Mr. Speaker, I rise to update this Honourable House and the people of Jamaica on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Mr. Speaker, as of Wednesday, April 15, the National Surveillance Unit has advised that there are 125 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jamaica. The 20 additional confirmed cases...

The Covid-19 pandemic is the most threatening global health crisis in over a century. It has led to a global economic shock of unprecedented proportions. The Government of Jamaica is responding with a $25 billion stimulus, the largest stimulus package in Jamaican history. It consists of a reduction in the rate of GCT from 16.5% to 15.0% and other tax...

These are unprecedented times. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has wreaked havoc globally with the way we live and our way of doing business. Our island was on the cusp of making major economic breakthroughs, but we are now suddenly facing the challenge of our lifetime, a challenge that affects Jamaica’s greatest asset: the wellbeing of its people. The Jamaican...

My Fellow Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora. For the past two weeks, our nation has been gripped by fear, panic, and uncertainty as the dreaded COVID-19 virus reached our shores. I am using this opportunity to speak to you, not only as your Governor-General, but as a husband, father, brother, friend and concerned citizen. Firstly, I thank the...

Introduction Mr. Speaker, I again extend gratitude to the staff at the Ministry of Finance and Public Service and to the board, management, and staff of the public bodies within my portfolio. Thanks to Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition, and the Opposition Spokesperson on Finance for their contributions to the 2019/20 Budget Debate. Mr. Speaker, I am closing this...

“We have received confirmation from the International Olympic Committee and the Japanese government that the Tokyo Olympics have been postponed. We accept this decision and we think it is a good move. For one thing, it provides well-needed clarity for our athletes. It is difficult to prepare for international competition in the best of times, so we can imagine how...

Our government’s decision to close our air and sea ports to incoming people traffic as of tonight is a necessary measure to help contain the spread of COVID-19. This decision has several implications, including for members of our entertainment community who are overseas. I have been in contact with several of them and some are scheduled to arrive today before...