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Introduction I acknowledge, with humility, the honour that has been conferred on me and I wish to express my gratitude for this recognition. I also wish to acknowledge my keen awareness of the responsibility that comes with this position and assure you of my intention to wholeheartedly discharge the duties that accompany this Office. THANKS AND APPRECIATION In expressing thanks...

I want to use this opportunity to try to advance the discussion on what is happening in the global market and the impact it is having on us in Jamaica. There are some harsh realities that we must recognize, understand and confront. The world is facing its most severe economic crisis The world is facing its most severe economic crisis...

Mr. President I welcome the opportunity to address this Honourable Senate in my first State of the Nation debate since assuming office in September 2007 as Attorney General and Minister of Justice. It is a great honour and yet humbling to be given the opportunity to serve my country in this capacity, and I thank the Prime Minister, Hon. Bruce...

Welcome to St. Jago De la Vega, the Old Capital with such a rich history that conjures images of pageantry, domination and triumph. a place where Spanish was once the official language. The buildings around us tell the story of the indomitable nature of the Jamaican persona and the craftsmanship of our ancestors who created these magnificent buildings that are...

We welcome Your Majesties to Jamaica, an island described by Christopher Columbus on his arrival in 1494 as "the fairest isle mine eyes ever beheld".We welcome you to this special joint sitting of our Parliament. Your visit is historic as, although Jamaica was under Spanish rule for more than 160 years, yours is the first ever visit by the Crown...

Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps it was ironic. Or then again, perhaps it was a sign of what was to come. Whatever it was, I am sure that, as with all mystical experiences, no one could have predicted the impact it was to have on the entire world. It was sixty four (64) years ago that it happened. The world had...

The Secretary-General was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Lucille Mathurin Mair. A lifelong champion of the rights of women, she served as Secretary-General of the World Conference on the United Nations Decade for Women, held in 1980 in Copenhagen , Denmark , and also served as Special Advisor to UNICEF on women's development. As the first...

A short while ago, Mr. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America. He is the first Afro

I formally advise the House and the nation that the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, O.N., G.C.M.G., O.J., will retire from office on February 26th 2009. Sir Kenneth had advised me in July of last year of his desire, for health reasons, to demit office in October. He subsequently agreed to continue until February 2009....

Mr. President, The Government of Jamaica is deeply concerned at the recent escalation of the conflict in Gaza. We recognise Israel's right to protect its citizens. We are, however, alarmed at the disproportionate and excessive use of force by the Israeli government, which has resulted in numerous casualties, including the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians, as well as the...

The Government of Jamaica is deeply concerned at the recent escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. We recognise Israel's right to protect its citizens. We are, however, alarmed at the disproportionate and excessive use of force displayed by the Israeli government, which has resulted in numerous casualties, including the deaths of hundreds of Palestinian civilians, as well as...

From all indications, 2009 will be one of the most challenging in the history of modern Jamaica. We expect that all sectors of our economy will be impacted to a greater or lesser extent by the deepening global recession that has been triggered by the international financial crisis. As a responsible Government, while we recognise and appreciate the full implications...