Speeches by the Prime Minister

  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…

The Honourable Andrew Holness ON, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica Statement on Extending the State of Emergency At Parliament January 30, 2018   Mr Speaker the increasing violence in the parish of St James saw the number of murders in 2017 peaking at 335. Seeing the consequences of this on the citizens of the parish and the fear in which many persons were living, His Excellency the Governor General on my advice having been advised myself by security forces proclaimed a state of public emergency effective the 18th of January 2018. Mr Speaker, the provision in law is that the Governor General may declare a State of Emergency for a period not exceeding 14 days. An extension of the period must be approved by both houses of parliament by resolution supported by a 2/3 majority of all the members of each house meaning, Mr Speaker, that it is not 2/3 of those who are present but 2/3 of the seats in the house. The extension can allow for the continuation of the public state of emergency for a period not exceeding three months. The rampant criminality in particular violent crimes as well as the lottery scamming, trafficking and other illicit…

  Keynote Address By The Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the Investment & Capital Markets Conference 2018 January 23, 2018   It is always a pleasure to be here at this conference. I want to congratulate the Jamaica Stock Exchange for hosting what I know will be a stimulating conference. I'm particularly excited about this year’s theme "Driving Growth, Regional Investments for the Climate of Change". I also want to congratulate the Jamaica Stock Exchange for its stellar performance last year. The JSE main and junior markets provided average returns of 43.9 percent, that is amazing and the main market appreciated by 50 percent in 2017. That is amazing. It shows that there is confidence in the economy as was shown particularly business confidence in the last survey that was done. It shows that there is an appetite for risks and that there is capital for businesses to invest. For a very long time, we've not had growth; and I've attended several of these conferences and the theme always has somewhere in there about growth. I've not seen one of these conferences where growth was not a part of the theme; and so, of course,…

Address By The Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica At the State of Emergency Press Conference: Montego Bay January 18, 2018 We are all aware and agree crime and violence in particular murders have been escalating in the parish of St James. I have been advised by the security forces in writing that the level of criminal activity experienced continued and threatened is of such a nature and so extensive in scale as to endanger public safety. In consideration of this, I wrote to the governor general recommending the declaration of a state of public emergency for the parish of St James.   The governor general has signed a proclamation dated and effective 18th January 2018. The proclamation has been gazetted a state of emergency is now in effect for the parish of St James.   Under a state of emergency, the security forces will have extra ordinary powers and some rights are suspended. This does not mean that the use of these extra ordinary powers can be arbitrary or are beyond review.   The declaration of a state of public emergency does not mean the suspension of the rule of law. The security forces are…