Speeches by the Prime Minister

MESSAGE THE MOST HONOURABLE ANDREW HOLNESS, ON, MP PRIME MINISTER Jamaica is pleased join other members of the Commonwealth family across the world in commemorating Commonwealth Day 2016, under the theme “An Inclusive Commonwealth”. The Commonwealth encompasses 53 states from all major continents and boasts a total population of over 2.2 billion people, representing the world’s major religions and racial groups. It exhibits rich cultural diversity, and is arguably one of the best examples of inclusiveness.  This is further reinforced by the fact that the Commonwealth consists of countries of various sizes and stages of development.  It includes the second largest country in the world, as well as tiny islands and landlocked states, all of which are recognised as sovereign states, and all having an equal voice. Bound by our collective commitment to the core values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, the Commonwealth is a testament to the principle of inclusiveness. The Commonwealth promotes mutual understanding and respect for different cultures, while rejecting intolerance, prejudice and racism. Adherence to the principle of inclusiveness within the Commonwealth has redounded to the benefit of many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Jamaica. The Organisation’s role in championing the…

Address: The Most Hon. Andrew Holness, ON MP   Mr. Speaker, with the swearing-in of Senators and Members of the Parliament a new government of Jamaica is now effectively in place. Mr. Speaker, I stand here, Prime Minister of Jamaica, humble servant of the people and faithful steward of their affairs. Mr. Speaker, the Almighty has been good to us. His grace and mercies continue to see us through the toughest of times and we who are in these hallowed halls give thanks on behalf of the people. Mr. Speaker, you have given long, dedicated and distinguished service to this beloved country of ours, from fighting for the rights of Labour, to being imprisoned, to now Speaker.  Your journey to this chair is an inspiringly epic one and we salute you. Mr. Speaker, yours is an awesome task.  Tremendous responsibilities rest upon your shoulders. We have every confidence that you will be judicious, firm, impartial and professional in presiding over the business of the House.  For in doing so, you will uphold the illustrious traditions of the venerable office you hold, as others before you have done. We pledge our unwavering support and abiding respect to your office. Mr. Speaker,…

Mr. Speaker, with the swearing-in of Senators and Members of the Parliament a new government of Jamaica is now effectively in place. Mr. Speaker, I stand here, Prime Minister of Jamaica, humble servant of the people and faithful steward of their affairs. Mr. Speaker, the Almighty has been good to us. His grace and mercies continue to see us through the toughest of times and we who are in these hallowed halls give thanks on behalf of the people. Mr. Speaker, you have given long, dedicated and distinguished service to this beloved country of ours, from fighting for the rights of Labour, to being imprisoned, to now Speaker. Your journey to this chair is an inspiringly epic one and we salute you. Mr. Speaker, yours is an awesome task. Tremendous responsibilities rest upon your shoulders. We have every confidence that you will be judicious, firm, impartial and professional in presiding over the business of the House. For in doing so, you will uphold the illustrious traditions of the venerable office you hold, as others before you have done. We pledge our unwavering support and abiding respect to your office. Mr. Speaker, sometimes we forget that we are on constant display.…

International Women’s Day (IWD) presents a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contribution women have made to the development and advancement of society and celebrate their social, economic, cultural and political achievement. Everyone knows that Jamaican women are hard workers who achieve whatever they set their minds to accomplish. The recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) study, that placed Jamaica at the top of the list of countries with the greatest proportion of women in top management positions in the world, substantiates this. That is why I am confident that my administration will gain tremendously from the efforts of our four distinguished female Cabinet Ministers; Jamaica’s second female Attorney General, the Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte; as well as several new distinguished female Members of Parliament including my beautiful wife, Juliet. I also wish to join with the new Minister with responsibility for Gender Affairs, Olivia “Babsy” Grange in paying tribute to Lady Bustamante, one of the pioneers who led the way in promoting women’s rights and whose birthday is being commemorated on March 8. I commend the IWD local theme, ‘Promoting Partnership towards Gender Equality and Sustainable Development’ which supports our National Partnership for Prosperity agenda. As Prime Minister, I have…

INAUGURAL ADDRESS  SWEARING-IN CEREMONY MARCH 3, 2016 Partnership for Prosperity   Salutations Your Excellencies, the Governor General, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen Leader of the Opposition the Most Honorable Portia Simpson Miller Former Prime Ministers: The Most Honorable Edward Seaga and Mrs. Seaga The Most Honorable PJ Patterson The Honorable Bruce Golding and Mrs. Golding My fellow Jamaicans   Good afternoon.   Introductory Remarks I recognize that I stand here today only by the Grace of God. It has not been an easy journey to this podium, but earnest labour and fervent prayers conquer all. To God be the glory. It is with a deep sense of gratitude, honour and humility that I took the Oath of Office moments ago, fully conscious of the magnitude of expectations and responsibility I have assumed, but equally energized and optimistic about a prosperous future for Jamaica. I pledge to serve the people of Jamaica faithfully, with all of my energies, all of my heart, mind and soul. I stand here today happy to be representing the voice, vision, vote and victory of Jamaica. We may have different voices and different votes on a similar vision, regardless of our differences,…