More Speeches

It is with deep regret that I note the passing of the Custos of Trelawny, the Honourable Royland Barrett, who made his transition on Friday (Jan 15). Custos Barrett was truly an exemplar of honour in public service and a son of the soil, who for 20 years represented the historic parish of Trelawny with pride and who promoted it...

In recent broadcasts, I have spoken about the problems facing us as a country, problems that have been so terribly aggravated by the global recession but problems which existed and had accumulated long before the recession. Every year for many years, we have been spending more than we earn. Every year, we have to borrow to make up the difference,...

The people of Jamaica extend deep sympathy to the people of our neighbour Haiti, who are currently suffering from the effects of the earthquake and aftershocks of January 12. I have been in contact with President Rene Preval and assured him that all Jamaica is offering prayers that God's mercy will take the Haitian people through this tragedy even as...

'The allegation by the Leader of the Opposition that the National Housing Trust is being politicized is baseless and provocative. The contract of the Managing Director expired at the end of December. There is no requirement in the contract for it to be automatically renewed. The decision was taken to advertise the post and the period for receipt of applications...

My fellow Jamaicans. This past year was a tough one - tough for many of you, tough for the government, tough for Jamaica. It was a year in which we felt the full-blown effect of the global crisis with the closure of three of our four alumina plants, significant job losses and downturn in the economy. There are signs that...

My Fellow Jamaicans,As we begin yet another New Year, and as we step tentatively; perhaps even haltingly, across the threshold of this calendar demarcation, no doubt, many of us are contemplating what lies in store for us this year. Evidently, for the vast majority of us Jamaicans, the anticipation which traditionally greets the dawning of a New Year has been...

Since the start of the year we have lost over 300 persons as a result of traffic collisions. This is a horrendous loss of human capital and I would like to use this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to every Jamaican family that lost someone due to traffic collisions since the start of the year. I know your pain...

My fellow Jamaicans: As we approach the end of a year of varying challenges, difficulties and triumphs, it is time once again to celebrate Christmas. We can all agree that we are a blessed people and for that we are thankful. We are thankful that: . We were spared the fury of a Hurricane this past season;. We were able...

My fellow Jamaicans, I address you today with mixed emotions - sensing the need to celebrate the Good News of what this Christmas season means to so many of us, but cognizant of the undue pressure that has been brought to bear on the people of this great country. The Season ought to be one of sharing, caring and the...

"Christmas has come at a time when our country continues to endure the pain and stress that have afflicted the entire world for most of the last two years. It has affected Jamaicans both at home and abroad. Yet, Christmas has such powerful significance that it is able, at least for the moment, to transcend the hardship we are undergoing...

My fellow Jamaicans...The public anger that has arisen since the announcement of new taxes last Thursday is understandable and I sympathize with the Jamaican people. The world-wide recession has hit us badly and I know that many Jamaicans are having it hard. In these difficult times, no one would want to impose additional taxes if there was a way it...

"Following the announcement of the Tax Package in Parliament on Thursday, December 17, I have heard the cry and the appeal of the Jamaican people . It is my intention to re-examine the existing composition of the tax package in order to determine if there are suitable alternatives to finding the $21-billion of revenue required to support the programme negotiated...