Jamaica joins the international community in celebrating World Oceans Day 2020 under the theme “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean”, with the focus on uniting conservation efforts of the Ocean and its resources through novel ideas and solutions. As a small island state, we cannot over-emphasize the significance of conservation and management of the Ocean and Seas as they represent important...

SALUTATIONS Mr. Speaker, I give thanks first to the Almighty for His grace and never ending mercies, which have allowed us to be here today, despite the many challenges we have faced, particularly in the past few months as we combat this COVID-19 pandemic. I also express my gratitude to the Most Honourable Prime Minister for his guidance and leadership...

It is with deep sadness that I inform the nation of the passing of our dear Hon. Shahine Robinson, Minister of Labour and Social Security and Member of Parliament for North East St. Ann. Shahine was a patriot, a servant of the people, a much loved political representative adored by her constituents, a humanitarian and great personal friend. In previous...

It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of our colleague Member of Parliament for St. Ann North Eastern and Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Shahine Robinson. I extend heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. Shahine was more than a colleague to me, she was a friend whose company I cherished....

Mr President, Members of the Senate will recall that I had recently undertaken to provide an update on the activities and actions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade during this COVID-19 Pandemic. Mr President, it bears repeating that the Ministry, which I am privileged to lead, is staffed by a remarkable, committed cadre of professionals both here...

It has been said that the “medium is the message”. One could be forgiven if one were to suggest that this could be applied, without fear of contradiction, to Oliver Frederick Clarke. His message has always been steeped in the principles of integrity and service to country, sprinkled with wry humour, and his access to a medium or media for...

Jamaica, like the rest of the world has, unfortunately, been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant socio-economic shocks. An unprecedented number of Creatives and Cultural Practitioners, and related enterprises, are now either in decline, or in dire need of assistance for recovery. As a response, my Ministry is spearheading a series of Cultural Grants targeting Jamaica’s cultural...