It has long been recognised that an important part of securing growth will require tax reform. The current taxation system operates as a high tax regime co-existing with a system of negotiated exclusions for certain aspects of particular sectors. These cover Tourism, aspects of Manufacturing and Agriculture, Free zone, Petroleum and Shipping activities to name a few. Members will recall that...

Every year since 1948, the 24th of October has been celebrated globally as United Nations (UN) Day. This is in commemoration of the founding of the Organisation with the ratification of its Charter by the five (5) Permanent Members of the Security Council, namely: France, the People’s Republic of China, the former Soviet Union (now the Russian Federation), the United...

This year, Jamaicans are again observing Heritage Week against the backdrop of prevailing global economic challenges which have served to deepen national socio-economic difficulties. In my inaugural address in 2009, I had urged Jamaicans to regard the economic downturn as an opportunity to explore new approaches to economic well being, using what is right about Jamaica to fix what is...

My fellow Jamaicans: Today is a special day in the history of our young nation. It is the day on which we pause to pay tribute to our National Heroes and Heroine and reflect on what we can learn from their lives and experiences. [Watch a video broadcast of this message] As we are so close to the anniversary of...

A hero is “someone who acts selflessly, without thinking of rewards. Someone who is willing to put themselves at risk for the sake of someone else or a higher cause.” As Jamaicans face many challenges, National Heroes Day provide us with a chance to reflect on, and acknowledge the work and sacrifices of our pioneers, great leaders , Heroes and...

I am finding that there are not sufficient or adequate words (in your language or mine) to express the appreciation that my colleagues and I feel for the tireless work and effort of our host, the People's Republic of China, in staging such a successful Seminar. The programme's careful design has yielded a comprehensive understanding of the important role and...

SALUTATION Your Excellency Madam Vice Minister, Colleague Ministers, friends present here good morning... It is a pleasure to be here in your beautiful country and to be enjoying the warm Chinese hospitality extended to myself and colleague participants in this Seminar. I really do feel at home. Let me thank the Chinese Government and people and our specific host --...