My Fellow Jamaicans: I greet you in peace and love on this special Labour Day, in this the 50th year of our Independence.  It is no accident of history that we mark Labour Day on the 23rd of May each year. That was the day, in 1832, on which Right Excellent Samuel Sharpe, grand conceptualizer and leader of the final...

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....

The 2012/13 Budget Debate begins on May 24, in the House of Representatives, with Minister of Finance, Planning and Public Service, Hon. Dr. Peter Phillips, making his presentation. Dr. Phillips will tell the nation how the $612.4 billion budget for the fiscal year will be funded. On May 10, the Minister tabled the 2012/13 Estimates of Expenditure in the House,...

My fellow Jamaicans: Once again the nation’s attention is directed toward the celebration of the workers’ movement as we mark Workers’ Week 2012. This year, Workers’ Week takes on added significance as Jamaica celebrates its 50th anniversary as an Independent nation. The theme chosen: “Step Forward…Make Jamaica Beautiful” is a call to action for all citizens and, indeed, all who...

I am pleased to extend Workers Week and Labour Day greetings to all Jamaicans, in particular our workers. Observing Workers’ Week is especially meaningful to me, given my portfolio responsibility as Minister of Labour and Social Security to advance the rights of workers, and promote harmonious working environments, job creation and human capital development. This year, the celebration takes on...

I congratulate the National Child Month Committee on its successful advocacy in having today, Friday May 18, 2012 declared National Children’s Day. I am also pleased to note that following today’s inaugural commemoration, the third Friday of May each year will be observed in Jamaica as Children’s Day. This special observance is one more way of focussing attention on a...

It is my honour to address you on the occasion of your 37th regional conference, which Jamaica is proud to host in our 50th year of independence.  I am also pleased to extend a warm welcome to each of you visiting our beautiful island, and do not hesitate to return, because I am sure you will be captivated by our...

Honourable Members: Almost fifty years ago, this great nation officially came into being, born out of the vision and heroic efforts of generations of illustrious forefathers and foremothers. Fittingly, the year’s activities will be highlighted by the commemoration of this historic 50thAnniversary of our political Independence. The journey from 1962 has been eventful and challenging,as well as rewarding. We have...

Serious initiatives will have to be undertaken to rescue young people who are among the majority of the country's population. This was stated by Minister of Youth and Culture, Hon. Lisa Hanna, as she addressed Kingston Bookshop Teachers’ Luncheon, held at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston, on May 8. “The majority of the country’s population is under 30 years...

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller launched the 2012 Labour Day/Workers’ Week activities this morning (May 07) and urged Jamaicans to show how much they care for the nation by joining in the national effort under the theme Step Forward…Make Jamaica Beautiful. Underscoring the significance of this year’s Labour Day as the country marks its 50th year of independence, the Prime...

SALUTATION:   Mr. Sydney Bartley - Master of Ceremony Rev Astor Carlyle – Pastor of Webster Memorial Honourable Ministers Ministers of State Members of Parliament/ Senators Permanent Secretaries Mr. Danny Roberts and other Representatives of the Trade Union Movement The Kingston Drummers & Students of the Vauxhall High School Ladies and Gentlemen Members of the Media   I come to...