Among the important tasks undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is the surveillance and monitoring of trade related developments that have implications for Jamaica’s exports of goods and services. In carrying out this function, the Ministry undertakes research and analysis of important developments in order to inform appropriate policy responses and provide timely and appropriate information...

Throne Speech Delivered By: His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J Governor-General We are thankful that all branches of the State can gather in this collegial fashion to hear and be guided by the legislative agenda, policies, programmes and general direction set by the Administration to secure the prosperity of the people. We once again recommit...

Mr. Speaker, crime continues to threaten the growth of our economy and instill an intolerable level of fear in the general populace. The Government will continue to be relentless in all pursuits aimed at protecting every citizen of this country and we seek the support of all stakeholders in ensuring that we ‘break the back of crime’. The Government remains...

It has been my great pleasure to welcome Secretary of State Tillerson to Jamaica and to host him and his delegation on this brief but historic Working Visit to Jamaica. Secretary Tillerson and I have engaged in critical discussions on issues of mutual interest to Jamaica and the United States, as well as the region, with a focus on promoting...

Mr. Speaker, the increasing violence in the Parish of St. James saw the murder rate at 335 in 2017. Seeing the consequences of this on the citizens of the Parish and the fear in which some persons live, His Excellency the Governor General was requested to proclaim a State of Public Emergency, effective 18 January 2018. Mr. Speaker, the provision...

Mr Speaker, this Honourable House is reminded of the recommendation of the West Kingston Commission of Enquiry in its Report published on September 19, 2016, that citizens who suffered loss and damage to property and business, during the May 2010 events in West Kingston (the West Kingston incursion) should be compensated. Mr. Speaker on November 21, 2016, Cabinet approved the...

Mr. Speaker, I stand to update you on a number of issues pertaining to National Security. Crime Situation It is a fact that during the year 2017, 1616 persons were murdered in Jamaica and there were 1469 shootings. However, it is also true that we had significant reductions in the other five major crime categories and collected 859 illegal firearms...