Madam Speaker,
This is a very special time in my life of public service. This year, 2025, is my 48th year as an elected representative. This day, May 28, is the 95th birthday of my mentor, immediate predecessor as Member of Parliament and former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Edward Phillip George Seaga. My contribution to the Sectoral Debate today, will be my 10th successive
presentation in this Honourable House as Minister of Local Government and Community Development. I continue to be grateful to the Most Honourable Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew
Holness, for the unwavering confidence he continues to place in me, as this Administration continues to transform Jamaica into a place that more and more people are proud to call home.
The more I observe the way he works as my Prime Minister and Party Leader, the more I recall a simple but powerful quote from Nelson Mandela, “A good head and a good heart are always
a formidable combination.” My gratitude to the people of West Kingston is boundless Madam Speaker. They have given me unwavering support. Just as importantly, they are critical participants in the mission of transforming our Constituency into a place of choice in which cultural, educational and social excellence can be found all around. There are so many examples Madam Speaker, but I want to highlight the work and massive achievements of the Tivoli Dance Troupe, one of Mr. Seaga’s fondest creations, along with the Tivoli Drum Corps. In cultural competitions over the last year, the Tivoli Dance Troupe won 18 gold medals, 1 silver medal and 17 National Awards! In fact, since its creation in 1974, 51 years ago, the Tivoli Dance Troupe has won 3,257 gold medals in
cultural competitions. This is just one example of the many ways in which the Constituency of West Kingston is continuing to change its public image, and to elevate the pride and sense of belonging that my constituents have. They know that they live and work in a place of immense
economic, historical and cultural importance, and that they and their children have a positive
future to look forward to.
In this same vein Madam Speaker, I want to specially recognise a very special project, which is changing the face of Tivoli Gardens and lifting spirits in the community and beyond. It started as the Tivoli Gardens Mural Project in 2022 and has steadily grown into a tremendous expression of art that has attracted local and international artists from countries including Mexico, Colombia, the United States, Brazil, Germany and as far away as Finland. Over 50 artists from 18 countries have donated their time and talent to paint murals on wall spaces in the community. Over 5,000
square feet of walls have been converted into beautiful murals, and the aim is to transform an additional 3500 square feet of walls into large murals, which symbolise hope, resilience, and the triumph of creativity over adversity.
This project is very important to me as Member of Parliament, and I want to pay special tribute to its co-founders, Mr. O’Neil Coke and Mr. Micah Tafari. Their foresight, and their love for their
community have led to the impressive collaborations and the wonderful expressions of art, that I invite you, Madam Speaker, all my colleagues, and everyone to come to Tivoli and look at, and be inspired by.