More Speeches

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...

A significant feature of this new legislative session is the appointment of a new Prime Minister, the first woman to hold that position. We applaud her on her achievement and we hope that it will re-invigorate our efforts as a society to dismantle those barriers that still remain to the full recognition of the intrinsic and inalienable equality of women....

1. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Honourable Dato' Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, paid an Official Visit to Jamaica from 2 to 3 May 2006. 2. The visit served to strengthen bilateral relations between Jamaica and Malaysia and in particular, to further the development of an economically strategic partnership through the fostering...

I have had the honour, this afternoon, of engaging in mutually beneficial discussions with my esteemed colleague, Prime Minister Abdullah and I am pleased to make a statement on the outcome of our talks. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Jamaica and Malaysia in 1975, our two countries have enjoyed friendly and constructive relations. These relations have expanded over...

It is a great honour and pleasure for me to extend a very warm and special welcome to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his distinguished delegation. I am also delighted to welcome you all to this dinner marking the excellent relations enjoyed between Jamaica and Malaysia. Prime Minister, your visit holds a special meaning for me for two reasons:...

As we enter a new legislative year, your Administration does so in what could be described as a new and historic context. During the last legislative year, your Administration experienced the retirement of The Most Honourable Sir Howard Cooke, who served as Governor-General and hence presented this Throne Speech for fourteen consecutive years. Your Administration, as well as the entire...

I am extremely proud to learn of the outstanding performance of our athletes at the 18th Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. The coveted 100 metre double victory of World 100m record holder Asafa Powell and SheriAnn Brooks in the men's and women's categories respectively, serves as a strong reminder that Jamaica is a leader in the field of athletics. Asafa...

There are few feelings more satisfying than waking to a new day with a sense of wellbeing. Good health is a precious gift. Yet many do not share in this. Some forty million people today are living with HIV/AIDs, well over half of whom are Commonwealth citizens. Half a million women die each year in pregnancy and childbirth - and...

It was indeed with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation extended by the distinguished Secretary General to address this august body. I consider it a distinct honour to be doing so in this prestigious Hall of the Americas. Most importantly, the opportunity afforded me at this time, takes on added significance as it comes at the juncture when I...