More Speeches

As you know, we have been placed on Storm Warning as Tropical Storm Tomas nears Jamaica. The Met Office has advised that we should expect to experience storm conditions in sections of the island within the next few hours. We have been tracking this system for the past week as it strengthened, weakened, strengthened again and made its way across...

As you know, we have been placed on Storm Warning as Tropical Storm Tomas nears Jamaica. A Storm Warning means that we expect to experience storm conditions within 24 hours. We have been tracking this system for the past week as it strengthened, weakened and strengthened again and made its way across the Caribbean. It did considerable damage in the...

Ever since we became aware of David's illness, we hoped and prayed that this day would not come - not now, not so soon. The entire Caribbean Community has been left much poorer for the loss of one of its distinguished leaders. We restrain ourselves from asking why, for we dare not question God's will. Still, we are deeply grieved...

Last Thursday, we were advised by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) of laboratory confirmation of cases of cholera in the Artibonite province in Haiti. As of last Saturday, the Ministry of Health in Haiti reported 3,015 cases of cholera resulting in 253 deaths. Cases have been reported in other areas such as Port au Prince, the Ouest and Central...

Further to my statement to this House last Tuesday, the Governor-General has today been advised to appoint a Commission of Enquiry to enquire into and report on the issues relating to the extradition request for Christopher Coke by the Government of the United States of America, the manner and procedure in which the said extradition request was handled by the...

On the occasion of the celebration of Heritage week and National Heroes' Day 2010. "I believe in Jamaica... Our People, Our land, Our Heritage" My fellow Jamaicans, each year on this day, we pause to review our journey, remember our National Heroes and Heroine as we celebrate their contribution to the freedom and independence which we enjoy as a people....

One of our most precious assets as a people is our heritage - the experiences, traditions and culture that have moulded us over the years into who we are and what we are. It includes the struggles that we endured, the triumphs won and the wisdom we gained to confront the challenges of tomorrow. This past week was observed as...

"I Believe in Jamaica... Our People, Our Land, Our Heritage." Greetings to my fellow Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora as we celebrate Heritage Week. It is important that in our quest to build a bright future for Jamaica, we pause to reflect on the past and renew our hope in our people, our land and our heritage. Heritage...

Every year on the first Monday in October, Jamaica joins countries around the globe in observing World Habitat Day which highlights the right of all citizens to adequate shelter. It reminds us of our collective responsibility to ensure the sustainability of both our built and natural environment. Minister of Water and Housing, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang. Today, approximately half of...

IntroductionMr Speaker, one of the most pressing issues facing our beloved nation today is the need to find solutions to our energy crisis, starting with the implementation of our National Energy Policy. Let me from the outset indicate that this Administration is committed to affording our nation the prospect of cheaper and more environmentally friendly sources of energy. Additionally, energy...

Torrential rains and other adverse weather conditions associated with Tropical Depression No. 16 which later became Tropical Storm Nicole impacted the island of Jamaica from 26-29 September 2010. The event produced bands of showers and thunderstorms over most of the island but more so to the southern, south eastern and western ends of the island. The tropical system resulted in...

International Teachers Day, October 5, 2010, provides another forum for the world to recognize and honour the immense contribution of teachers to human development and progress. It is with a deep sense of appreciation that I pay tribute to all teachers in Jamaica as we commemorate the day. The commitment of our teachers over decades has produced the sons and...