More Speeches

The Contractor-General has taken issue publicly with a decision by the Cabinet to exempt in limited, specified transactions and subject to particular conditions, certain public sector entities from government procurement procedures. I wish to outline the considerations that led to this decision and clarify any misunderstanding to which the public may have been subjected. The exemptions relate to five government...

I must join with the rest of Jamaica in expressing shock and outrage at the brutal and calous attacks on our children, some of whom are being targeted in or near our schools. As a society we must take this issues very seriously and move decisively to ensure that those who prey on the innocent have no refuge among us....

Mr. President, I offer you my congratulations on your Presidency. You assume this office at a time when the world faces challenges of crisis proportions. Much will be demanded of your leadership and you can be assured of Jamaica's full support and cooperation. The Global Environment We have convened amidst worrying global developments. The hopes of the new millennium are...

IntroductionMr. Speaker, this Honourable House will recall that following on the passage of Hurricane Dean on 2007 August 19, I met with banana industry stakeholders and developed proposals that took into account both the sustainability of the banana industry and alternate agricultural options, for the use of the Eastern Banana Estate, operated by the Jamaica Producers Group Ltd. Mr. Speaker,...

BACKGROUNDAt a time when the aviation industry is in turmoil, and destinations are faced with flight reductions, Jamaica has entered an agreement with the US legacy carrier American Airlines, to guarantee well over 2,000 additional seats per week to the island. This deal comes ahead of the start of the 2008/2009 winter tourist season and at a time when the...

Significant sections of the island were severely impacted by Tropical Storm Gustav between Thursday and Friday of last week. While Gustav was not at hurricane strength during its passage across Jamaica, its effect was pronounced because it moved so slowly across the island, with extended periods of heavy rainfall resulting in widespread flooding. Total rainfall recorded over the period August...

Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, has tabled a Ministry Paper in the House of Representatives, outlining the facts concerning breaches of the conditions of approval, for the construction of the RIU Hotel at Mahoe Bay in St. James and how these have been dealt with. "Care has been taken by the relevant authorities to ensure that the specifications and restrictions applicable...

'All over the country and in the Diaspora, Jamaicans continue to beam with pride at today's outstanding display of athletic prowess by Veronica Campbell-Brown as she won the gold medal in the women's 200M finals and successfully defended her Olympic title. The fantastic run by Kerron Stewart who took the bronze medal in the 200m finals, must be hailed as...

The Government has taken note of a joint declaration issued last Friday by the Governments of a number of CARICOM countries, signalling their intention to establish a political union by 2013. The Government also notes that discussions are to be held this week, with three other CARICOM countries, to encourage their participation in the proposed political union. The Government of...

The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller, Leader of the Opposition expresses congratulations to the female Jamaican Olympians on their magnificent performance at the Bird Nest Olympics Stadium in Beijing. Mrs. Simpson Miller says: "I stand with the entire citizenry and all Jamaicans throughout the Diaspora in acknowledgement of the exquisite sportswomanship and athletic prowess of our female athletes". "In particular...

Naturally, I am very disappointed that an athlete who was selected for our team to the Beijing Olympics has tested positive for a prohibited substance. There is a process involved which includes the right of appeal by the athlete and I will reserve further comment until this process has been completed. I am in discussions with both the Jamaica Olympics...

I am delighted to see that our netballers have shone so brightly once again defending the AFNA Championships which concluded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the week-end. The fact that the Sunshine Girls won all matches en route to retaining the crown has reinforced Jamaica's dominance in the sport of Netball in the region. Special acknowledgement must be...