Significant sections of the island were severely impacted by Tropical Storm Gustav between Thursday and Friday of last week. While Gustav was not at hurricane strength during its passage across Jamaica, its effect was pronounced because it moved so slowly across the island, with extended periods of heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding. Total rainfall recorded over the period August...

Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, has tabled a Ministry Paper in the House of Representatives, outlining the facts concerning breaches of the conditions of approval, for the construction of the RIU Hotel at Mahoe Bay in St. James and how these have been dealt with. "Care has been taken by the relevant authorities to ensure that the specifications and restrictions applicable...

'All over the country and in the Diaspora, Jamaicans continue to beam with pride at today's outstanding display of athletic prowess by Veronica Campbell-Brown as she won the gold medal in the women's 200M finals and successfully defended her Olympic title. The fantastic run by Kerron Stewart who took the bronze medal in the 200m finals, must be hailed as...

The Government has taken note of a joint declaration issued last Friday by the Governments of a number of CARICOM countries, signalling their intention to establish a political union by 2013. The Government also notes that discussions are to be held this week, with three other CARICOM countries, to encourage their participation in the proposed political union. The Government of...

The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, Leader of the Opposition expresses congratulations to the female Jamaican Olympians on their magnificent performance at the Bird Nest Olympics Stadium in Beijing. Mrs. Simpson Miller says: "I stand with the entire citizenry and all Jamaicans throughout the Diaspora in acknowledgement of the exquisite sportswomanship and athletic prowess of our female athletes". "In particular...

Naturally, I am very disappointed that an athlete who was selected for our team to the Beijing Olympics has tested positive for a prohibited substance. There is a process involved which includes the right of appeal by the athlete and I will reserve further comment until this process has been completed. I am in discussions with both the Jamaica Olympics...

I am delighted to see that our netballers have shone so brightly once again defending the AFNA Championships which concluded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the week-end. The fact that the Sunshine Girls won all matches en route to retaining the crown has reinforced Jamaica's dominance in the sport of Netball in the region. Special acknowledgement must be...

The Ministry of Education would like to reject claims that Principals of Secondary schools were not consulted on the issue of auxiliary fees. The Ministry would like to place on the record the fact that in early July, a bulletin with the guidelines governing auxiliary fees was dispatched to Principals of all Public Secondary schools. In addition, the Honourable Minister...

The House will recall that on June 17th, in my intervention in the sectoral debate, I outlined a number of measures that had been taken and were being contemplated to tackle the problem of crime. Our initial response was to intensify policing efforts both by increasing patrols and security presence in vulnerable areas across the country and by targeting crime...

I am truly elated and extremely proud of our young athletes following their outstanding performance at the just concluded 12th IAAAF World Junior Championships in Poland. It is truly astounding that a tiny island like Jamaica can remain at the forefront in athletics at all levels. A very special word of congratulation to young Dexter Lee, the world's fastest Junior...

I take this opportunity to inform the House of the outcome of the 5th Extraordinary PetroCaribe Summit which was held in Maracaibo, Venezuela over the weekend. The summit considered the unprecedented increases in oil prices which have more than doubled within the last 10 months and the impact this has had on member countries. Members will be aware that under...