Speeches by the Prime Minister

Address By The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON, MP at the International Women’s Day Luncheon Jamaica House, March 13, 2017 I'm very pleased that you've accepted my invitation to join me for lunch today on International Women's Day; the day when we not just recognize but celebrate the great role that women play in our society and the value that they add to society. I've learnt many things today in conversation at my table; very profound statements have been made. Women are the biggest peacemakers. Agreed? Of course, if you empower women, you build stronger communities. But we went into deeper discussions on what we need to do to improve our society through improving the conditions and circumstances of women in the society. The discussion at my table centered around independence. Now independence is a big thing for me. You would've heard my wife say she's an independent woman; she does her own thing but the conversation was about greater financial literacy for women and supporting women in taking charge of their own financial affairs. People might think it's to deal with poverty – “sir you are talking about women who are poor” but women who are also fairly well…

Address by the Most Hon. Andrew Holness At the Signing Of Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of New Parliament and Government offices on March 9, 2017   Today is the start of great things for Jamaica. I announced last year in my budget presentation that we would seek to develop a campus of government buildings that would encircle the National Heroes Circle.   The intention was to bring together all the Ministries, Agencies and Departments of the Jamaican State into a purpose built area which we could leverage for greater efficiency, provide greater security to merge services and to improve customer service delivery to the citizens of Jamaica; but more than that in concentrating development effort, we could become a catalyst for the wider redevelopment of downtown Kingston and the general vision is not just to put up square boxes that rise several stories.   The vision is to build buildings that represent the future of Jamaica, buildings that shows the aspirations of the Jamaican people, structures that when  we look at them we can say we're leaving legacies for future generation and when you put them all together you can say we're building communities.   Communities where people…

Contribution of the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister On the Integrity Commission Bill Tuesday, January 31, 2017 [“AN ACT to Promote and enhance standards of ethical conduct for Parliamentarians, public officials and other persons by consolidating laws relating to the prevention of corruption and the award, monitoring and investigating of the government contracts and prescribed licenses and to provide for the Establishment of a single body to be known as the Integrity Commission to promote and strengthen the measures for the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of acts of corruption; to repeal the Parliament (Integrity of Members) Act and to provide for other related matters”.]  Mr. Speaker, let me start by emphasising the commitment of this Government to fighting and eliminating corruption in this country. Accountability, transparency and integrity are hallmarks of all self-respecting democracies, and these principles must always be promoted and upheld in furtherance of good governance, social cohesion and economic advancement. There is no denying that whilst we have made significant strides as a politically independent country, we could have achieved much more were it not for corruption in many forms: revenue leakage due to corrupt practices, misuse of public funds, and the overall perception of pervasive corruption,…

Contribution of the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister in his Capacity as Chairman of the National Road Safety Council to the Debate on the Road Traffic Act, 2016  (AN ACT to Repeal and Replace the Road Traffic Act; to establish the Island Traffic Authority for the regulation and control of traffic on roads; to improve road safety and transport efficiency and reduce the cost of administering road transport; to create new categories of driver’s licences; and for connected matters.) Mr. Speaker, I recognise the Portfolio Minister and in my capacity as the Chairman of the National Road Safety Council; it is my responsibility to add my voice to this debate. Introduction We all agree that the passing of this Road Traffic Act is critical. Globally, about 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. Between 20 and 50 million more people suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability as a result of their injuries. Road traffic injuries cause considerable economic losses to victims, their families, and to nations as a whole. As of yesterday, January 23rd: Twenty persons (17 males and three females) have lost their lives on the nation’s roads with the overriding cause…

Address by The Most Hon. Andrew Holness 12th Annual Heal the Family, Heal the Nation January 5, 2017 - National Arena  Mr. Moderator, Bishop Dr. Alvin Bailey and you know I must acknowledge the governor general in his absence. He sent a very inspiring message, His Excellency Most Honorable Sir Patrick Allen. I know he is here with us in spirit. The Most Honorable Portia Simpson-Miller, Leader of the Opposition. The ministers of government who are here but since I am here I give them a pass - let me also acknowledge the Member of Parliament for this constituency Mr. Julian Robinson. Now there is nothing that can touch this building or this immediate facility because the men of god who are gathered here and women, they are so powerful in spirit that no evil intention can touch anything here. Covered! So I want to greet the very powerful assembly of instruments of God who are here - you the beautiful people of the church. Jamaicans listening in Jamaica and all over the world, I am happy to be here and may I wish for you and your family God’s richest blessings, health, happiness, prosperity for 2017. I am sure that 2017…

