TOWARDS A DECADE OF GROWTH TO ANCHOR OUR PEACE, PROSPERITY AND RESILIENCE
Financial Resilience – COVID Economic Stimulus Plan 14
Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) 16
Constituency Development Fund COVID-19 Support 18
Our Security Infrastructure 24
Objective 1 – Strengthening the National Security Architecture 29
Objective 2 – Strengthening the Criminal Justice System 30
Objective 3 – Enhancing Youth and Community Development 31
Objective 4 – Protecting and Securing Borders, Maritime Space and Key Sectors of the Economy 32
Objective 5 – Strengthening National Integrity Systems 32
Objective 6 – Increasing and Sustaining Public Support for Law Enforcement and Public Order 33
Jamaica House Fellowship Programme 39
Transforming Our Education System 39
National Environment & Planning Agency (NEPA) 44
Enabling Business and Investment for Growth 45
Jamaica International Financial Services Authority (JIFSA) 46
Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority (JSEZA) 46
The National Land Agency (NLA) 47
Building Our Physical Infrastructure to Anchor Our Peace and Prosperity 48
Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) 48
Urban Development Corporation (UDC) 51
National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) 53
National Works Agency (NWA) 56
Mr. Speaker, you have been dragged to the chair you now occupy to keep the peace in this oftentimes contentious house. You are no stranger to the cut and thrust of politics. You are an experienced and even hand at this business. However, I suspect, notwithstanding the Leader of the Opposition’s protest, you will be the last Speaker to wear the ceremonial wig, as you are the first Speaker, certainly in Jamaica, to welcome your son as a Member of the House over which you preside.
Honourable Members, Senators and Former Members and on the note of family in politics I have the distinct honour of having my wife in Parliament, the Most Honourable Juliet Holness MP the Member for East Rural St. Andrew. I know I can always count on your vote.
This fiscal year ending has been very challenging, but we have also had great successes. I want to specially acknowledge the support and good advice of the members of my Cabinet, the broader Parliamentary team, and the political family of the Great Jamaica Labour Party.
Twenty-three years ago, I asked the people of West Central St. Andrew to invest in me and their investment has been paying off ever since. Later this year they will have the benefit of a state-of-the-art police station with community facilities. This adds to a state-of-the-art Jamaica China Goodwill Infant school which I opened in 2018. Plans are being finalized to upgrade the Olympic Gardens Clinic, build a boxing gym, and a golden age home.
I want to acknowledge Cabinet Secretary, Ambassador Douglas Saunders and Permanent Secretary, Audrey Sewell and the hard working staff at both the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Office. Ambassador Saunders and PS Sewell are civil servants of great distinction, dignity and efficiency.