Custos of Kingston, Steadman Fuller, deputised for Governor General Sir Patrick Allen in delivering the Throne Speech on Thursday.
By Kimone Witter
Custos of Kingston, Steadman Fuller, who is deputising for Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, has outlined the Government's legislative agenda for the 2025/2026 parliamentary year as he delivered the Throne Speech at the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament on Thursday.
Mr. Fuller began his presentation by citing the weather challenges of the last year which he said tested the country's infrastructure, economy, and communities, but confirmed not just the strength but also the indomitable spirit of the Jamaican people.
He noted the successes of the administration across the various ministries, including the unemployment rate being at a historic low of 3.5%.
In 2025/2026, the government has pledged to expand industry and academic partnerships, fostering national productivity and incentivising private-sector growth.
Further, the PATH programme will be reformed to address design deficiencies and improve operational efficiencies in delivery.
But while the proceedings are smoothly progressing inside Gordon House, tension is brewing among supporters on one side of the political divide.
Outside Gordon House, supporters of the People's National Party (PNP), protested against the legislation to make Portmore Jamaica's 15th parish. The protesters, bearing placards, chanted against the ruling Jamaica Labour Party.
Mayor of Spanish Town Norman Scott, who was among them, told Radio Jamaica's Nakinskie Robinson that the people of Portmore directly elected Mayor Leon Thomas, and with the proposed legislation, the votes of "a few" in Parliament would take away that franchise from thousands in Portmore.
He reiterated that the PNP and Portmore City Municipality will challenge the legislation in court.
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