workers who achieve whatever they set their minds to accomplish. The recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) study, that placed Jamaica at...

2016 New Year Message by the Prime Minister The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller ON, MP   My fellow Jamaicans, God has blessed us with the opportunity to witness the dawning of a new year. It is a fresh year full of hope and possibilities. Possibilities for progress and new achievements for ourselves, our families, our communities and our country....

I am delighted to be visiting beautiful Balaclava again.   I am delighted to be participating in another activity which adds value to the development of individuals, this community and Jamaica.   The last time I was here, we broke ground for the expansion of the Balaclava High School, now renamed the Roger Clarke High School.   Today, I am...

MESSAGE FROM THE MOST HON. PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER, ON, MP PRIME MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Today Jamaica joins with the rest of the world in observing this important day under the theme: ‘‘Violence does not Discriminate: Unite to End Gender-Based Violence.”   The elimination of gender-based and other forms of violence against women and girls...

Tribute to The Hon. Hopeton Caven OJ, OD, By Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller ON, MP Prime Minister October 23, 2015   Salutations Members of the Clergy Members of the family Most Hon. PJ Patterson Members of the Cabinet The Most Hon. Mrs. Hugh Shearer Members of the Senate Members of Parliament Members of the Trade Union Movement Ladies and...

I extend warm National Heroes Day greetings to Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora, and welcome the many friends of Jamaica who are visiting with us at this time. Today, I salute the people of Jamaica, the heroic makers of our proud history. Today we celebrate our heritage, strengthened by the struggles and achievements of the past, conscious of...