Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps,
Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora, listening, watching and following on various media platforms, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen in the gallery, I stand before this Honourable House with a heart full of gratitude. First and foremost, I give thanks to Almighty God for His grace, wisdom, and countless mercies to allow me to stand here for the tenth time to deliver my contribution to the National Budget Debates.
Madam Speaker,
Honourable Members,
Senators and Former Members seated in the well, blessings to you and on our nation. Each day we are given, is an opportunity to serve, to improve, and to uplift the lives of our fellow Jamaicans, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.
I am deeply grateful to my family for their love and support — especially my wife, Juliet, and my mother, whose presence here and prayers continue to strengthen me. Madam Speaker, allow me to express further gratitude and commendations for your firm and balanced hand in guiding the affairs of this House.
To my colleagues in Cabinet, our Parliamentary team, and the dedicated members of our Party, I appreciate your steadfast commitment to the people of Jamaica. And to my West Central St. Andrew family—thank you for allowing me the privilege of representing you.
I also extend my sincere appreciation to my Personal Staff and my advisers for their tireless work and support. I want to thank the hardworking Public Sector workers, Permanent Secretaries, and Board Members whose work has made the many achievements of this administration possible. I especially want to acknowledge the work of the security forces who face great danger in keeping Jamaica safe. In the same breath allow me to thank the members of my security detail for their dedication and vigilance, oftentimes running that extra mile to ensure I can safely serve the people. I also want to thank the countless industrious Jamaicans — known and unknown — who work tirelessly to keep this country moving forward. Your dedication is the backbone of our progress, and the plans I present today would not be possible without your hard work.
I am especially mindful of the voices of the people — whether spoken in community meetings, shared through letters, emails, and WhatsApp messages or expressed on social media. I hear you. I value your concerns, your ideas, and your