More Speeches

The Government of Jamaica is aware of the adverse analytical finding of one of our national athletes following testing conducted by the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) during the May 4, 2013 Jamaica Invitational Meet under the supervision of an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Doping Representative. The IAAF is continuing to conduct its results management procedures in accordance with...

The Vision 2030 Jamaica – National Development Plan sees the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) sector as playing a central role in the transformation of Jamaica over the next two decades on the path toward making the transition to becoming a developed country. [Watch the presentation LIVE] ICTs have become engines for social and economic growth globally. Their appropriate utilization...

Labour is the most important factor in production. It is the embodiment of the creativity, energy, enterprise and industry of the people. It is the human spirit and endeavour physically manifested in the wealth, goods and services produced for the enjoyment and advancement of society. The historical context of Jamaica is best described as the struggle of labour to be...

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure today, to stand again in this Honourable House and to account in this Debate, to the people of Jamaica for my stewardship of the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries. As I do so, I greet and acknowledge the support of all stakeholders in this vital sector of the economy. Let me specially acknowledge :...

The Ministry of Education welcomes the opportunity to join all Jamaicans in recognizing the sterling service that our nation’s teachers have rendered to the growth and development of our society. We salute and pay tribute to the members of this noble profession, for their contribution in moulding minds and educating people to fully achieve their developmental potential. Teachers, along with...

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour and privilege for me to address this Parliament, in a budget debate as Prime Minister once again. For this, I owe a great debt of gratitude to the people of Jamaica for their vote of confidence in me and in the team that I lead.   It is with deep humility and a...

This year, in the midst of the economic hardships, public chastisements and threats of violence, we seek to observe May 5-11, 2013 as Education Week, under the theme, Advancing the Nation’s Human Capital through Education. Education Week is packed with activities geared at enhancing the cause of education and teachers as they struggle to educate Jamaican children and youth so...

I commend the Jamaica Teachers’ Association for devoting May 5 – 11, 2013, for the observation of Education Week, under the theme, “Advancing the Nation’s Human Capital through Education”. Education week is an opportunity to celebrate the important role that education plays in building our society. The Government reaffirms and emphasizes the role of education in empowering and developing the...

On World Press Freedom Day, I salute all our hard-working and diligent journalists, who have been ensuring that the Jamaican people have access to information, which is critical to their functioning in a democracy. As we observe the specially designated day by UNESCO, which this year has the theme: “Safe to Speak: Securing Freedom of Expression in all Media,” we...

Mr. Speaker, we have come to the end of our budget process which began on the 4th of April, 2013 with the presentation of the Estimates of Expenditure. Let me thank the Members of this Honourable House who have made contributions in the Standing Finance Committee and to the Debate which I opened on April 18th, 2013. Mr. Speaker, Members...

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, has announced plans for the establishment of a Cultural and Creative Industries Commission, which will oversee development of Jamaica’s Cultural and Creative Industries Policy and Master Plan. She said this will be undertaken in consultation with key stakeholders in efforts to promote the growth and development of those industries, thereby enabling the...

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, distinguished Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, Members of International Organisations, Fellow Jamaicans. I thank the Almighty, for his love and kindness towards me. I pray that he will continue to guide my path and bless our nation. I pause at the beginning of this presentation to express my gratitude to my enabling team at...