More Speeches

Today the 11th of October 2012, the world is called upon to celebrate the first International Day of the Girl Child. The establishment and recognition of this day is more than symbolic. Indeed, it must be understood as a call to action for governments and civil societies to boldly confront the scope and gravity of the continuing high levels of...

Salutations: Chairman Mr. Brian Pengelley – President of the JMA Executives and Members of the JMA Distinguished Guests Ladies and gentlemen   Good Evening. This Awards Banquet is no ordinary gathering. This is a significant moment, not just for the JMA, but for Jamaica as well. There are several reasons why I say this. For one, this is your 65th...

Mr Speaker, I rise to update this Honourable House on matters related to energy, and specifically the matter of LNG. Electricity prices are the most important impediment to economic growth and job creation facing Jamaica today. Mr Speaker, there is no delicate way to repeat this: Jamaica will not move forward with electricity rates of 40 US cents per kilowatt...

Today, Monday October 1, 2012, Jamaica joins countries around the globe in observing World Habitat Day. This year the United Nations has chosen the theme "Changing Cities, Building Opportunities" to focus our attention as a people on the state of our towns and cities, as well as the basic right of all to adequate shelter. World-wide it is recognized that...

Salutations:   Today I am delighted to participate in Jamaica's observation of World Tourism Day 2012, under the theme "Tourism and Sustainable Energy:  Powering Sustainable Development". As our nation joins the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and its global tourism partners in commemorating this symbolic day, it is in joint recognition of the global importance of tourism. Locally, the...

Jamaica is proud to join the global community in recognising 'International Right to Know Day' 2012. We do so against the background of the considerable progress which has been made since the passage of the Access to Information Act of 2002. This has led to the opening up of public access to information as part of government’s commitment to foster...

Mr. President, The Government of Jamaica welcomes this initiative of the UN in convening this high level meeting on the rule of law, given the acknowledged importance of the subject at both the national and international levels. Read More

Mr. President,   Allow me to congratulate you on your assumption of the Presidency of this 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I assure you of the full support and cooperation of the Jamaican delegation as you carry out your duties.   I place on record my delegation’s appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Nassir Al-Nasser, for his invaluable...

STATEMENT BY THE MOST HONOURABLE PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER, MP, ON PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA TO THE 67thSESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY NEW YORK Mr. President, Allow me to congratulate you on your assumption of the Presidency of this 67thSession of the United Nations General Assembly. I assure you of the full support and cooperation of the Jamaican delegation...

Cabinet has approved a three-year contract valued at $73.1 million to Quest Security Limited for the provision of security services at the Ministry of Education's three main locations. These are at the central office at National Heroes Circle, the Cainwood Centre, and at 56 Duke Street. Minister with responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, made the disclosure at...

I have been made aware of widespread public concern about certain sections of the Health and Family Life Education Programme (HFLE), curriculum used in Jamaican schools. There is strong objection to some of the questions on sexual behaviour and the commentary on heterosexuality/homosexuality. The public should note: -          The curriculum was revised over a two (2) year period 2009-2011 and...

Parents/Guardians, Teachers, Students, Friends of Education, Jamaicans all, a pleasant good evening. It is important that as we begin the 2012-2013 academic year, the conversation about education continues. It is the most important issue for the nation. Educational outcomes that will determine our future. We must understand what each of us must do, as we unite around the common good...