Madam Speaker, This is my first sectoral presentation as Minister of National Security for the new term of office. It comes in the middle of the COVID-19 public health pandemic, which, when added to the chronic epidemic of violence in our society, signals that the country is going through two major crises at this time. This novel coronavirus has derailed...

LABOUR DAY SLOGAN: "STAY HOME.  STAY SAFE.  CLEAN UP YU SPACE"   Fellow Jamaicans, Workers' Week and Labour Day 2021 find us still in the grip of the pandemic.  Consequently, the overall theme – Safeguarding our Labour Force amid COVID-19 – is particularly relevant.   In July 2020, almost 5 months after our first coronavirus case, employment fell by an...

Good day my fellow Jamaicans. I greet you well. Labour Day is normally a time when we come together in voluntary work for the betterment of our communities. However, for the second year in a row, the global COVID-19 pandemic has touched almost all aspects our lives. So this Labour Day we are being asked to "Tan a Wi Yard"...

Madam Speaker, The Government of Jamaica (GoJ) has provided $720 million as an incentive for Non-PATH students to acquire devices. The programme, known as the Own Your Own Device (OYOD) Incentive Programme is aimed at benefiting 36,000 non-PATH students with a $20,000 voucher towards the purchase of a tablet or laptop. The Ministry of Education, Youth & Information would like...

Madam Speaker, 2020 has been an extraordinary year for Jamaica, and the world. The COVID-19 virus - and its impact globally and on Jamaica - has been life changing. This is a once in a 100 year experience. There was no playbook prescribing a response; we had to adjust and learn as we went along. This public health threat tested...

Acknowledgements Madam Speaker: Let me first of all give honour and glory to Almighty God, the Creator of all things. Great is His faithfulness and  mighty power which has brought us through a challenging year. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11 which states, “for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and...

Implementing the national goal of recovering stronger through the institutions of local government Madam Speaker… I am privileged today, to make my fifth contribution to the Sectoral Debate as the Minister responsible for Local Government. I am also pleased to address you in this forum, since your ascension to the Speaker’s Chair last year. That special occasion came after the...