In my address to the nation on November 23, I spoke of the impact of the current unprecedented global financial turmoil on the local economy as well as the policy actions that have been taken to preserve financial stability. I also reviewed the outlook for the Jamaican economy. Today, I will go further in explaining the challenges and opportunities that...

The Government of Jamaica strongly condemns the reprehensible terrorist attacks perpetrated on 26th November 2008 in Mumbai, India. We deeply regret the loss of life and injury of so many victims as a result of this heinous act and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friendly Government and people of India...

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women has been observed every year since 1981 on November 25. This is a very significant day because it begins the 16 Days of Activism to end Violence against Women and is observed globally. It is a reminder that women want a world with equal opportunities and rights, free from sexual violence...

The CARICOM Task Force on Climate Change and Development welcomes the views of President-elect Barack Obama for a cap and trade system approach to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and further supports the targets to reduce emissions to their 1990 levels by 2020 and another 80% by 2050. The Region's support for Mr. Obama's proposals was indicated at the First Meeting...

The Opposition has ascribed to me corrupt motive in the decision of the UDC, for which I have ministerial responsibility, to acquire property at Ferry which houses the Hydel Group of Schools. Scurrilous statements made by members of the Opposition including, regrettably, the Leader of the Opposition herself, have suggested that this decision was influenced by my association with the...

Mr. President, Allow me to express my sincere appreciation for this opportunity to engage in discussion on this matter that I believe to be fundamental to the course we chart in our quest for developed nation status by 2030. This is a matter, sir where it is my Hope that we can through this process we can arrive at some...

Jamaica is pleased to join the international community in celebrating United Nations Day 2008. Since its founding sixty-three years ago, the United Nations has consistently demonstrated its central role in the maintenance of international peace and security, in advancing the development agenda to promote social progress and better standards of life, and in promoting and protecting fundamental human rights and...

Today we want to celebrate and recognise the role of our rural women and their contribution to rural development and food security. The celebration of World Rural Women's Day, is essentially to raise the profile of rural women, and to sensitise the public about their largely unrecognised roles and to promote action in their support. This year's theme, Climate Change...

Myself and the thousands of Jamaicans who considered Alton Ellis to be the island's greatest proponent of Rocksteady music are in deep mourning today following his death in England last night. It was in the midst of the final activity of the week-long celebrations of our Beijing Olympic Team that I received the news of Alton's passing. We will be...

The Contractor-General has taken issue publicly with a decision by the Cabinet to exempt in limited, specified transactions and subject to particular conditions, certain public sector entities from government procurement procedures. I wish to outline the considerations that led to this decision and clarify any misunderstanding to which the public may have been subjected. The exemptions relate to five government...

I must join with the rest of Jamaica in expressing shock and outrage at the brutal and calous attacks on our children, some of whom are being targeted in or near our schools. As a society we must take this issues very seriously and move decisively to ensure that those who prey on the innocent have no refuge among us....