More Speeches

I formally advise the House and the nation that the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, O.N., G.C.M.G., O.J., will retire from office on February 26th 2009. Sir Kenneth had advised me in July of last year of his desire, for health reasons, to demit office in October. He subsequently agreed to continue until February 2009....

Mr. President, The Government of Jamaica is deeply concerned at the recent escalation of the conflict in Gaza. We recognise Israel's right to protect its citizens. We are, however, alarmed at the disproportionate and excessive use of force by the Israeli government, which has resulted in numerous casualties, including the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians, as well as the...

The Government of Jamaica is deeply concerned at the recent escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. We recognise Israel's right to protect its citizens. We are, however, alarmed at the disproportionate and excessive use of force displayed by the Israeli government, which has resulted in numerous casualties, including the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians, as well as...

From all indications, 2009 will be one of the most challenging in the history of modern Jamaica. We expect that all sectors of our economy will be impacted to a greater or lesser extent by the deepening global recession that has been triggered by the international financial crisis. As a responsible Government, while we recognise and appreciate the full implications...

In October and November 2008 the Ministry of Agriculture issued permits for the importation of 625,000 kg or twenty-five (25) containers of chicken leg quarters to meet the Christmas demand. Each importer incurred a duty of 40%, down from 260% to facilitate affordable prices for the consumers, while allowing the local producers an opportunity to compete. The 500,000 kg for...

Mr. President, Members of the Governing Council of the United Nations, Members of the Secretariat, Heads of States, Excellencies, Ministers, Heads of Delegations, friends. I am honoured on behalf of the Government of Jamaica to address this 14th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and 4th Conference of the...

The legal dispute involving the dismissal of some members of the former Public Service Commission by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, has been settled. Settlement was reached this morning (Dec. 8), during a sitting in the Supreme Court at which all the parties agreed that it was not in the national interest to continue with the matter. The suit was brought...

In my address to the nation on November 23, I spoke of the impact of the current unprecedented global financial turmoil on the local economy as well as the policy actions that have been taken to preserve financial stability. I also reviewed the outlook for the Jamaican economy. Today, I will go further in explaining the challenges and opportunities that...

The Government of Jamaica strongly condemns the reprehensible terrorist attacks perpetrated on 26th November 2008 in Mumbai, India. We deeply regret the loss of life and injury of so many victims as a result of this heinous act and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the affected families. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friendly Government and people of India...

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women has been observed every year since 1981 on November 25. This is a very significant day because it begins the 16 Days of Activism to end Violence against Women and is observed globally. It is a reminder that women want a world with equal opportunities and rights, free from sexual violence...

The CARICOM Task Force on Climate Change and Development welcomes the views of President-elect Barack Obama for a cap and trade system approach to cutting greenhouse gas emissions and further supports the targets to reduce emissions to their 1990 levels by 2020 and another 80% by 2050. The Region's support for Mr. Obama's proposals was indicated at the First Meeting...

The Opposition has ascribed to me corrupt motive in the decision of the UDC, for which I have ministerial responsibility, to acquire property at Ferry which houses the Hydel Group of Schools. Scurrilous statements made by members of the Opposition including, regrettably, the Leader of the Opposition herself, have suggested that this decision was influenced by my association with the...