Mr. Speaker, as we prepare for the new school year during this time of crisis, it is extremely important that all stakeholders work collaboratively with the best interest of our students in mind. The exorbitant fees being requested by some schools are untenable and school administrators are encouraged not to pursue any increase in these fees for the 2020/2021 academic...

My Fellow Jamaicans, we celebrate the 58th anniversary of our nation’s Independence in the throes of a pandemic. Together, we have done well in managing the crisis, through the hard work of thousands of frontline workers and the support and cooperation of most Jamaicans. We cannot afford to become complacent now. We are still at risk. Therefore, we must continue...

My fellow Jamaicans, I greet you with love on this the 58th anniversary of our independence. Our celebrations are affected this year by Covid-19 which is causing severe hardships and pain for our people. Our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones and to those who are ill, we wish you a speedy recovery. On behalf of...

“We are going to have to emancipate ourselves from mental slavery, because whilst others might free the body, none but ourselves can free the mind. Your mind is your only ruler. The man who is not able to develop and use his mind is bound to be the slave of the other man who uses his mind”. As we pause...

My fellow Jamaicans! Today I greet you in the spirit of freedom even as we face some very serious challenges. As we struggle with the hardships that COVID 19 and economic challenges bring, let us remember that the conditions our ancestors faced were much worse. Yet, they confronted the slave masters and triumphed, With sheer will and determination they won...

INTRODUCTION Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to give an update on the initiatives that have been undertaken by the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and their partner Agencies to mitigate the current and impending drought conditions affecting the country. Mr. Speaker, the drought mitigation response is contextualized by the National Water Sector Policy and Implementation Plan (2019)...

Mr. Speaker… In my last Statement to this House on July 1, I indicated that discussions were being held with stakeholders in the entertainment sector, to look at the safest ways to commence the resumption of activities. Events, and the use of venues such as sports bars and other places of amusement have been prohibited by Order since March. The...

1. Mr Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Justice has been implementing the National Child Diversion Programme in furtherance of the Child Diversion Act (the Act), which was enacted in 2018 and came into effect in 2019. 2. Mr Speaker, “Child Diversion” is the process of implementing measures for dealing with children, alleged as, accused of,...