Today as we celebrate fifty years of political independence let us make a joyful noise to the lord for the freedom we enjoy and all other blessings he has bestowed upon us. Let us give thanks to our pioneers particularly our national heroes and heroine who had the courage and demonstrated the fearlessness to challenge the state of affairs and...

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller says Jamaica has made significant progress globally and locally in its 50 years of Independence and the country is now “the toast of the world”. Addressing a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament today (August 2) to commemorate Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence, the Prime Minister said the country boasts “a mature parliamentary system”...

In the midst of our celebrations of Jamaica’s Golden Jubilee, we take time to highlight the significance of this the 178th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery. We recall the end of that systemic oppression which vainly sought to rob our ancestors of their humanity. We cannot forget the struggles of those who fought for freedom, for which many paid...

My Fellow Jamaicans, at home, in the Diaspora, well wishers and visitors to our beautiful island. What a year in which to celebrate our Emancipation from enslavement! ·         This year Jamaica marks 50 years since the island gained its independence. ·         In this year we also observe the passage of and 174 years since the full abolition of the system...

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...

The Psalmist invites us to give “thanks unto the Lord for He is good."   On this beautiful and peaceful Sunday morning, we have good reason to lift our hearts in thanksgiving for fifty years as an independent nation.   Two days ago I was in London, at the opening of the Olympic Games, cheering on our athletes and the...

The JCDC is quite heartened by the tremendous display of nationalism by all Jamaicans and takes this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. We are aware of the inconveniences that may have been caused at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre this morning and apologize profusely to those of you who turned up and did not receive tickets. Unfortunately,...

INTRODUCTION Mr. Speaker, as I thank god for his sustaining grace in our lives as parliamentarians, I wish to extend sincere gratitude to the beautiful people of south St. James for the confidence they continue to repose in me as their representative in this honourable house. They have afforded me a wonderful priviledge over these many years, and i pledge...

MR. SPEAKER, in this our 50th year of Independence, the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, Prime Minister, appointed me as Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. I express my thanks to the Prime Minister, for her courage, vision and the confidence she has reposed in me. I am fully cognizant that this is a significant responsibility...

INTRODUCTION Let me begin by thanking the constituents of Eastern Kingston and Port Royal for their continued vote of confidence in my leadership and my capacity to represent their interests, and work with them to make the constituency a model of sustainable development. Let me also express a deep appreciation to Prime Minister the Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, for...

OPENING REMARKS The subject of my presentation is “PARTNERING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”.  In this regard I would like to thank the Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller for conceptualizing and forming this new Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change. My use of the word “partnering” is deliberate, as my portfolio areas touch and concern everyone.  No...