The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a devastating effect on societies all over the world with millions of people having lost their lives since the disease was first recognised. Approximately 30 million people worldwide have died from the disease over the last 20 years, with another 40 million said to be living with HIV/AIDS. The situation is equally disturbing in Jamaica,...

This Honourable House will recall that Hurricane Ivan struck Jamaica as a Category 4 Hurricane between Friday September 10 and Sunday September 12 2004. I made a Prime Ministerial statement to this House on Tuesday, September 21st and since then several Ministers have reported to Parliament on their respective portfolios. I am of the view that the time has come...

The Government has taken note of the views expressed by representatives of Human Rights Watch by way of a press briefing to present a recently concluded report of their research activities in Jamaica. We find the approach of this organization unacceptably insensitive for the following reasons: To link the homophobia issue to the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic is inappropriate....

Issues concerning law and order looms large on the public landscape in Jamaica and as we tackle the challenges presented by those issues, I wish to re-emphasise the indispensable values of freedom and human rights as we look to the future. History has taught us - and continues to do so - that one of the primary functions of government...

We are already beginning to experience the effects of Hurricane Ivan and it is clear that the severity of this hurricane will have extremely serious effects as predicted. Flooding has already begun in some places. In accordance with our constitution I'll be advising the governor General today to issue a proclamation declaring a period of public emergency in the island...

I am gravely concerned that our schools are once again being transformed into volatile battlegrounds on which petty differences are being settled through violent and fatal means. I refer to the senseless fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old student at Happy Grove High School by his 16 year-old cohort. I commiserate with both parents who now mourn the fate of their...

I am gravely concerned that our schools are once again being transformed into volatile battlegrounds on which petty differences are being settled through violent and fatal means. I refer to the senseless fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old student at Happy Grove High School by his 16 year-old cohort. I commiserate with both parents who now mourn the fate of their...

Let me begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Tax Administration Department and the Management Institute for National Development for this Tax Services Exposition. It is my privilege to participate in today's events. I am always pleased to voice my support for initiatives that promote mutual learning. Indeed, this exposition presents a valuable vehicle for that critical interaction between...

Today as we observe teachers' day it is a signal honour for me to present a most deserving and fitting tribute to the architects of our nation. I applaud the efforts of the Jamaica Teachers' Association who are the pioneers of Education Week. Over the years, the association has been relentless in pursuing initiatives that protect the interests and welfare...

Today as we observe teachers' day it is a signal honour for me to present a most deserving and fitting tribute to the architects of our nation. I applaud the efforts of the Jamaica Teachers' Association who are the pioneers of Education Week. Over the years, the association has been relentless in pursuing initiatives that protect the interests and welfare...

Members of the Senate will recall that on February 13 last, I made a statement advising the Senate that an action had been filed in the Supreme Court by the Leader of the Opposition. In this action, he sought various Declarations and Orders aimed at preventing any debate taking place here or in the House of Representatives in respect of...