Speeches by the Prime Minister

Address by The Most Hon. Andrew Holness ON, MP Prime Minister at The Grand Opening Ceremony - Denham Town Restorative Justice Centre July 17, 2017   Thank you very much Minister Chuck. Let me acknowledge the Most Honourable Edward Phillip George Seaga, one of the framers of our constitution, a father of the nation, a social engineer extraordinaire , a patriot, my personal hero, mentor and political father. Standing here brings back so many memories because it was while I learnt at the feet of Edward Seaga who took me under his wings, who saw potential and gave me opportunity. He actually handed to me the drawings for this building. Do you remember that sir? At that time the concept of social investment was just being implemented in Jamaica and I was assigned that task by "Mass Eddie" and the plans were drawn up obviously long before but they have sat there for a while and it was my job to resuscitate the plans and to work with the Jamaica Social Investment Fund to have this community center built. It was during a period of time when there was significant conflict in the area and I recall coming down here…

Address By The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, MP Prime Minister at The NHT Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Village of Colbeck Castle July 14, 2017   In all kinds of ways we store wealth in currency we put it in the bank. We store wealth in talent and knowledge, keep it here and we store wealth in edifices and physical representation, buildings such as these but of course the challenge with wealth like everything else as was said before by Mr. Dehan that there is a sunset and out of the sunset there is also a sunrise. It is the cycle of life; the cycle of how things are so even the greatest things at time will not just deteriorate, they will depreciate in value and it is left up to cycle of life to find the value in even things that have depreciated; so there is value in this building.   I'm certain that Mayor Scott, this is part of the heritage of the people of St. Catherine and much more should be done to ensure that it deteriorates no further and that we reclaim the value in it. So as was said being the prime minister of the…

Keynote Address by The Most Hon. Andrew Holness at the Ceremony to Announce the United States Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) award of Orphan Drug Status for ‘Chrysoeriol’ to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa July 12, 2017   Ladies and Gentlemen, this is truly a good afternoon for Jamaica.   I'm particularly excited to celebrate with Dr. Lowe and all who made this possible, in particular the University of Maryland Medical School and University of the West Indies on this remarkable achievement.   This epitomizes the type of innovation, hard work and tenacity that is necessary to improve Jamaica's growth trajectory.   Economic growth theorists continue to emphasize the link between innovation and growth and development; that is innovation drives economic growth. But what is innovation? What stimulates innovation? At the core of innovation is research and development.   Research and development is responsible for knowledge acquisition and the development of new knowledge and techniques. The FDA's Award of Orphan Drug status for this product which treats leukemia is a practical manifestation of this theory of research and development stimulating innovation.   This achievement through combining knowledge, technology and entrepreneurship leading to innovation by…

 Address by The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, MP Prime Minister at the Stellar Maris Church Annual Fundraising Benefit Banquet June 30, 2017     In my capacity I do attend several fundraising events and I must say that this is the largest one that I've been to.   Excellent entertainment package; I was almost wandered off, warm and easy, and then what can I say about Samantha? I better say nothing.   I'm actually relieved because when I saw Michael as the MC. I said I know I’m going to be the butt of some jokes here but thank you Michael. Where are you? Thank you for sparing me sir, I appreciate it. I don't know if it's because his grace is here why you decided not to. Except for the big house but I can't help that one; it's just what it is but thank you for your song. I've actually asked my media people to capture it because I believe it should be put in our media much more than it is.   Reverend Father Howard Thompson, such a cool guy and of course Arch Bishop Kenneth Richards. We share the same alma mater. He attended when…

Keynote Address by The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, MP Prime Minister at the Caribbean Action 2030 Regional Conference on the Sustainable Development Goals Caribbean Development: the 2030 Agenda in Perspective June 28, 2017   The Honourable Carl Greenidge, Vice President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana   The Honourable Delmaude Ryan, Deputy Premier of Montserrat   Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade   Ministers of Government from the Region;   Miss Jessica Faieta, UN Assistant Secretary-General   UN Resident Coordinators and UNDP Resident   Representatives from the Region   Members of the Diplomatic Corps   Professor Archibald McDonald, Pro Vice Chancellor and   Principal of the University of the West Indies   Specially Invited Guests   Senior Officials of participating countries   Senior Officials of the Government of Jamaica   Youth Representatives   Members of the Media   Other Distinguished Guests   Ladies and Gentlemen   I am very pleased to be here at the opening of this very important regional conference on the 2030 Agenda and its seventeen (17) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This conference is timely and affords the opportunity for the Caribbean to take important decisions on the localisation…

