More Speeches

In light of the announcement made today by the Jamaica Constabulary Force, confirming that Bob Woolmer did in fact die of natural causes, we sincerely hope this will now cause speculation to cease and provide an opportunity for his family, friends and former colleagues to continue the healing process. The fact of his death is no less tragic and the...

From the outset of the Bob Woolmer investigation, which started on March 18, when the former Pakistani Cricket coach was found in his hotel room and officially pronounced dead at the University Hospital of the West Indies, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) adopted a policy of being open, transparent and forthright in providing information to the point where some have...

Mr. Speaker, colleagues of this Honourable House, in making my contribution to the sectoral debate I speak of a revolution in Jamaica. I speak of revolution because I can find no other word to describe the process that has generated the most dramatic, the most fundamental and the most profound development that has occurred in our country's modern history. Mr....

Reports appeared in Jamaican and UK newspapers on Sunday May 13, 2007 concerning the investigation into the death of Bob Woolmer with further speculation that he died from natural causes. The JCF is conducting an extensive and thoroughly professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Bob Woolmer. This has included a request to the Commissioner of Police of...

World Cup ExpensesThe Opposition has consistently taken issue with the expenditure which has been incurred as part of Jamaica's preparation for World Cup Cricket. Has some resonance with the public, particularly when the suggestion is that the $9 billion spent would have been better directed at interventions in the social sectors, particularly to assist the poor. Superficial, as any expenditure...

As we begin a new Parliamentary Year, the Administration and the people of Jamaica can be proud of our competent performance in hosting the Opening Ceremony and the other events of the ICC CWC 2007. The officials, volunteers, members of Security Forces and the Jamaican people, in general, can take credit for these achievements. The spirit of volunteerism was reflected...

Mr. Speaker, I am very grateful for the opportunity to rise before my colleagues, and indeed the entire nation to address an issue of great importance, not just to Jamaicans, but to people of conscience across the globe. On Sunday March 25, 2007 - a wide cross section of Jamaican people gathered at Kingston's historic waterfront to share in a...

Consistent with our approach from the time Pakistani Cricket Coach, Mr. Robert Woolmer was found in his hotel room on Sunday March 18, the Jamaica Constabulary Force has updated the media on all developments concerning our investigation of this case. The Jamaica Police are in a position to inform that it is now in possession of the official post mortem...

There is an ongoing murder investigation into the death of Mr. Robert Woolmer, coach of the Pakistan Cricket team. As a direct result, the security arrangements at the Pegasus Hotel will be part of that investigation. It is therefore inappropriate at this time to discuss these security arrangements. However, security at official hotels connected with the ICC CWC 2007 is...

Just over one year ago, the Government of Jamaica made a policy decision to embark on a comprehensive reform of the justice system to achieve a modern, efficient and effective system that can meet the present and future needs of the Jamaican people. I have since sought to update the Senate on how the Ministry of Justice is proceeding with...

Women and girls of Jamaica! - my sisters!I greet you warmly on this International Women's Day.This is the day when we celebrate our strengths and our victories. It is the day when we reflect on the long struggle from being treated as persons of limited capabilities to receiving equal opportunities and respect. Today, more women are entering and doing well...

Welcome to this Joint Meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committees of the Caribbean Community on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and on External Trade Negotiations. It is the first of its kind and is the brainchild of the two Chairpersons, who, recognising the synergistic interlinkage which must exist between the work of their two Sub-Committees, have decided to...