More Speeches

The issue of providing fresh water and adequate sanitation for urban areas is critical, especially since half of the world's population now lives in cities. By the year 2030, it is estimated that the number of urban dwellers is expected to rise to nearly 60 percent. The theme for this year's World Water Day, "Water for Cities…Responding to the Urban...

We continue to be very concerned by the situation in Japan, particularly, the north-eastern section of the country, in the aftermath of the natural disasters which caused so many bereavement and devastation. As the death toll increases, so does the anxiety related to the stability of the nuclear reactor core in the Dai-ichi plant. We hope that the people and...

?MESSAGE FROM THE HONOURABLE BRUCE GOLDING, PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA ON COMMONWEALTH DAY, MARCH 14, 2011     The theme for this year's Commonwealth Day, "Women as agents of change" reinforces the critical and fundamental role that women and girls - who make up more than half of the world's population - play in societies. It is also an acknowledgement...

Global concern is now focused on the impact of the powerful earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale which hit northern Japan in the early afternoon of that time zone, when people were engaged in their normal daily activities. The devastating tsunami which that earthquake triggered has contributed to the tragic loss of lives, the bereavement, tremendous destruction and anxiety...

The Government and People of Jamaica take this opportunity, on this special occasion of the 50th anniversary of the United States Peace Corps, to recognise and congratulate the Corps on its outstanding work in the promotion of peace and friendship around the world, and particularly in Jamaica. As we approach our own milestone - the 50th anniversary of independence in...

Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Senator Hon. Dorothy Lightbourne, has insisted that her testimony on the extradition of Christopher "Dudus" Coke has been truthful, and that she has not made any error in the details. Miss Lightbourne was the subject of intense cross examination Tuesday (March 8) by People’s National Party (PNP) lead attorney, K.D. Knight, as the Commission...

This year, International Women’s Day March 8, marks 100 years of observance of the day. As Minister with responsibility for Women Affairs and Gender Issues, I am honoured to pay tribute to all women across the world. Of course I must specifically acknowledge the contributions made by Jamaican women to the social, cultural and economic development of our nation. International...

This year’s commemoration of International Women’s Day carries special significance, as it marks the centenary of the event. This therefore brings into sharper focus the challenges faced, obstacles overcome and achievements attained, which have characterized this 100-year journey. Over the years, Jamaicahas signaled its unwavering commitment to the advancement and upliftment of women, through the signing of the Convention on...

Caribbean leaders have endorsed and welcomed the appointment of University of the West Indies (UWI) Professor, Dr. Norman Girvan,  as Personal Representative of Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza,  to help settle the territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela. Professor Girvan will lend support to Mr. Insulza, in his capacity as OAS Good Officer, to...

Allegations included in a Witness Statement made in 2005 by murdered Chartered Accountant and former head of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), Douglas Chambers, highlighted Tuesday’s (March 1) sitting of the Finsac Commission of Enquiry. During the sitting, the Commission heard witness, Jean-Marie Desulme, the Haitian-born former Managing Director of Thermo-Plastics and its subsidiary, Plas-Pak, accuse named members of...

Mr Speaker, today I update the House on matters related to the just concluded CONCACAF Under 17 football championship which was staged in Montego Bay, St. James. I am sure the whole House will join me in congratulating the Jamaican team which advanced to FIFA Under 17 World Cup Finals in Mexico later this year by finishing as one of...

I am sure I speak for all my colleagues in expressing appreciation to Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, the government and people of Grenada for the warm hospitality we have received and the fine arrangements that have been made for this conference. Grenada is the spice island of the Caribbean but it is much more than that and we are enjoying...