More Speeches

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, said that the government is fully committed to educational development, despite resource constraints. “We have a responsibility to educate our people and no matter how difficult it is in terms of our economy, education must continue to be a priority of any government, and will continue to be a priority for our administration,”...

May is being observed as Child Month against the backdrop of significant public concern here in Jamaica about the state and well-being of the nation’s children, particularly in the context of reports of physical and sexual abuse against minors. The Ministry of Youth and Culture and the Government of Jamaica, welcome the national media focus on children issues even as...

The impression is being mistakenly given that the persons named in the Prime Minister’s delegation on a current visit to the United States of America (USA), for a series of important engagements all left the island together on Tuesday (April 24) and will be away for the duration of the entire visit, returning to the island on Sunday (April 29)....

Mr. Chairman, Honourable Ministers and Heads of Delegation, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen I take great pleasure in addressing this thirteenth Ministerial Conference of UNCTAD.  I wish to thank the Government and people of Qatar for the warmth and hospitality extended to me and my delegation. I would also like to thank the Secretary General of UNCTAD, Dr. Supachai, and...

Salutations §  Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Glendon Harris §  Custos of St. James, Hon. Ewen Corrodus §  Members of Parliament and other political representatives §  Executives from government entities and the business community §  Reverend Cecil Roache and Mrs. Roache §  Other distinguished guests/ citizens of Montego Bay and its environs including Principals, Service Club Members and the Media...

The right of Jamaicans to protest and freely express their opinions is an important guarantee of our Constitutional democracy and a demonstration of the vibrancy of our civil society. I think the outrage and anger over the recent loss of a number of innocent lives is an appropriate response and an encouraging signal that the society is growing intolerant of the...

This year’s commemoration of Commonwealth Day under the theme “Connecting Cultures” is especially important because it reinforces what is unique and special about the Commonwealth – the fact that it continues to bring together over 2 billion people drawn from a broad range of faiths, races and cultures. The Commonwealth can be justly proud of this legacy of bringing societies...

Salutations Over the past couple of months, I have been meeting with the leadership of a number of agencies and branches associated with the Ministry as well as with stakeholders to get a better understanding as to where we are at. During my meeting at the Export Division some three weeks ago, I made a commitment to plant some 150...

Women of Jamaica, my sisters, I salute you on this important day. This year's observance of International Women's Day takes on added importance as our nation observes its 50th anniversary of political independence - a journey on which our women have played an active and significant role. Over this period, we have made significant progress toward gender equality and women's...

Your Excellency, Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen. I count it a great privilege to be standing here tonight, representing The Queen in Jamaica on her Diamond Jubilee. Her Majesty has asked me to extend her great good wishes to you all, and is sorry that she can't be here - so you're stuck with me... but don't worry, cos every...

§  Your Royal Highness §  Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller - Prime Minister §  Mr. Andrew Holness - Leader of the Opposition and Mrs. Holness §  Members of the Cabinet and other Members of the Government of Jamaica §  Your Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps §  Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen This evening I take great pleasure in welcoming all of...

State Minister for Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Colin Fagan, says the Government is working to implement a good governance structure, which is vital to the Local Government Reform process. “We do not take it (governance) lightly. We view governance as a critical success factor at varying levels of the reform process. We have gone further by making it...