Relations between Jamaica and Haiti to be Strengthened
By: , November 19, 2013The Key Point:
Photo: JIS
Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Antony Anderson (right), makes a presentation to President of the Republic of Haiti, His Excellency Michel Martelly, as Minister of National Security, Hon Peter Bunting (right), applauds, during the President’s State Visit last week.The Facts
- President Martelly, during his visit, pointed out that education is one of his main priorities for Haiti.
- Under the instruction of the Prime Minister, we are to provide some scholarships for Haitians at the HEART Trust/NTA; the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) and at some of our teachers’ colleges.
The Full Story
Bilateral relations between Haiti and Jamaica are expected to improve, following the State Visit of the President of that country, His Excellency Michel Martelly and his delegation, last week.
Speaking with JIS News, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Arnaldo Brown, said the visit was timely and would strengthen the co-operation and friendly relations that Jamaica has with Haiti.
The State Minister added that there is much that Jamaica has to offer in the areas of education, health, tourism, agriculture and security. “We have the expertise, the knowledge and we can assist them in terms of their development,” he said.
President Martelly, during his visit, pointed out that education is one of his main priorities for Haiti. “I have been able to give free access to about 1,300, 000 children to attend school. It is great to bring that mentality out, that it is important to attend school. However, what the children are taught in school is even more important,” Mr. Martelly said.
In light of the President’s interest in education, Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald G. Thwaites, said the Ministry is anxious to have discussions with the Haitian Government for Jamaican teachers of English to teach in that country and for Haitian teachers to teach French here.
“Under the instruction of the Prime Minister, we are to provide some scholarships for Haitians at the HEART Trust/NTA; the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) and at some of our teachers’ colleges. This is necessary as their educational institutions were decimated by the earthquake in 2010,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, Minister of National Security, Hon Peter Bunting, said the Government of Haiti has an interest in re-establishing their force.
“They were anxious to look at our model of a professional army to get an idea of a model they can follow. In our meeting, we also discussed support of policing, disaster and emergency management, their support in border security, protecting our Maritime space and of course their role in certain ceremonial occasions,” the Minister noted.