Kingston 7 May 2019 (JIS) - Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is assuring that the Government will take appropriate measures to bring the perpetrators of crimes against children to justice.

Speaking at the launch of Workers’ Week and Labour Day 2019 activities at the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday (May 7), he also assured that every case of abuse that is brought to the Government’s attention “will be thoroughly investigated and those who are accountable will be brought to book”.

Activities for Labour Day, to be observed on Thursday, May 23, will focus on the safety of children.

Noting that it is of “great concern” to him that the nation’s children “are being abused, brutalised and murdered”, the Prime Minister said he is still horrified about the recent brutal murders of 11-year-old Tricia Morris of Woodland District in Hanover and eight-year-old Shantae Skyers of Sterling Castle Heights in St. Andrew.

“Our children deserve better, and they need to know that they are protected and that we ‘have their back’ at all times,” Mr. Holness said, adding that as a nation, “we must actively condemn such heinous acts against our children, and my heart goes out to the parents and families of both girls”.

He lamented that in cases like that of Shantae and Tricia, it is not usually strangers who commit the crimes, but, inevitably, the perpetrators are persons who they know from the community – “the very community that is supposed to be raising the child”.

The Prime Minister called on all Jamaicans to “act decisively against these criminals”, and while not taking matters into their own hands, “to work with law enforcement to ensure that those who commit such horrible acts against the most vulnerable of citizens are brought to account under the law”. 

Citing statistics from the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA), the Prime Minister pointed out that on average, 10 out of every 1,000 children are the subject of child abuse or maltreatment. He also noted that 79 per cent of children witness violence in their communities or homes, and 68 out of 100,000 Jamaican children are victims of violent crimes.

Mr. Holness contended that this is a reflection on the community and the entire society, “that within our midst, there are those who would prey on our children,” noting that there are “ridiculous” traditional beliefs or norms that people use to excuse these acts.

He noted, for example, that some men mistakenly believe that young girls have the cure for various ills and that it is acceptable to touch women and young girls, without their consent, with some believing that children can consent.

The Prime Minister also pointed to some parents, who, for financial reasons, do not object to their children engaging in relationships with older men, noting that “they passively agree to it, and the community sometimes knows and does nothing”.

“The Government of Jamaica, in no way subscribes to or is ambivalent about the sociocultural issues that still continue to support the basis on which some of our men, in particular, rely on to abuse our children. These things must be wiped away from our culture,” he emphasised.

Kingston 7 May 2019 – The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has announced four national projects for Labour Day on May 23, 2019. 

The four projects are the Papine High School in St Andrew, Holland Primary School in St Elizabeth, Fair Prospect Primary School in Portland and the Barrett Town All Age/John Rollins Primary School in St James. 

 Speaking at the launch of Workers’ Week and Labour Day at the Office of the Prime Minister this morning (Tuesday), Minister Grange said the projects were proposed by the broad-based National Labour Day Committee in keeping with the theme for Labour Day 2019: Child Safety…it’s you, it’s me, it’s all ah we. 

“Translated this means that all of us must come together and ensure that our children are safe and secure.  This is a responsibility that we must take very seriously. Collectively we must assure them safe passage as they journey to adulthood and national productivity,” said Minister Grange. 

The scope of work includes installation of pedestrian crossings, installation of rumble strips, paving of roads, installation of sidewalks, installation of bus lay-by, installation of fencing, installation of signage, bushing of school environs and painting of murals. 

The works will be carried out with the support of Unicef, the JN Foundation and JSIF which are working closely with the National Labour Day Committee this year. 

Additionally, there will be parish projects, organised and led by Mayors and Councillors across the island. 

Minister Grange has invited Jamaicans to “volunteer in activities geared at making our children safe and secure as they move about our communities.” 

The Minister encouraged people to register their projects with the municipal corporations, with the Labour Day Secretariat in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport or on the JIS website. 

Labour Day on May 23 is the culmination of Workers’ Week activities.  Workers’ Week, which begins on May 19 was launched by Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness this morning (Tuesday).  Workers’ Week is being observed under the theme “Yes to decent work; No to child labour”. 

A schedule of Workers’ Week activities follows:

Kingston 4 May 2019 – Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, and the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, have hosted the national Special Olympics team at a special reception at Jamaica House on Friday (3 May 2019).

Minister Grange said the reception “was about showing support, love and appreciation for our Special Olympics team that did so well at the World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in March.”

The Jamaican team won 14 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze medals in Abu Dhabi, which represents our nation’s best showing at the Special Olympics World Games.

Minister Grange said the team deserves special accolades for their performances.

According to the Minister, “I cannot think of another team that tries as hard, that overcomes as much, that inspires us as much as our Special Olympians do. They deserve all our praise and all our support.”

