Prime Minister's Speeches

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Prime Minister, the Hon. Portia Simpson Miller

It is for me a blessing to be afforded the opportunity to participate in another historic day in our Nation and this Honourable House.

For the first time a woman rises as Prime Minister of Jamaica to deliver a Budget Presentation. I cannot help reflecting on the struggle over the years of exemplary women such as Nanny, our only female National Heroine, Mary Seacole, Hyacinth Lightbourne, Iris Tulloch, May Farquharson, Amy Jacques Garvey, Amy Bailey, Lady Bustamante, Edna Manley, and the hundreds of unsung heroines.

My presence in this capacity is a tribute to all the women who have sat in the Parliament and Parish Councils over the years. It is also a tribute for those who are sitting members today and indeed a tribute to all the mothers, grandmothers, aunts, nieces and daughters in Jamaica.

Let me, therefore, ask the men in this Chamber on both sides of the House to applaud the women of Jamaica for their tremendous contribution to our nation over these many years.

Indeed Mr. Speaker, my presence is also a tribute to all the leaders of our country who have in one way or another contributed to the advancement of women in our nation.

I speak of the Rt. Excellent Norman Washington Manley, the Rt. Excellent Sir William Alexander Bustamante, the Most Honourable Sir Donald Burns Sangster, the Most Honourable Hugh Lawson Shearer, the Most Honourable Michael Norman Manley, the Most Honourable Edward Phillip George Seaga and the Most Honourable Percival Noel James Patterson.

Appreciation

Mr. Speaker, let me first thank the people of Jamaica both those at home and in the diaspora for their prayers, support and love. Very specially, I want to thank the children all over Jamaica, who during my campaign created a special bond with me.

I also want to thank the members of my constituency for their unconditional support since I entered representational politics in 1974. They have never let me down and I do not intend to let them down.

Let me also thank my husband, Errald, my housekeeper Marva, my family, my Party, and my many friends and well-wishers for their love and support.

To the Church, I also want to say thanks for their continued prayers which mean so much to me.

I want to say a very special thank you to my predecessor, the Most Honourable P. J. Patterson, who served with distinction for 14 consecutive years, as well as my Cabinet colleagues past and present.

I feel proud today to be succeeding him, the longest serving Prime Minister of Jamaica, and a distinguished president of the People's National Party.

He is in the line of stalwart leaders of an organization that I presently head.

You know, Mr. Speaker, the common thread that runs through and characterizes these leaders, from Norman Manley through Michael Manley through P. J. Patterson is high- grade integrity.

I intend to be a noble trustee of this fine tradition.
Finally, let me thank the hard working members of the public sector, especially those with whom I had the privilege of working in the Ministries of Labour, Social Security and Sport; Tourism and Sport, and Local Government, Community Development and Sport, the staff of the Cabinet Office, the Office of the Prime Minister as well as my security detail and support staff.

Mr. Speaker,

In 1962 when this nation became independent our founding fathers took some important decisions. They gave to us a National Anthem and they chose to make it a prayer.

Our prayer and supplication to God Almighty for our country and our people were captured in the words of this anthem.

"Eternal Father, bless our land
Guard us with Thy mighty hand
Keep us free from evil powers
Be our light through countless hours
To our leaders, Great Defender,
Grant true wisdom from above
Justice, truth be ours forever
Jamaica, land we love"

Teach us true respect for all
Stir response to duty's call
Strengthen us the weak to cherish
Give us vision lest we perish
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father
Grant true wisdom from above
Justice, truth be ours for ever
Jamaica Land we love,
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica Land we love.

Our founding fathers also gave us a National Pledge.

"Before God and all mankind,
I pledge the love and loyalty of my
heart

The wisdom and courage of my mind
The strength and vigour of my body
In the service of my fellow citizens

I promise to stand up for Justice,
Brotherhood and Peace
To work diligently and creatively,
To think generously and honestly
So that Jamaica may under God
Increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity
And play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race."

This means that at the threshold of independence, our leaders pointed us to putting our faith in God and to hard work and diligence. The manner in which we have abided by their advice gives me great concern. From my point of view, I have no fear to affirm my strong belief in God.

Let me again make it quite clear that I am not perfect. I am a mere mortal like any of us in this country. Mistakes will be made, but my prayers everyday and every night are and will be for the guidance of the Almighty in this awesome job of being Prime Minister of this country.

