More Speeches

It has been my pleasure to host my esteemed colleague, His Excellency Rene Preval, who is no stranger to Jamaica, having last visited the island in an official capacity in 1996. As many of you may be aware, Jamaica and Haiti have had a long history of collaboration and cooperation in various forms over the years, punctuated by high-level visits...

As the local theatre world and all Jamaicans mourn the loss of one of the nation's most revered actors, Charles Hyatt, I pay a special tribute to this Thespian, comedian and broadcaster, whose life is exemplified in a line from William Shakespeare, "All the world's a stage and men and women merely players, they have their exits and their entrances,...

As the local theatre world and all Jamaicans mourn the loss of one of the nation's most revered actors, Charles Hyatt, I pay a special tribute to this Thespian, comedian and broadcaster, whose life is exemplified in a line from William Shakespeare, "All the world's a stage and men and women merely players, they have their exits and their entrances,...

I wish to commend the leadership of the Ministry of Health: - Permanent Secretary, Dr. Grace Allen-Young; - Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester; - Professor Peter Figueroa; - Dr. Marion Bullock-Ducasse and all of her hard working staff at the emergency operations centre. I also want to specially recognise the staff at Hospitals and Health Centres, and at...

I wish to commend the leadership of the Ministry of Health: - Permanent Secretary, Dr. Grace Allen-Young; - Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sheila Campbell-Forrester; - Professor Peter Figueroa; - Dr. Marion Bullock-Ducasse and all of her hard working staff at the emergency operations centre. I also want to specially recognise the staff at Hospitals and Health Centres, and at...

It is with regret that I learn of the tragic death of a resident of Breastworks in Portland, arising from a landslide in the area caused by the inclement weather the island has been experiencing since Monday (Nov. 20). I offer my condolence and encouragement to the family at this time of bereavement. I have instructed a team led by...

It is an honour for me to address the 61st Session of the General Assembly on behalf of my country Jamaica. I congratulate you on your election as President of this Assembly. It is an added pleasure for me today to recognize your assumption to the Presidency, being one of only three women in the history of the General Assembly...

This year's Sectoral debate has saved the best wine for last! The fact is that the Ministry of Health won the Award for Best Ministry for the year 2005/6 based on a Client Survey for a Competition run by the Cabinet Office, as part of the Public Sector Modernization Programme (PSMP). I was indeed highly favoured when the Most Honourable...

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of nationally beloved cultural icon, Hon. Louise Bennett Coverley. A renowned performer, poet and folklorist the "Hon. Miss Lou" as she was affectionately known, was hailed by generations of Jamaicans as the very essence of our Jamaicanness - larger than life, earthy, humorous, warm, good natured, highly creative and full of...

The Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment & Culture has learned with much regret of the passing of beloved folklorist, story teller, poet, performer and National Icon - Hon. Louise Simone Bennett-Coverley at her home in Canada last night. I can state without fear of contradiction that we will never be able to truly measure the full value of Miss Lou's contribution...

The three-month waiver of the Common External Tariff (CET) of 15% on cement granted Monday, May 16, 2006 is a short-term measure to address the immediate need to import cement. This comes against a background of difficulties importers are having in sourcing product on the spot market to fill the current shortfall, caused by recent production problems being experienced by...

A: INTRODUCTION 1. Signaled in my opening the need to "raise the bar" as it were, in the debate. From public reaction, as well as from Media comments, this has occurred. 2. Some of the proposals put forward have greater appeal initially than when they are subjected to detailed scrutiny. More of that anon. 3. Two persons who have never...