Expression of Gratitude Madam Speaker, I rise this afternoon to close the budget debate on the Appropriation Bill for the 2021/22 fiscal year. This is the 59th budget debate in Jamaica’s independent history. Though it takes place in the almost impossible context of the worst economic crisis in our history and the worst health crisis in our country, it has...

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Madam Speaker, Members of this Honourable House, Jamaicans and friends joining us locally and overseas, as I rise to address the Nation in these Budget Debates for a 6th time as Prime Minister, we give God thanks for sparing our lives through the unprecedented travails of 2020 to see this day. Madam Speaker, this is your second time occupying...

One Jamaica, Powerful Together The role of the Opposition Madame Speaker, I wish to begin this presentation by saying a few words about the role of the Opposition at this time in Jamaica’s history. Some people may be of the view that it is the business of an Opposition to oppose for its own sake. We on this side do...

Restructuring For Growth With Equity   SALUTATIONS Madam Speaker, I start my presentation by giving thanks to the Almighty for continuing to bless me with health and strength to carry out my responsibilities in this House. I am forever grateful to the constituents of South East St. Andrew who have sent me here for the third time to continue to...

Preparing Jamaica To Recover Stronger   Salutations & Expressions of Gratitude Mr. Speaker, I begin by thanking Almighty God, from whom all blessings flow. Great is thy faithfulness. Great is thy mercy and thy loving kindness. Madam Speaker, I could not have possibly made it through this year without the support of family, friends and colleagues. Due to the restrictions...

Honourable Members, We are here today during an unprecedented time which is emerging as a “new normal” in our consciousness. We have mounted a largely successful and intense programme to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and swiftly adapt to a new way of life. Wearing of masks has evolved from a practice, once essential only for a few, to being universally...

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make my contribution to the Sectoral Debate of the 2020/2021 Financial Year. This marks the 40th consecutive year I have served in this Honourable House. I consider it a great honour and privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve the people of Jamaica as a Member of Parliament. I wish to thank...

Mr. Speaker, let me acknowledge the power and goodness of Jah who has given me health, strength and guidance over these 40 years, as the representative of the people of Central Clarendon nine consecutive times. The people of Central Clarendon must be given Pride of Place for their continued, unwavering and indefatigable confidence in me. I recognize and am humbled...

Mr. Speaker… I rise to make my contribution to this year’s Debate, with a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose. I am thankful to the Almighty Mr. Speaker, that Jamaica continues to pull through the clutches of COVID-19. I am thankful Mr. Speaker, to be a part of this Administration of focused and forward-thinking Ministers, led by the Most Honourable...