A debate on being appointed or being called to service, is not the critical issue at this time. Everybody is entitled to his or her belief. I have faith in the Almighty.

The measure of my faith and relationship with God can only be judged by Him. It is on that basis that my faith will be judged.

Mr. Speaker, as I said before, I am conscious of the fact that this is a historic moment.

As a firm believer in the Bible, it has not escaped my attention that I am the seventh Prime Minister of Jamaica.

To those who understand the significance and symbolism of numbers in the Bible, it will be recognized that seven is the number for wholeness, completion and fullness.

It is perhaps not without significance, too, Mr. Speaker, that today marks 40 days since my swearing-in as Prime Minister. Again, another significant number in Biblical symbolism. We recall, for example, that Jesus was prepared for His ministry after his forty days of fasting.

Today I feel prepared and spiritually filled for my service on behalf of all the people, but especially the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized, who need me most.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, as you heard over and over in the refrain on Thursday, "She was there''. Yes, I was there and now I am here. But I am here to tell the Opposition Leader that he won't have the opportunity to move from there to here!

So continue to have fun at my expense, for you will be there for a very long time!

I will be here working to uplift the lives of the poor, women, children, business people - large and small - the weak and strong in the entire nation.

Mr. Speaker,
My participation in the Government for the past 17 years is undeniable. I was there. Indeed, during this time, some great things have been achieved for the people.

Those of us who participated should be proud of these achievements, despite some shortcomings. There has never been a perfect government anywhere in the world - show me one.

But you know what Mr. Speaker, through the ups and downs of these past seventeen years I never went flip flopping here, there and everywhere.

I never changed colour from one to the other and back again. And when things got tough I did not turn my back and run only to return when I could find no place of abode.

Instead Mr. Speaker, I was guided by Isaiah 40:31.

"They that wait upon the Lord
Shall renew their strength
They shall mount up with wings as eagles
They shall run and not be weary
They shall walk and not faint."

And as the song says "Teach me Lord, teach me Lord how to wait."

Mr. Speaker, I recommend the Prophet Isaiah to my friend opposite.

There seems to be general agreement that the quality of this year's Budget Debate has been high.

But, Mr. Speaker, several of the proposals put forward by the Leader of the Opposition sounded very familiar.

He has clearly been listening, observing and reading. In response I say,

• On Human Rights - Read my Inauguration Speech


• On Corruption - Read the Inauguration and my Campaign Launch Speeches


• On Abuse of citizens by the security forces - Read my Inauguration Speech


• On Charter of Rights - Read the Throne Speech


• On Real time court proceedings - Read the Throne Speech


• On Public Financing of Political Parties - Read the Throne Speech


• On Constitutional and Parliamentary Reform - Read the PNP Manifesto 2002.

Mr. Speaker, it is either that our views have become identical or I am receiving the best form of flattery. The talks, proposed by the Leader of the Opposition should not be difficult, therefore, because there is convergence of views.

What I am not sure of is whether his Party supports him on all the things that he has put forward, because they do not seem to support him on his "new and different" view of the separation of powers.

I say to the Opposition Leader let us sit down and in the interest of the entire Jamaica, let us and our teams discuss the constitutional and other issues involving the use of power.

I would spurn no opportunity to constructively discuss with the Opposition any set of issues which could positively impact the lives of the Jamaican people.

In fact Mr. Speaker the Opposition leader spoke of the Corruption Prevention Commission and called for changes in its operations.

Even before he spoke, the Government had proposed to make changes and today I am pleased to announce that Cabinet before the end of this month will consider making The Corruption Prevention Commission a creature of Parliament just as the Integrity Commission and the Ombudsman.

This should be so Mr. Speaker, because the Corruption Commission oversees all the ministries and agencies including the Ministry of Justice to which it now reports.

In agreeing to these discussions, Mr. Speaker, recall the Throne Speech which clearly stated this country was not only about the Government and the Opposition. There are thousands of persons who are neither PNP nor JLP.

This country belongs to them too and our policy to empower communities is one of the strategies to bring them into the discussions and determination of Government policies.

All these persons must also be involved in the preparation of Development Plans and projects and be engaged in their efficient and effective implementation.

