Speeches by the Prime Minister

Your Excellency Martin Vizcarra, President of the Republic of Peru; ·   Fellow Heads of States and Government, ·   Your Excellency Luis Almagro, Secretary-General of OAS, ·   Heads of Delegations, ·   Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, Buenas tardes. It is my distinct privilege to address this gathering, in this historic and beautiful city of Lima. President Vizcarra, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to you, as well as to the rest of the Government and people of Peru, for the very warm and gracious hospitality extended to me and to my delegation since our arrival. Mr. President, We recognize and commend the role of the Organization of American States (OAS) in faithfully promoting and defending democracy and development in the Hemisphere. In that context, I am pleased that the Summit of the Americas continues to play a crucial role in the sustained development efforts of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. Given its focus on the promotion of meaningful dialogue on social and political issues affecting the region, this year’s theme: “Democratic Governance against Corruption”, is well placed, especially considering the challenges that confront our countries in this regard. The imperative of addressing the prevalence of corruption in our Hemisphere arises…

The governing Jamaica Labour Party and the Opposition People's National Party today (April 4) convened the first in a series of Vale Royal Talks at the University of the West Indies Regional Office. The meeting, which is part of a collaborative and constructive dialogue between the Government and Opposition, focused on a number of important national issues. The leaders held frank and in-depth discussions on national security, crime, violence and public safety as well as discussions on important legislation proposed by the Government. The discussions included: Crime and National Security Parliamentary Procedures and Committees Voter Re-verification Prime Minister Holness and Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips found common ground on several important issues of national development and pledged to continue discussions to arrive unified conclusions on the way forward. Particularly, it was agreed that several draft policies and bills would be shared for future discussions. Both sides agreed that the Electoral Commission of Jamaica would provide, a plan within a month on how to ensure the maintenance of clean voters' list. There was also a decision to consider the inclusion of private sector, church and civil society groups periodically to participate in the dialogue on crime, violence and public order. Both leaders spoke…

The Jamaican society is an economy, it is still pretty much trying to transition out of an industrial based society which, we've never really been an industrial based society but, the age in which we exist is a transitional period into a digital age and we are struggling to find our footing for economic growth, job creation, security and prosperity for our people. A large part of the solution to our struggles is how we harness the benefits of technology as a catalyst in the transformation of our society and our economy. What we're doing is creating now a unique ID, a digital ID, a digital platform for communication and exchange of information for government; a single portal for information and using technology to enhance law enforcement and to increase the speed of doing business is one part of the general strategy of public sector transformation and so the loan that Minister Shaw signed today, is a firm step in that direction. It is not without challenge. It is not something that is readily understood by the wide masses of the society and it is something that the government has to take time to explain to people. Many issues arise when we…

  A state of public emergency has been declared in the St Catherine North Police Division effective Sunday March 18. These enhanced security measures through the Emergency Powers Act will last initially for fourteen [14] days. Crime and violence in particular murders have been escalating in this police division. The security forces have advised me, as Prime Minister, in writing that a high level of criminal activity continues and threatens public order and the rule of law, this threat is extensive. The governor general signed a proclamation under the Emergency Powers Act to bring into effect these enhanced security measures. The proclamation has also been gazetted. Under the enhanced security measures, the security forces will have extra ordinary powers and some rights will be suspended. This does not mean that the use of these extraordinary powers can be arbitrary or are beyond review. The security forces are expected and have been directed to treat citizens with respect and to protect the dignity and safety of all Jamaicans. The security forces will have the power to search, curtail operating hours of businesses, access to places and to detain persons without a warrant. All persons using all roadways leading into and out…

 Thank you Master of Ceremonies, Ms Rosamond Brown Dr the Honourable Andrew Wheatley, Minister of Science, Energy and Technology The Member of Parliament for the area- and I’m not going to recognize you as minister today, The Honourable Desmond McKenzie- because you're here in your capacity as Member of Parliament and one of Mr Seaga's sons which would make you my brother. Dr Bahado-Singh, chairman of Petrojam Limited Mr Floyd Grindley, General Manager Mr Russell Hadeed, Chairman of Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica and other members of the board Reverend Dorothy Grant who gave us the lovely prayer Heads of agencies and departments Members of the private sector Distinguished guests Members of the media Ladies and gentlemen And of course our honoured guests The Most Honourable Edward Phillip George Seaga and Mrs Seaga.   The Most Honourable Edward Seaga is a father of the Jamaican nation in every sense. A part from being the sole surviving member of the committee that framed our constitution, there is scarcely an institution that defines Jamaica, that Edward Seaga was not a part of. Either in its conceptualization, it's initiation, it's implementation or in somehow modifying, so Jamaica that we know today, would have the fingerprints…

