Yesterday, we had 48 positive cases out of 1,172 samples tested which is a test positivity rate of 4.1%. The public sector test positivity rate which is based on the more reliable PCR tests was however 7.7%. Madam Speaker, based on the latest report from this morning, our cumulative cases of COVID-19 are now 46,087 with 21,646 having recovered. Our...

Madam Speaker, first and foremost, all thanks and praise to the Almighty for His continued grace and favour in my life. I thank our Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness for his confidence in my ability to lead a Ministry with such critical and far-reaching portfolio areas. Also, Madam Speaker, I do not take for granted the support and...

Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to report on the achievements of the Ministry of Justice in this my sixth consecutive year as Minister of Justice. I am equally proud to appear in this Honourable House  on behalf of the Constituents of North East St Andrew, serving as their Member of Parliament for 23 plus years. Mr Prime Minister,...

Expression of Gratitude Madame Speaker, were it not for the people of the constituency of St. Andrew Eastern, I would not be standing here in this honourable house today. So let me say thank you to everyone who voted to send me back to parliament for a second term. Thank you as well St. Andrew Eastern for your patience as...

INTRODUCTION Madam Speaker, and colleague Parliamentarians, as you are aware, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, is one of the most important Ministries working quietly in the background to provide Social Welfare Services and to maintain industrial harmony. The Ministry has responsibility for issues relating to workers, employers, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Pensioners, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens as...

Tribute to Michael Sharp Madam Speaker, I wish to firstly take this opportunity to express condolences to the family and friends of Michael Sharp, who along with over 700 Jamaicans have experienced the worst outcome of this pandemic. Mr. Sharpe and I have engaged in many fora where I had the pleasure of engaging him on many issues affecting our...

Opening Parliament, Madam Speaker should take note of a recently delivered judgement of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in the case of Hinds and Others (Appellants) v the Director of Public Prosecutions (Respondent) delivered on Monday, April 19, 2021. The case is significant as it brings to an end the legal challenges brought by the appellants to...