More Speeches

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!”  These words capture so movingly, if inadequately, the feelings of all of us about Christmas. There is no other season like this; none that evokes the kinds of positive emotions, the sense of joy, peace, goodwill and unity;   the deep sense of our common humanity. The fact that Christmas is celebrated not...

My fellow Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora.  I extend to you warm greetings at this very special time of year: When families near and far gather to celebrate and share their experiences of the past year, in an atmosphere of joy, excitement and hope.  When neighbours come together in a spirit of friendliness, peace and unity. When even...

The theme for this year's commemoration of human rights day- social media and human rights- brings into sharp focus the important role which technology can play in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Over the last decade, social media have altered the communications landscape and, as we have witnessed in the Middle East, North Africa...

Links: view entire speech or watch video My fellow Jamaicans, I speak to you tonight on a matter that is of concern to all of us, the matter of public openness, transparency and accountability in government and the application of these vital principles to the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP). Jamaica has the second highest road density in the world...

KINGSTON — The Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, the Honorable Olivia Grange, MP has visited the Glenhope Place of Safety in the wake of the fire at the care facility this evening. Minister Grange along with the Minister of State, Senator Warren Newby and the leadership of the Child Development Agency as well as the administrators of the facility...

The annual commemoration of Civil Service Week, gives us the opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of civil servants to nation building; and express to them our gratitude for their dedication and commitment to the country. Over the years, some of our civil servants have been harshly criticized for the quality of their service delivery. While we recognize that in...

The Government of Jamaica is deeply saddened by the news of the passing earlier this morning, November 14 of the outstanding Jamaican statesman and lawyer, the Honourable David Coore OJ, QC. Hon. David Coore's unwavering dedication to public service and national development spanned over forty years. He formally entered public life in 1959 as a Member of the Legislative Council and is...

"Better Politics, Better Policies, Better People" Inauguration Address by Honourable Andrew Holness, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica OCTOBER 23, 2011 Your Excellencies, the Governor General, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen, Leader of the Opposition the Most Honorable Portia Simpson Miller, the Most Honorable Edward Seaga and Mrs Seaga, the Most Honorable PJ Patterson, the Honorable Bruce...

KINGSTON — The Hon Bruce Golding, in his last national broadcast on the eve of his departure from the office of Prime Minister of Jamaica, Saturday night (October 22), challenged the nation to "find unity despite our diversity". "No government, whether led by me, Andrew (Holness) or anyone else, can do it alone. Our chances of success lie in our...

Tomorrow afternoon, as you know, I will demit office and we will witness the swearing-in of the Honourable Andrew Holness as the new Prime Minister of Jamaica. He will become one of the youngest Heads of Government in the entire world. His youthfulness, however, belies the tremendous ability he brings to the job, as demonstrated in the transformational leadership he...

Jamaicans at home and abroad... National Heroes' Day is a time for celebration, a time to celebrate the achievements we have made because of the extraordinary contributions of those men and a woman who, in such a remarkable way, helped to shape our destiny. It is a time, too, for reflection, for, even as we face the enormous challenges of...

I have noted the concerns raised by environmental groups regarding the National Water Commission’s wastewater treatment plants, which are below the required standards. As I have previously indicated, the current regulations regarding these sewerage plants were passed after many were constructed. One must admit that the NWC was somewhat tardy in addressing the problems, but this was largely due to...