Even as Jamaica continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, I remain grateful for the dedication of the team at the National Water Commission.
While many families were seeking safety, NWC employees were on the ground assessing damage, restoring water supply, repairing systems, and helping communities recover.
I thank every member of the team for their commitment and service. Their efforts have been vital to Jamaica’s recovery.
I am proud that Jamaica continues to be recognised for having some of the highest quality potable water in the region. In fact, many cruise ships include Jamaica on their itineraries not only for our attractions, but also to replenish their water supplies.
This is a strong vote of confidence in our water quality and highlights the opportunity to grow this valuable national resource for the benefit of our people and our economy.
The NWC is now in a stronger position to invest in major infrastructure projects that will improve water supply and wastewater management across the island.
We are advancing the Northwestern Water Supply Project to improve access to water across sections of Trelawny, St. James, Hanover and Westmoreland. We are also moving ahead with the Rio Cobre Water Project, which will strengthen water supply to Kingston, Spanish Town and Portmore.
At the same time, your Government will be making major investments to modernise the sewage network in downtown Kingston.
Today we celebrate 83 years of the Jamaica Labour Party.
We pay homage to our founding father and express our gratitude to every member, supporter, and Labourite who has helped to build and sustain this great organization over the decades.
As we celebrate, we reflect on a simple question, Who exactly is a Labourite?
A Labourite is someone who believes in the dignity of work, the power of enterprise, and the ability of Jamaicans to achieve through hard work, discipline, and determination.
Today, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and recommit ourselves to the work ahead.
Happy 83rd Anniversary to the Jamaica Labour Party!
Ambassador Audrey Marks has addressed concerns surrounding the transit of Third Country Nationals.
Minister Marks reiterated that there is no agreement for serious criminals to be deported to Jamaica or to transit through Jamaica. She also clarified that the separate USA–Jamaica cooperation proposal she is pursuing is distinct from the Third Country National MOU agreed by the Government of Jamaica in June.
As Jamaica continues to engage with international partners, the Government remains committed to protecting the interests of the Jamaican people through responsible decision-making, transparency, and accurate information.
Let us continue to choose facts over fear and truth over misinformation
It was a pleasure meeting with these lovely Jamaicans working at Sandals here in Saint Lucia.
Following the passage of hurricane Melissa, Sandals temporarily redeployed team members across its Caribbean resorts so they could continue working while recovery efforts progressed in Jamaica. I commend the company for ensuring its employees remained employed during this period.
Our workers continue to represent Jamaica with professionalism, warmth and excellence wherever they go. I thanked them for their hard work and look forward to welcoming them home as operations resume.
Took some time to meet with Jamaican workers currently employed at Sandals in Saint Lucia. Following the passage of the hurricane, Sandals temporarily redeployed several team members across its Caribbean properties to help ensure they remained employed while recovery efforts continued at home.
It was a pleasure to connect with these hardworking Jamaicans and hear about their experiences.
As the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM continues, I remain engaged with fellow Heads of Government in discussions on the issues shaping the future of our Community.
Today, discussions continue at the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM as regional leaders work together to advance shared priorities for the Caribbean.
The agenda focuses on strengthening regional cooperation, expanding economic opportunities, enhancing food and energy security, improving climate resilience, deepening trade and investment, and addressing the issues that matter most to the people of our region.
Commander Alvin Gayle, Director General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), said the Government is moving ahead with plans to develop a National Logistics Hub for Disaster Risk Management.
The hub will be built in phases and will provide secure locations to receive, store and distribute emergency supplies and equipment during disasters. It will also serve as a backup operations centre to ensure disaster response efforts continue even if primary facilities are affected.
Commander Gayle said the meeting helped to coordinate responsibilities and strengthen Jamaica’s overall disaster preparedness.
Before moving forward with the plans for Falmouth, we spent more than two years consulting residents, stakeholders, and the wider community to ensure their voices helped shape the vision.
As we continue planning for areas affected by Hurricane Melissa, including parts of St. Elizabeth, I ask Jamaicans to rely on official Government updates and not speculation. When the plans are ready, they will be shared with the people through the proper consultation process.
I met with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Trinidad while on my way to the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting. I also met her Ministers and other officials of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.
I extend warm congratulations to Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre on assuming the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community.
I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Pierre and my fellow Heads of Government as we continue to strengthen regional cooperation, address the issues affecting our people, and pursue opportunities that support sustainable growth and development across the Caribbean.
On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend my best wishes for a successful tenure as Chairman of CARICOM.
I joined my fellow Heads of Government for the Opening Ceremony of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.
This meeting provides an important opportunity for regional leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on the issues that affect the lives of our people.
Over the coming days, I will participate in discussions aimed at advancing shared priorities and ensuring that the decisions we make deliver tangible benefits for the people of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
The work we undertake together has lasting significance for our region, and I remain committed to ensuring that Jamaica continues to play a constructive role in shaping our shared future.
The important mission of advancing regional objectives through ongoing collaboration continues here in Saint Lucia, where Caribbean leaders are gathered for the Fifty-First Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.
The UDC is responsible for large-scale urban planning, including land banking and developing areas for residential, commercial, recreational, historical, and environmental use. It plans how our cities are built and structured over time.
The FCJ, on the other hand, works within that wider plan to focus on making urban spaces work efficiently for commercial activity and investment.
Both agencies play different but connected roles in shaping Jamaica’s urban development, ensuring order, planning, and economic use of our spaces.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of iconic track and field coach and businessman, the Honourable Vincent Stephen Francis OJ.
By guiding many of Jamaica’s legendary and most accomplished athletes to stardom, Stephen’s contribution to building Brand Jamaica is immeasurable and worthy of high praise.
There is no doubt that Stephen was a patriot who wanted the best for his country. His work impacted a host of lives in positive ways.
Affectionately known to his friends and supporters as “Franno,” Stephen made the bold decision to leave a career in finance so he could dedicate his life to coaching.
That choice helped shape one of the greatest legacies in track and field and inspired countless athletes to believe in themselves and pursue excellence.
Jamaica has lost a remarkable son whose impact will be felt for generations. Stephen knew how much we appreciated his work and his herculean contribution to our island and to global track and field in general.
In 2017, the Government of Jamaica bestowed on Stephen the country’s fourth highest national honour, the Order of Jamaica (OJ).
My heartfelt condolences go to Stephen’s family, friends, athletes, and the entire sports fraternity. May his soul rest in peace, and may light perpetually shine upon him.
“Before the road wasn’t probably usable, but now it is better… it means a lot for the community.”
Those are the words of Gary Robinson, who has lived in the Caenwood community in West Portland for many years.
For Gary and his neighbours, this upgraded road is making daily life easier. Children are getting to school more safely, residents are travelling more comfortably, and getting around the community is no longer the challenge it once was.
Your Government is working for you by investing in roads that connect communities, and support development across our country.
I toured the new Boundbrook Urban Centre in Portland yesterday and was encouraged by what this development represents for the people of the parish.
The Boundbrook Urban Centre will provide space for Government services, businesses, and other essential amenities, making it easier for residents to access what they need while creating new opportunities for enterprise, employment, and economic activity.
Every project like this reflects our commitment to building communities where people can thrive.
Your Government is working for you by delivering meaningful development that creates opportunities, expands access to services, and helps build a stronger future for every community.