Prime Minister P.J. Patterson in his capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), received a letter dated 23 February from Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide requesting assistance with the equipping of the Haitian Police Force, in light of the worsening security situation in that country. In his letter to Mr. Patterson, President Aristide noted that a key provision of the...

CARICOM Heads of Government met on 2 and 3 March 2004 in Kingston, Jamaica, in an emergency session to consider the situation in Haiti. The Heads of Government expressed dismay and alarm over the events leading to the departure from office by President Aristide and the ongoing political upheaval and violence in Haiti. They called for the immediate return to...

President Aristide has submitted his resignation as the President of Haiti and has left the country for an undisclosed destination. We are bound to question whether his resignation was truly voluntary, as it comes after the capture of sections of Haiti by armed insurgents and the failure of the International Community to provide the requisite support, despite the appeals of...

Since my return to the country today from a working visit to Washington, I have been fully updated on the events that resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and personal injury in Flankers, St. James over the weekend. As Prime Minister, I must add my own sincere words of condolence to the families of Mr. David Bacchas and...

National Heritage week each year provides the nation with an opportunity to reflect on the struggles, achievements and contributions of our National Heroes and Heroine. It is a potent reminder of those who have in many instances made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in championing the cause of freedom, and advocating important rights which many Jamaicans take for...

Today's formal ceremony speaks for itself. It is a great day for Highway 2000 and for Jamaica. We are now fully into the era of modern travel. We are here to celebrate the successful opening of the first phase of this project - the center-piece of a number of projects conceived by this Administration to mark the dawn of the...

SALUTATIONS: Recognition of contribution of Ambassador Frechette who demitted office on July 3. Welcome to Susan Segal who is now President and CEO of Council of the Americas. INTRODUCTION I feel honoured to be invited to address such an influential gathering once again. I regard your invitation as reflective of your deep interest in Jamaica's development and our historical friendship....

In order to commemorate its 30th Anniversary, CARICOM decided to undertake a year-long programme of activities throughout our Region. Our central theme in these Distinguished Lectures: "Towards the Further Enhancement of Caribbean Civilisation" Although this is the Seventh in the Series, it is the first being delivered outside our immediate borders. Although I am in Brooklyn, I know of no...

I am deeply honoured indeed, to have been invited to join the select group of persons on whom Honorary Degrees have been conferred by this august institution. It is for me a personal encomium, which I accept with a profound sense of humility and gratitude. But moreso, I regard it as a recognition of the great contribution made by thousands...