That is why concepts such as 60/40 are outdated and can no longer work - 60 for the Government and 40 for the Opposition can no longer work.

It is within this context that I am prepared to establish mechanisms where both the Government, the Opposition, and most importantly the wider society can engage in the search for real and workable solutions on behalf of the people of Jamaica.

As Marcus Mosiah Garvey said "Before you have a Government you must have the people. Without the people there can be no Government. The Government must be, therefore, an expression of the will of the people."

This new approach to governance - empowering all Jamaicans, not just the Government and the Opposition but all the people is what I am about. That is my pledge to the people and that is what I will deliver.

THE CHALLENGES BEFORE US

Mr. Speaker,
I now turn to the vision for my Administration as well as the journey we must take to get there.

You are well aware of my life long advocacy for policies to improve the lives and conditions of the poor, the marginalized and the disempowered in our society.

My position is not merely political, but it is also deeply philosophical.

The well-being of any society depends on the well-being of all its people. The measure of a good society, therefore, is how it treats the poor, the aged, those with disabilities and our women and children.

Far too many of our people are engaged in a continuous struggle for mere survival and are relentlessly occupied in that human task of finding food and water at least once per day.

Their lives are further complicated by the negative impact of violence, corruption, natural disasters and other unplanned events. Their lives are a tough and unforgiving struggle, dedicated only to 'right now', and decorated by two conflicting human emotions - despair and hope.

These citizens feel they have no place or voice and consequently become detached from society. It is this detachment that forges the links between poverty and social unrest, resentment, political upheavals, even crime.

We must remind ourselves therefore that people are the ultimate end, and not means to the political or personal ambitions of others.

We must remind ourselves that the worth of a person is not based on their economic, social or political status, but on their God-given possession of free will, ability to reason and, importantly, on the moral values they possess.

We must never allow anyone to be encumbered by the geography of birth, social or economic status.

MY VISION

I have a clear vision of Jamaica becoming a country that will reach a stage where we have universal literacy and an education and training system that produces a first class human being capable of competing within any sector of the world economy.

A Jamaica where our people will all have access, across the board, to first class health care, and to safe and reliable transport.

A society of literate and healthy people that can move from place to place with ease is my vision for Jamaica.

In short, a Jamaica, which fully allows release of the potential of a powerful people.

I have a vision of Jamaica where our people have overcome the artificial and debilitating divisions, which have been erected to suit partisan and sectarian interests, not the interests of the people.

It is time for us to break down those walls.

My vision is about the community participation, where we create the space - the environment - where people see their involvement in national life as their right.

My vision is about empowerment; where citizens take responsibility for the management of their economic, health, educational, cultural and recreational needs supported and facilitated by the government.

My vision is about economic development that makes for the creation and retention of wealth to benefit all our citizens and reduce and eliminate poverty.

My vision, therefore, highlights the value and worth of all our people and I will place them at the centre of the development and prosperity of our nation.

Mr. Speaker, we must acknowledge that how we manage presently leaves far too many of our people out of the process.

People are disconnected, and they feel alienated.

Central to my vision, is placing education as the corner stone on which everything else will revolve in providing a better quality of life.

Mr. Speaker to achieve these goals we must engage all the people so that they make their contribution. Together we can succeed.

Mr. Speaker,
Before turning to this development path that we will travel together, I must pause here to say that I know that the expectations of people are very high.

While I will be doing my best to achieve as much as possible, I am sure that the majority of Jamaicans will understand that all cannot be done overnight.

We will have to agree through a process of consultation on when and how to tackle our problems one by one, step-by-step.

My firm commitment to the Jamaican people is that I will do my part and expect that you will do yours.

THE DEVELOPMENT PATH

Mr. Speaker, I now turn to the development path of our country.

The Opposition alluded to some confusion about the economic direction of my government.

Let me be absolutely clear. As my Minister of Finance & Planning has indicated in his presentation, my government is committed to a sound macroeconomic policy that:

• prudently manages the fiscal accounts;


• controls inflation;


• reduces the debt ratios;


• lowers domestic interest rates combined with improved access to credit by those seeking to invest in our development programme; and


• achieves stability in a liberalized foreign exchange system.

My administration intends to strengthen this macroeconomic policy with a comprehensive upgrade of the development programme by rooting it in community empowerment.