PUBLIC SECTOR TRANSFORMATION POLICY SPEECH PRIME MINISTER ANDREW HOLNESS, ON, MP - January 5, 2017 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS A New Year begins with new possibilities and new opportunities. Indeed, 2017 began with positive news of 2% growth in the third quarter marking the 7th consecutive quarter of growth of the Jamaican economy. Inflation is at historical lows and the current account continues strengthen. Private sector and foreign investment are gathering momentum, and industry is expanding. The government will not allow anything to detract, delay or deter this progress. It is against this background that, today, I want to talk about my government’s vision of, and commitment to, Public Sector Transformation. I TOO WORK IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR  All Jamaicans who earn and consume contribute to the collective revenue base of Jamaica. That revenue base is used to hire some of us, including myself, to deliver administrative, professional, regulatory, policy management, licensing, promotion, maintenance, transportation and many other services to the public through central government or through a number of state agencies or enterprises. We, who deliver these and other function, comprise the public sector. We are paid by the Jamaican taxpayers to deliver services to the Jamaican people. On a day-to-day basis I work…

We happily welcome 2017. As we embrace the New Year for all the potential and promise it holds, we give God thanks for sparing our lives to see yet another year. We thank God for sparing us from what appeared to be imminent natural disasters. We spare a thought for our loved ones, heroes and benefactors who left us last year. And we collectively give God thanks for all our achievements and successes last year and particularly, note with great pride the incredible accomplishments of our athletes and highlight the superhuman feats of Usain Bolt. We reflect as well on our experiences last year and the lessons we take forward to manage the challenges and opportunities this New Year will bring. Personally, my own experiences have reaffirmed that with goals, a smart plan, faith in God and the willingness and commitment to hard work, you can achieve your dreams, even when there is doubt and the odds are stacked against you. The New Year is a time of setting new dreams and making resolutions to achieve them. I encourage all Jamaicans not to be afraid to dream big and set ambitious goals. In particular, I urge parents not to limit…

Fellow Jamaicans: I bring you greetings of peace hope and goodwill on this Christmas day. Christmas fills a deep yearning in the human spirit: A yearning for togetherness, harmony, peace, love and unity. Human beings were designed for fellowship and friendship.  Christmas takes us back to those true values; to the real meaning of life. It clears away the clutter and noise of our everyday live and focuses our attention on the things that really matter: A right relationship with our Creator; Bonding with our family and friends; caring for those less fortunate and, cherishing the weak and vulnerable. It is so easy in the cut and thrust of life to get absorbed in ourselves and in our own pursuits. Sometimes family and friends are sacrificed on the altar of our quest to get ahead. Sometimes we forget the kindnesses, the acts of graciousness and the compassion which should really characterize our lives. Christmas reminds us of all of this and gives us an opportunity, yet again, to recommit to the things of lasting value. Occasionally,   we become nostalgic and talk about old time Christmas in Jamaica.   But today  I want to  tell you  about my  vision of  Christmas  in…

Main Address The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, MP Prime Minister of Jamaica at the Ceremony of Appointment for Chief of Defence Staff   Thursday, December 1, 2016 3 p.m. King’s House       SALUTATIONS:   Today is a significant day for the JDF and Jamaica, as the baton of Chief of Defence Staff is passed from Major General Antony Anderson to Major General Rocky Meade.   I extend my most sincere congratulations to Major General Rocky Meade; our new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).   This transition speaks to the excellence of the JDF’s succession planning and I know that Major General Anderson, after successfully carrying the mandate of CDS for over six years, will confidently and seamlessly hand over to his Deputy.   Major General Meade has the experience, education and training to continue building on the solid foundation and development trajectory that has been set by his predecessors.   I have confidence that the legacy of the JDF and its value and relevance to Jamaica will continue, as new demands and new circumstances arise.   The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is an organization known for its discipline, commitment and values. It plays a critical strategic role in the…