Speeches by the Prime Minister

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,…