Recent disparaging remarks from first term Opposition MP Nekeisha Burchell, about Speaker of the House Mrs. Holness, should concern every Jamaican, not just women. Likening the Speaker’s efforts to maintain order in Parliament to “control of a husband in marriage” are unrefined, inappropriate, disrespectful and downright low. The country looks to Parliament for direction, leadership and examples. As MPs, we are guided by the Standing Orders of Parliament. Until those Standing Orders are changed, let decorum reign!

It has been an engaging and productive first two days in Ottawa participating in the 22nd ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and the 10th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network. Under the theme “Parliamentary Leadership for Shared Prosperity: Advancing Trade, Innovation, and Security in a Changing World,” I have had the opportunity to engage with fellow Parliamentarians from across the region in important discussions surrounding governance, sustainable development, youth engagement, and regional cooperation. Beyond the formal sessions, exchanges like these are invaluable in strengthening diplomatic relationships, fostering collaboration, and building meaningful partnerships between our countries. In a rapidly changing world, continued dialogue and cooperation remain essential to advancing shared progress and prosperity, and I am grateful to be part of these important conversations.

R.I.P.

Masicka, Di Genius - Slip & Slide (Official Video) youtu.be/FQRi3LWM0t4?si=0Tbv… via @YouTube

“too much power” under NaRRA, but let’s look at it plainly... In a reconstruction effort of this scale, someone has to be clearly responsible. When responsibility is scattered, things stall, we’ve seen that happen in other countries. Yes, the CEO leads (Clause 5), but this isn’t unchecked authority. Projects must be Cabinet-approved (Clause 17), the Minister can give directions (Clause 13), there are full audit and financial controls (Clause 9), and reporting to Parliament (Clauses 10 & 11). And importantly, Clause 20 requires a public electronic register of projects, so Jamaicans can actually see what’s being approved and delivered. On top of that, the Authority is time-bound under Part IV. That’s not power without limits, that’s clear leadership backed by real accountability and transparency.

A strong Jamaican woman is one who knows how to stand on her own, but also understands the power of community. Being able to draw strength from others and pour back into them, that’s where real strength lies. Thank you again, to Janella Precius and the “Candid with” team for the invitation, and for creating space for such meaningful conversations.

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You also don’t just lift sanctions when the Trump administration changes. Thats not the Capitol way. Sanctions from Trump’s first administration stood throughout Bidens entire presidency. It is very myopic to think “let’s wait out the 4 years. Its a risk thats not yours to take.

Christmas is a time of joy and reflection, as we celebrate the birth of Christ. Yet we are reminded that Christ was born in humble circumstances, in a moment of hardship. That story speaks deeply to us this year. Many Jamaicans are still facing difficulty in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, and my heart is with every family working to rebuild. The Christmas story reminds us that hardship does not erase hope, and that even in uncertainty, renewal is possible. As a Government, we are acting. From emergency repairs and relief support to rebuilding and rehabilitation grants to come, we are committed to standing with our people every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to the Jamaica Defence Force, our international partners, our diaspora, and every Jamaican who opened their home, shared what they had, or offered a helping hand. This has been a faith testing year, but it has also shown the strength of our character as a people. Together, we will rebuild stronger. From my family to yours, I wish you a safe, peaceful, and blessed Christmas, and a hopeful and prosperous New Year. God bless you, and God bless Jamaica. 🇯🇲

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#Update 🚨 The people of Western Jamaica can rest assured that their Energy Minister is working tirelessly to ensure that between now and January they will see brighter days 💡. 117 linesmen from North America arrived in the island last night and will undergo an orientation today before hitting the ground to accelerate the provision of electricity to the worst affected areas following Hurricane Melissa. I have spoken with the teams from @myJPSonline and @MBJAIRPORT and given instructions that they should start working on pre-clearances for the remaining 100 linesmen scheduled to arrive later this month to ensure a seamless immigration and customs process.

I’m tired of media houses and civil society organisations removing themselves from the misinformation/disinformation crisis and positioning themselves as victims and not enablers which many of them are. In her video Dionne Jackson Miller talks about mis/disinformation and in talking about methods to address them she does not talk about the role of the media as useful tool to correct misleading or incorrect information. Often media houses are the ones spreading the lies. It’s concerning that on an issue like this, and as a member of the press association, DJM did not include the role of media in quelling this growing problem. Let me also show you how disinformation works. Often it works by planting seeds of doubt that they hope will germinate and grow. When I first listened to Andrew “war on misinformation” statement, I immediately knew what he was talking about. The context of misinformation was clear. He said we cannot allow people who spread lies to continue to do so. Something we all agree with. But DJM introduces the seed of doubt by suggesting that he could also be referring to people who criticise the government. I mentioned previously that some institutions thrive in an antigovernment environment. War on misinformation is something that many people can agree with and can rally around, it’s therefore necessary for these institutions to plant seeds of doubt by questioning government’s motives for their stance on misinformation. An unintended inference that can be drawn from linking “war on misinformation” and “critique of government” is that it somewhat acknowledges that there is a wedding between those who criticise (or seek to hold government accountable) and those who are spreading lies. The past few years have taught me that these institutions have benefitted from social capital that makes them feel invincible to opposition and critique and because they’re so respected people tend to rightfully trust what they say as gospel. It is not gospel. Everyone has an agenda and they want you to get on board with their agenda. Do not support any agenda blindly.

Masicka - System (Official Visualizer) youtu.be/OorIOjyqwjw?si=Mxpo… via @YouTube

Masicka - Revelation (Official Audio) youtu.be/ZBXEJ3HGtm4?si=UfxE… via @YouTube

We handed over twelve new Shacman water trucks to the National Water Commission, this afternoon. These trucks will help bring clean water to communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa and support areas that need reliable access. Water is important for our health, our children, and our daily lives. This investment will help Jamaica recover and be better prepared for future emergencies.

Thank you.....

Misinformation also thrives when institutions that should hold government accountable are run by individuals who are heavily politically influenced. The institutions therefore validate misinformation by being unusually silent or try to justify the misinformation under the guise of accountability. Misinformation thrives not only because of what mischievous people do but also by the actions and inactions of individuals and institutions that are highly regarded. The way you framed this narrative is an example. Even with the abundance of information provided through the daily press conferences, in parliament and other fora, leading up to and after Melissa, you will still choose to align you views with the same talking points as the people spreading the misinformation. The truth is, some civil society organisations thrive in an anti-government environment. Their work flourishes when they can make an argument for better government oversight (not wrong) even if it means relying on fabricated information and supporting propaganda that disrupts and divides (very wrong).

Stay strong my PM....

The entertainment sector has played a vital role in our national recovery efforts, and I thank all those who have donated, volunteered, and used their platforms to help rebuild lives across our island. I want to especially commend Romeich Major for his outstanding leadership and compassion in supporting Jamaica’s hurricane relief initiatives.