This means that the communities throughout Jamaica will play an important role in defining what is to be done and in ensuring successful implementation of the development programme.

In this regard, I draw your attention to the World Bank's position on this matter, [and here I quote]:

"A fundamental prerequisite of successful participatory programmes at the community level is the reversal of control and accountability from central authorities to the community level." [End quote]

Mr. Speaker, I have full faith in the people of Jamaica. I believe with a strong community empowerment programme we will unleash the energies and creative potential of our people to be catalyst of growth.

So instead of a growth and development policy that is "managed directly at the very highest levels of government by a CEO Prime Minister and a CFO Finance Minister," as the Opposition Spokeman on Finance advocates, I intend to lead a policy process that features close collaboration with people in their communities.

I will be the people's facilitator. I will assist communities to help themselves.

Yes Mr. Speaker. "There is a real difference between the Opposition and the Government on the question of how Jamaica's economy should be managed."

My Government will listen to the voice of the people and facilitate their plans and programmes to help themselves.

INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES

There is no doubt Mr. Speaker that a most impressive package of investments is presently underway in the country and strengthening the capacity of communities will only make this package more impressive.

I start with the critical investment in transforming our educational system to raise educational standards for all, create a world class education and training system that produces a first class human being capable of competing in any sector of the global economy.

The mention of Education reminds me that tomorrow is Teachers' Day and I want to thank the Teachers of Jamaica for their vital role in our Education System.

Let us treat them well tomorrow, but remember that we should do so all the time.

Those who continue to abuse and attack them, I call on you to desist and to recognize their importance to our children and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker,
I intend to accelerate the process of Educational Transformation and the country can expect major progress in several aspects of the programme.

When the Minister of Education and Youth makes her presentation, she will highlight details of the Transformation Programme.

Mr. Speaker, Early Childhood Education is my focus during this financial year. The government is providing the largest ever allocation to Early Childhood Education, over one point seven billion dollars, an increase of fourteen per cent.

Mr. Speaker, this increase is larger than any of the other levels of the education system and is in keeping with my commitment.

The Early Childhood Commission is now functioning with the mandate of overseeing early childhood development and the Early Childhood Act and its Regulations, which have now been passed.

We are focusing on quality and the review of the Standards Document is complete so that the system of national registration can begin shortly.

The pilot registration identified the areas most in need of attention at early childhood institutions, which are qualified staff, play and learning material, record keeping and the physical structures.

This year the Government will begin a major programme to upgrade basic school buildings.

Some 97 basic schools will be repaired and upgraded at a cost of J$1.2 billion; 57 will be done under the Lift Up Jamaica Programme and 30 by the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF).

Over 11,500 persons will be employed on these construction projects.

The Commission has also completed it review of parenting programmes in order to inform the development of a new parenting policy.

The Commission last month signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NCTVET for the implementation of new early childhood curricula for Early Childhood Development Programmes Levels I and II and development of a Level III programme.

Shortwood Teachers' College will continue to be the flagship institution of training for early childhood teachers.

And we will keep our commitment that every school will have at least one trained teacher.

A special component of the Early Childhood Programme is the Nutrition Project which is currently being piloted in basic schools in the parish of St. Mary.
The pilot, which is being implemented at a cost of $30 million, is to determine the feasibility of the National Nutrition Programme for Early Childhood Institutions.

During the pilot we are developing menus and nutrition plans as well as training cooks.

Data collection is now taking place and this will be completed by the end of the school year to facilitate an evaluation of the pilot by the end of summer.

The Programme, which is to be rolled out in September in all basic schools, will ensure that each child in school has a nutritious meal provided in safe and healthy surroundings with the support of the community.

YOUTH

Mr. Speaker,
Each young person is an asset to Jamaica. Each has a god-given talent or talents. The responsibility of the state is to provide the environment and support for each young person to discover his or her unique gift and develop this to its full potential.

Youth development must be focused on positive issues surrounding the appropriate transition strategies from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood. It must NOT see young people as problems and therefore be mired in finding strategies to "fix" the youth.

For this year, we are expanding the National Youth Service from 3,000 to 5,000 participants.

A provision of $500 Million has been allocated, which represents an increase of 400%.

The 5,000 youths will be trained and employed for a period of 6 months.

National Housing Trust

The National Housing Trust (NHT) continues to execute its mandate in providing housing solutions to its contributors, including the vulnerable in our society.

