Parliament hears major sports wins, reparations push and falling murder rate in sectoral debate

Members of the House of Representatives concluded sectoral debate presentations on June 30, 2026, with the government reporting advances in sport, culture, gender policy and public security, and the opposition pressing protections for women, seniors and persons with disabilities.

The minister with responsibility for culture, gender, entertainment and sport told the House that Jamaica has been chosen to co-host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup alongside the United States, Costa Rica and Mexico. The announcement was linked to plans to stage matches at the redeveloped National Stadium, which the minister said is now ready to host top international players.

On athletics infrastructure, the minister quoted correspondence from World Athletics stating that “All synthetic surface field test measurements comply with World Athletics requirement.” He said the National Stadium’s distinctive track is now certified as a Class One facility, allowing record performances there to receive full international recognition.

In western Jamaica, the government said talks continue on a proposed $550 million redevelopment of Trelawny Stadium to meet FIFA and World Athletics standards and strengthen sports tourism. At Sabina Park, new lighting and a scoreboard were installed ahead of international cricket, including the Caribbean Premier League opening match in Jamaica on August 7, 2026. A partnership with the United States–based Kingsmen Group was outlined, including US$2.75 million annually for a men’s CPL franchise, US$500,000 for a women’s franchise, and a three-year primary-school cricket programme targeting 300 schools, 300 coaches and portable pitches.

The minister also announced a National Sports Advisory Council and a National Sports Commission, reported $236 million in Sports Development Foundation infrastructure spending and $197 million in federation support in the last financial year, and noted Jamaica’s mixed 4x100m relay team set world records twice in 24 hours at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana earlier in 2026.

On reparatory justice, the government said it will launch a campaign to petition King Charles III on September 6, 2026 — the anniversary of the 1781 departure of the Zong slave ship — asking that three legal questions on transatlantic enslavement be referred to the Privy Council. Port Royal’s inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and work to nominate Jonkonnu for urgent safeguarding were also highlighted.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, closing the government’s sectoral presentations, said Jamaica recorded 674 murders in 2025, the first annual total below 700 in more than 32 years, with the national homicide rate falling from 40 to 24 per 100,000 residents. As of June 29, 2026, he said homicides were down a further 23 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.

Opposition Member of Parliament for St Catherine Eastern, in her contribution, called for a national femicide registry, faster passage of the long-delayed Elderly Care and Protection Act, pension reforms, and a overdue review of the Disabilities Act. The House later began debate on a Mediation Bill and approved a motion for a comprehensive review of parliamentary standing orders.