We are thankful that all branches of the State can gather in this collegial fashion to hear and be guided by the legislative agenda, policies, programmes and general direction set by the Administration to secure the prosperity of the people. We once again recommit ourselves to work complementarily and earnestly to achieve the set objectives in true and faithful service to the people. Through a united effort, as one nation, one people, one family we can nurture the germinating seeds of our success, our prosperity. Organised crime and the resulting violence and homicide it produces, is the biggest threat to citizens’ security and continues to stymie the growth and prosperity of our country. Jamaicans are saying enough is enough. This Administration has shown that it is prepared to take the tough and resolute measures needed to tackle the crime monster and there are signs that a coalition is being developed, across all sectors throughout the island, to address this issue which is caused by only a minority of Jamaicans. When Members of this Honourable House, voted together to approve the extension of the State of Public Emergency in St. James, it sent a signal that the political directorate is prepared…

Address By The Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, MP Prime Minister At the US Secretary of State Visit Press Conference February 7, 2017   It was my great pleasure to welcome United States Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson to Jamaica and to host him and his delegation on this brief but historic working visit to Jamaica. Secretary Tillerson and I have engaged in critical discussions on issues of mutual interests to Jamaica and the United States as well as the region with a focus on promoting a peaceful, prosperous, energy-secure and democratic hemisphere. Among the specific matters discussed were strengthening security cooperation in order  to more effectively combat transnational organized crime boosting the US/ Jamaica economic partnership, exploring opportunities to broaden US/ CARICOM engagement, energy security, the economic vulnerability of middle income countries including climatic events, de-risking and correspondent banking issues and of course the situation in Venezuela. Our talks reflected Jamaica's long and productive relationship with the United States and signal the importance of the strong and vibrant partnership that exists between our two countries. I highlighted the common values we share based on our geographic proximity. Our strong historical and cultural ties, our robust trade, tourism and investment…

Address By The Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, MP Prime Minister At the Denham Town (ZOSO) Tour Press Conference February 2, 2018   Thank you very much. We consider it a distinct privilege to have the Director General of the European Commission's International Cooperation and Development (DEVCO) Union, Stefano Manservisi visit Jamaica. It is not often that we get the distinct privilege of such a visit. We interpret it as a signal of the importance that the European Union places on the relationship with us bilaterally and regionally as well and we also consider it an important signal of the genuine concern and active participation that the European Union has maintained in Jamaica's development over the years. It is not well known that the European Union makes a substantial contribution each year to Jamaica’s development programmes and I would think that by now you would be, probably our largest contributor. I know you don't like me to point this out, that is the nature of your contributions but the truth is that we're very grateful for the contributions and assistance you have given. We're here in Denham Town, I’m touring the Zones of Special Operations because a significant part of…

Address By The Honourable Andrew Holness ON, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the Swearing in of Hon. Justice Brian Sykes February 1, 2018   The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Justice Reverend Dr Anglin Representatives of the Bar Association Dr Crawford Sykes and other family members of Justice Sykes Distinguished ladies and gentlemen   Today we mark a moment of passage and transition. Firstly, let me say how grateful we are to the Honourable Mrs Justice Zaila McCalla for her many years of service to the nation. The Governor General said it quite eloquently but I will add one thing to what the Governor General said, you also made your counterpart gender very proud. You served with integrity, dignity and dedication and the nation is truly grateful for your service. I want to wish you continued health, happiness and don't let anyone try to impress you into anything that you don't feel the passion to do. Today we welcome the Honourable Mr Justice Brian Patrick St George Sykes CD, as the new Acting Chief Justice. Justice Sykes has been recognized for his extra ordinary legal insight, clarity, erudition, his discipline, structure, efficiency and timeliness. Today's ceremony is concerned…