When this Administration was voted into office in 2016, we promised, as we did on the campaign trail, to change Jamaica’s direction so that our people can have better outcomes in their lives. Under the leadership of the Most Honourable Prime Minister, we have worked to do this in a systematic way, to include the creating and strengthening of institutions to ensure economic and social growth and development.
• I remember clearly a TV interview he gave during the 2016 general election campaign, in which he declared that part of his vision is to build institutions, to ensure Jamaica’s development objectives.
• At that time Madam Speaker, he was called “Teacher”. Today, they call him “Builder” because of his outstanding leadership of the Government and the country over the last seven years. I continue to be proud to be a part of this team, and I am particularly proud of the fact that at my time at the wicket, Local Government has increased its value as an institution of national development.
• Naturally Madam Speaker, I could not have achieved this on my own. The personnel in my Ministry, the Agencies and in the Local Authorities have been critical to our successes. My Con-stituency Executive continues to be exemplary, in helping me as Member of Parliament to score more and more achievements in the service of the people of West Kingston. My family still supports me unconditionally. Finally, I pay my highest tribute to my batting partner, my wife Marcia McKenzie.The record shows that from the time we opened the innings Madam Speaker, we have been at the crease for 402,960 hours. That is 46 years not out Madam Speaker. We have faced every kind of delivery, and we are still putting on the runs. I am humbled, grateful and happy for our time together