Minister Grange also used the opportunity to announce that a member of the team — Badminton player Travis Ebanks — had been awarded a scholarship to complete tertiary studies.

“Our special athletes are succeeding in every area of life — including academics. Tonight we especially celebrate Travis Ebanks. Travis is in his final year as a law student at the University of the West Indies, but it has been a challenge for Travis. When I heard that he was having financial difficulty and was in danger of dropping out of the programme, I made the decision that must never happen.

I’m proud to say that he has been awarded a full scholarship; he will continue his programme; he will overcome another challenge; and he will graduate from law school.”

Minister Grange thanked the Principal of the UWI, Mona Campus, Professor Dale Webber; Mrs. Arlene Supersad; and Dr. Denise Eldemire Shearer for helping to secure a scholarship for Travis Ebanks.

Each member of the Special Olympics team was presented with a certificate at the Jamaica House reception.

Kingston, February 2 - The Honourable Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport today told the Jamaica Tallawahs franchise of the Caribbean Premier League that from now on Government of Jamaica support of the Tallawahs will be on a more long term basis.

Addressing a news conference called by the Tallawahs at the Jamaica Pegasus, the Sport Minister said:

“We are speaking about an arrangement between the Government of Jamaica and the Jamaica Tallawahs that will be at least for three years, perhaps longer.

We saw that as the most suitable way forward to guard against Government having to respond to requests at the last minute. It affords us room to plan properly for the assistance that Government will be providing the Tallawahs.”

Miss Grange said that the Government sees collaboration with the Tallawahs as one clear way to increase investment in sporting activities that will contribute to the continued building of Brand Jamaica, “as we seek to maximize our returns from sports.”

“The Government fully endorses the franchise”, the Sport Minister said, as she announced that her Ministry had committed Two-point-Seven Million Dollars to facilitate the hosting of the 2019 CPL T20 Series in Jamaica. “In addition, the Sport Development Foundation (SDF), which falls under my Ministry, is providing support up to a maximum of Ten Million Jamaican Dollars in cash and in kind.

“This will facilitate the entry of all equipment which will be exported at the end of the series - cash sponsorship of JAD$4.6M and the guaranteed purchase of 60 tickets for all five nights along with two VIP boxes valued at JAD$1.1M for the hosting of special guests.

“I am pleased also to inform you that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has agreed to a discount on transportation services during the period of the matches based on my representation on behalf of the Tallawahs. There are other negotiations taking place which will result in other tangible support. We will provide an update on these negotiations.

“I must mention the Prime Minister’s assistance in Pepsi Cola Jamaica” becoming a Tallawahs sponsor. You might say Prime Minister Holiness, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness was a “match maker” in this union.

“We are happy with the news that Cricket West Indies has been able to make it possible for all the best Caribbean cricketers to take part in the tournament.

"So fans we will be treated not just to the best of our Caribbean cricketers, but to many of the top international players for 34 matches of high intensity cricket.

“Perhaps the news that makes us the happiest is that Chris Gayle will be returning to the Tallawahs and returning as Captain.

"We wish the Tallawahs every success on the staging of this exciting tournament as we continue our collaboration to present the games at the highest level."

Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Namibia for naming a street in the capital, Windhoek, in honour of Jamaica’s first national hero, the Right Excellent Marcus Garvey.

The street renaming ceremony took place this afternoon (July 23) during Prime Minister Holness’ official working visit to Namibia.

“Naming a street in this capital city of Windhoek in honour of Marcus Garvey represents a demonstration of posterity of the value of the contribution of one who has played a lead role in countering negative appellations forced on black people in Africa and the Diaspora,” said Prime Minister Holness.

The Prime Minister noted that the historic renaming of the street is a symbol of pride and honour.

“We in Jamaica are extremely proud yet deeply humbled that you have chosen to honour one of our own in this tangible way. This great gesture will undoubtably create curiosity among future generations, as they seek answers to the question, who was Marcus Garvey,” said the Prime Minister.

He said Jamaica continues to strengthening ties with its brothers and sisters on the African continent.

“It is a symbol of our geo cultural and spiritual unification. Further it is important for those of us African peoples dispersed far afield in places like the Caribbean and the Americas to have the opportunity to join in a gesture that re-establishes the original bonds of family and shared destinies. It is a truly good feeling that augurs well for ongoing and future collaboration.

The Right Excellent Marcus Garvey, Jamaica’s first national hero was a celebrated Pan Africanist, philosopher and leading exponent of black pride and consciousness. He was a self-declared citizen of a global Africa.

Prime Minister Holness said he is encouraged by the impact of the naming of the street in honour of Mr. Garvey on the youth. He expressed the hope that it will cause stories of strength of conviction to be told again and again.

The Prime Minister also highlighted that it was fitting that the renaming was being done during the celebration of the Nelson Mandela centenary.

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