Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall The general election, which was previously scheduled for Monday, August 27, 2007 will now be held on Monday, September 3, 2007.

In a proclamation released today (August 24) by Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall, it is stated that in light of the passage across Jamaica of Hurricane Dean on August 19 and the consequent damage and dislocation to persons and property, the Governor-General in Council, is satisfied that it is expedient that the Governor-General proclaim such an adjournment. The proclamation also states that this action by the Governor-General is granted by subsection (1) of Section 20 of the Representation of the People Act.
 
[FULL STORY]

Hurricane Dean hit Jamaica on Sunday with a level of devastation in sections of the island which was even greater than what we experienced with Hurricane Ivan.

Thankfully we did not sustain a direct hit and god spared us yet again. We have every reason to give thanks to him for his loving-kindness and keeping care. i am therefore asking that all our faith-based institutions use their services this weekend to offer thanksgiving to God.
 
[FULL STORY]

Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica residing in Washington, DC will celebrate Jamaica’s 45th year of Independence with several events, to be hosted by Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley and the Jamaican embassy in Washington, DC.

The events will begin with a  Jamaica Night at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, downtown Washington, DC, featuring Bare Essentials Band and Sprang International on Friday, 3 August at 7:00 p.m. 
[FULL STORY]

Jamaica's Customs Program to be Implemented in Antigua & Barbuda

We are all aware that Hurricane Dean has severely affected Jamaica, where the safety of the public is likely to be endangered and the various communities within Jamaica may be deprived of supplies and services that are essential to life.

We are also aware that unfortunately, during and after past natural disasters, there have been widespread attempts at looting and other threats to public safety.
 
[FULL STORY]

A number of comments have been made in the media, including Page One editorials in the press today (Tuesday, August 20) with respect to the Proclamation of the State of Emergency in the wake of the passage of Hurricane Dean on Sunday. These are either incorrect or based on a misunderstanding of what the Proclamation is intended to achieve and how it actually operates.

First, it is incorrect to say that I did not consult with the Leader of the Opposition in respect of the recommendation I eventually made
to the Governor-General. The fact is I spoke to the Opposition Leader on Saturday and again on Sunday, on this matter. Members of the Government and senior members of the Opposition are fully aware of these discussions.
 
[FULL STORY]