Madam Speaker, let me begin with a situational analysis of the pandemic in Jamaica. On the graph displayed, the solid black line which is now appearing shows the cumulative number of cases (7,109) as at yesterday, October 5, 2020.   Unfortunately, since our first case, we have had one hundred and twenty three (123) deaths, as depicted by the red...

Madam Speaker, the country has made a significant transition to a new phase of the COVID-19 challenge. This phase is defined as community transmission that has resulted in: 1. Higher numbers of persons being infected with the virus (without a direct link as to where they would have contracted the virus); 2. Higher numbers of severe cases that are in...

Madam Speaker, according to the World Bank (2020), the massive shock of the coronavirus pandemic and the associated containment measures have severely contracted the global economy - the worst since World War II. Madam Speaker, industries have been disrupted, and businesses that require face-to-face interaction are struggling to keep afloat. The traditional way of doing commerce has proven to be...

Madam Speaker, It is my pleasure to update this Honourable House on the plans and programmes that have been put in place by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information for the official start of the new school year on October 5. As we are all aware, Madam Speaker, Jamaica has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The education...

Theme: ‘The Future We Want, the UN We Need; Reaffirming our Collective Commitment to Multilateralism – Confronting COVID-19 through Effective Multilateral Action   Your Excellency, Mr. Volkan Bozkir, I extend congratulations on your election to the Presidency of this 75th Session of the General Assembly. I also commend your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, for maintaining the focus on social...

As the race to save lives continues due to COVID-19, it is now more important than ever to work together to prevent suicide, as well as to promote and support overall mental health. From quarantine to isolation and the changing information about the pandemic, many are experiencing not only fear and anxiety, but also depression. Before COVID-19, the data tells...

Your Excellencies the Governor General, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Peter Phillips, Mr. Bruce Golding former Prime Minister and Mrs. Golding, my fellow Jamaicans good afternoon. There is no certain of victory, so we must work diligently on the people’s behalf, and place our faith in God, that He would reward...