Address by the The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, MP Intake of the First Set of Recruits under the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) June 24, 2017   Thank you very much Chief of Staff.   Officers and men of the Jamaica Defense Force; Recruits;   Good afternoon.   The Jamaica Defense Force is a special organisation. It is the reservoir of talent, of tremendous human capital, of skills. It is the source of confidence for many; it is indeed in many respects the organisation of last resort for the society. It has managed to maintain a high standard; it is an integrous organisation.   The Jamaican people love, value and cherish the Jamaica Defence Force. The men and women who have passed through the defense force have all by and large gone on to make significant contributions to the society in whatever capacity they may choose to serve; whether they served their time in the army or they go out into other fields.   This is an asset for us as Jamaican that we have this incredible organisation that trains and develop human capital. You are now being recruited into this organisation in a special…

  Address by  The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, MP Prime Minister  At the    Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation to Education Ceremony at North Lawns of Jamaica House on Wednesday, June 21, 2017     SALUTATIONS   Their Excellencies The Governor-General the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and the Most Honourable Lady Allen Dr. Peter Phillips, Leader of the Opposition Senator Honourable Ruel Reid, Minister of Education, Youth and Information Other Members of the Cabinet The Honourable Mrs. Justice Carol Lawrence Beswick representing the Chief Justice Ministers of State Rev. Dr. Gordon Evans, President of the Jamaica Council of Churches Ambassador the Hon. Douglas Saunders, Cabinet Secretary Excellencies and Members of the Diplomatic Corps Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives Permanent Secretaries Mayors Custodes Heads of Agencies and Departments Mr. Howard Isaacs, President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association The Recipients, our distinguished Educators Families and Friends Members of the Media   Ladies and gentlemen, I am extremely pleased to welcome you to Jamaica House this evening as we honour and celebrate a wonderful group of Jamaican teachers for their service to our nation.  Everyone knows that education has a special place in my heart, so this…

Address By The Hon. Andrew Holness ON, MP Prime Minister at The Hampshire Ground-breaking Ceremony Guardian Life Limited June 14, 2017   Thank you Master of Ceremonies Mr Michael Anthony Cuffe Reverend Dr David Henry, Swallowfield Chapel   Honourable Dr Horace Chang, Minister without Portfolio, Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation   Mr Julian Robinson, Member of Parliament South Eastern St Andrew   His Worship the Mayor Senator Councillor Delroy Williams, Mayor of Kingston & St Andrew   Mr Eric Hosin, President, Guardian Life Limited   Mrs Karen Bhoorasingh, President of Guardian General Insurance   Mr Patrick Hylton, Director Guardian Group & President & CEO NCB Financial Group   Mr Michael Lake, Architect Directors and other Members of Staff of Guardian Life Limited and Guardian General Insurance   Professionals Associated with the Project   Potential Investors   Heads of Agencies and Departments   Members of the Private Sector   Distinguished Guests   Members of the Media   Ladies and Gentlemen   A pleasant good morning.  I am delighted to be sharing in this special occasion and I applaud Guardian Life and the Guardian Group for making this bold step into their very first real estate development project.   Guardian…

Address by The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, MP at the Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Training Battalion, Up Park Camp June 14, 2017   It is with great pleasure that I’m here today to open this facility. This 55th year anniversary of Jamaica's independence is a milestone which should cause us to pause and reflect on our achievements; yes some setbacks but also our great partnerships.   In an uncertain and ever-changing environment the Jamaica- Canada friendship partnership has persevered on many levels with shared interests manifested in numerous trade and security agreements. It is this enduring security partnership that sees us here today at what is the Capstone Center of Excellence Project, the directorate of training and doctrine- I won't use the acronyms.   The Jamaica Defence Force stands as one of Jamaica's most robust institutions not only for its traditions, facilities and structures but also in its professionalism and positive impact on the society at large.   The JDF has had a long standing partnership with education as it has since its inception sought not only to enhance the lives of the men and women in its ranks but also their families and through various outreach…