Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Pays Official Visit to Jamaica

On 17th July 2016, Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, will pay an Official Visit to Jamaica, on the invitation of the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, for further political dialogue on matters of mutual interest to both countries.

Prime Minister Holness extended the invitation to Prime Minister Rowley during their bilateral discussions, held in the margins of the Seventh Summit of Heads of States and Government of States, Countries and Territories of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), in Havana, Cuba on 4th June 2016.

The Visit follows ongoing discussions between both Governments, towards the resolution of long standing bilateral and regional issues, including the Implementation of the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME), and the related Free Movement of Community Nationals and Immigration matters, Trade and Energy Cooperation and Air Transportation. The Prime Ministers are also expected to engage on the CARICOM integration process.

Both Leaders will discuss the signing of a Framework Agreement and the establishment of a Joint Commission, which is currently under negotiation, to provide a structured medium for bilateral discussions and cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Rowley, who will be accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Sharon Rowley, will spend four days in the Island. He is expected to meet with the Chairman of the CARICOM/ CARIFORUM Review Commission, pay a Courtesy Call on the Governor General and meet with the Leader of the Opposition.

Prime Minister Rowley is also scheduled to engage with heads of private sector bodies and entities on trade and business development.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will address the 22nd Session of the General Assembly of the International Seabed Authority, which is underway at the Jamaica Conference Centre.  Trinidad and Tobago played an instrumental role in the development of the Law of the Sea.

Prime Minister Rowley will also meet with the Vice Chancellor and Senior Executives of the University of the West Indies (UWI), members of the Diaspora, as well as students from Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, he will have a scheduled event with Trinidadian Entrepreneurs in Jamaica.

The Government of Jamaica has been working closely with the High Commission of Trinidad and Tobago in Kingston in preparation for the Visit.