In recognition of the NHT's focus on its customers, at the recently held Public Sector Customer Service Awards Ceremony, the Trust was awarded the number one position for excellent customer service.

May I commend the Board, management and staff of the Trust for their sterling contribution. This is a good example of what we can achieve when we Jamaicans put our minds to doing well.

Consistent with this mandate, the NHT will be providing One Thousand two hundred and five (1205) housing solutions in schemes across six parishes, namely Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Trelawny, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.

This is not merely about giving people a chance, it is about balancing people's lives.

Housing Projects for the Tourism Belt

Our tourism workers must be properly housed in communities that are convenient to their place of employment.

This year some 12 new projects consisting of one thousand eight hundred and seventy-two (1872) new units are to be constructed in the parishes of Westmoreland and Hanover.

In addition, some one thousand two hundred and five (1,205) housing solutions will be delivered in the parishes of Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Trelawny, St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland.

Subsidized Housing

Mr. Speaker, I am determined that more of our people at the bottom of the economic ladder, who are contributors to the Trust, should be able to qualify to own a home.

Some of these persons cannot now afford to purchase a house, even at the current minimum interest rate of two (2) percent.

I am deeply concerned about the thousands of contributors to the NHT, who, because of their earnings cannot qualify for a housing benefit.

They deserve not just a mere chance but balance in their lives.

In this regard, the NHT has been requested to allocate half a billion dollars annually to bring them into a special pool of beneficiaries.

When they qualify and have realized their dream of satisfactory shelter for themselves and their families, the NHT will determine the criteria for repayment based on what they can afford to pay in a sustained manner.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the NHT will be allocating a grant of $150 million to provide shelter solutions for the indigent, poor senior citizens, and the disadvantaged, who are now living in squalor and abject poverty.

These persons will have the benefit of shelter fit for human habitation for the rest of their lives.
Mr. Speaker, these are bold initiatives to broaden the pool of beneficiaries to ensure that we also provide and account for those who contribute, are in need of shelter, but cannot meet the criteria.

It is also geared to meet the needs of special groups, such as the indigent.

We are balancing the lives of the people.

Sugar Workers Housing Programme

This year, under the Sugar Housing programme, sugar workers will benefit from an additional eight hundred and sixty two (862) service lots, located at Worthy Park in St. Catherine, Stokes Hall in St. Thomas, Long Pond and Hamden in Trelawny.

Mr. Speaker, this is part of a programme involving an additional subsidy of up to two and a half billion dollars (J$2.5b) to assist with the building of housing solutions.

This not only impacts the lives of the sugar workers.

It improves the quality of life of the rural communities which is an integral part of our rural development.

Mr. Speaker, we continue to balance the lives of people in the rural communities. My crusade is to improve the quality of lives for sugar workers.

It is as if I am hearing the applause of Alexander Bustamante, Hugh Shearer and Michael Manley from National Heroes Park. I am sure they are not supporting any bangarang.

The Urban Renewal Housing Programme targeting housing solutions designed for inner-city communities, has been on-going and we expect to hand over an additional three projects.

Mr. Speaker, by mid-July, four hundred and eighty-four (484) two and three bedroom units located in Trench Town, 88 to 100 Spanish Town Road and Monaltrie off Half Way Tree Road.

In addition to these, a total of 628 units are under construction at 231 Spanish Town Road, South West St. Andrew and Denham Town in West Kingston.

These units are scheduled for completion by January 2007.

In total, Mr. Speaker, the Housing Trust during this year, will be providing over seven thousand nine hundred (7900) new benefits, at a value of over J$13.2 billion.

In this way, Mr. Speaker, we are not only giving people a chance, but we are balancing the lives of our people.

You know Mr. Speaker, Michael Norman Manley in whose honour the National Housing Trust's building has been named, has not only turned in his grave, but is indeed applauding us for continuing his mission of housing for the working people of Jamaica and in particular, the poor.

We are changing what Bob Marley described as 'cold ground was my bed last night and rock stone was my pillow, too.'

Mr. Speaker, during the 1980s when the Leader of the Opposition was the Minister of Construction, with responsibility for housing, little or nothing was done. Instead, the funds were used to balance the budget to pass the IMF tests.

We are balance lives as we balance the books.

UDC