I am extremely proud to learn of the outstanding performance of our athletes at the 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. The coveted 100 metre double victory of World 100m record holder Asafa Powell and SheriAnn Brooks in the men's and women's categories respectively, serves as a strong reminder that Jamaica is a leader in the field of athletics. Asafa...

There are few feelings more satisfying than waking to a new day with a sense of wellbeing. Good health is a precious gift. Yet many do not share in this. Some forty million people today are living with HIV/AIDs, well over half of whom are Commonwealth citizens. Half a million women die each year in pregnancy and childbirth - and...

It was indeed with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation extended by the distinguished Secretary General to address this august body. I consider it a distinct honour to be doing so in this prestigious Hall of the Americas. Most importantly, the opportunity afforded me at this time, takes on added significance as it comes at the juncture when I...

Let me pay special tribute to our host, that titan of Caribbean integration and magnificent international statesman, the Most Honourable Percival J. Patterson. We simply thank you for your work and Almighty God for your inspiring life. Today January 30, 2006, we reach and pass a milestone of historic proportions as the maturation process of our Caribbean Civilisation continues. This...

Today, 1st January 2006 the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) takes one of its most significant steps in the process of regional integration, as the CARICOM Single Market becomes a reality. It is my privilege and honour that on this historic day I assume the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community until 30 June 2006 during which time Trinidad and Tobago will host...

My brothers and sisters, I am sure you will agree that Christmas 2005 is an extra special one for all Jamaicans because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate our victories. Christmas is also the right time to recall the strengths of the past, and identify and share the good that exists around us. Unquestionably, this Yuletide Season affirms that...

Fellow Jamaicans,On the eve of the Christmas Holiday, families and visitors alike are engaged in a variety of activities to enjoy what the country has to offer. It is a time when we all look forward to exchanging gifts, enjoying cultural presentations and visiting friends and family. As Minister of National Security I have had discussions with the Police High...

Jamaica, like the rest of the world faces an uphill battle against one of the most formidable enemies of mankind. This year the world has seen 5 million more infections pushing the number of persons living with HIV to over 40 million almost a 10% increase since 2003. Countries are forced to contend with declining life expectancy and increasing infant...

I greet you in the spirit of the millennium anthem One Love composed by the Jamaican Bob Marley. The Government of Jamaica is pleased to pledge its active support to these crucial Summit deliberations, aimed at generating greater economic, cultural and social benefits for our peoples, from the burgeoning global advances in Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs ). Our gathering...

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is concerned at what appears to be the increasing number of Jamaicans who are being denied entry into Cayman even before the imposition of a visa regime on 1st November by that country. The Ministry notes that in some cases, Jamaicans, who have settled in Cayman have been denied re-entry. The Ministry...