Jamaica and US United In Stemming Flow of Illegal Guns – PM
By: , April 10, 2015The Key Point:
Photo: ????????????????????????????????????
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller (right), emphasises a point while addressing journalists following Thursday's (April 9) bilateral meeting with United States President, Barack Obama (left), at Jamaica House. Both leaders had wide ranging discussions on key issues of mutual interest, including national security, climate change, and energy. The meeting formed part of activities for the two-day visit to Jamaica by President Obama, and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of State and Government, from April 8 to 9. President Obama departed Jamaica on Thursday afternoon for Panama, for the Summit of the Americas conference, from April 10 to 11, which will also be attended by CARICOM leaders, including Prime Minister Simpson Miller.The Facts
- She was speaking to journalists at Jamaica House on Thursday (April 9), following bilateral talks with United States President, Barack Obama.
- Security cooperation between Jamaica and the United States, and in particular weapon inflows, was one of several key matters discussed during the meeting.
The Full Story
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, says the Jamaican and United States Governments share “serious concerns” about the flow of illegal weapons into the island, particularly from the US, and remain united in the effort to address the issue.
“The United States of America would not want for illegal guns to be entering our airports or seaports – or by any other means – and in the same way, Jamaica would not want illegal guns coming into our country. We have always been united against illegal weapons entering our country. There is no need for us to worry about that, only to continue our serious monitoring of our borders, our airports and our seaports,” Mrs. Simpson Miller said.
She was speaking to journalists at Jamaica House on Thursday (April 9), following bilateral talks with United States President, Barack Obama.
Security cooperation between Jamaica and the United States, and in particular weapon inflows, was one of several key matters discussed during the meeting.
The Prime Minister said she was “very satisfied” with the extent of the discussions with the US President on the issue.
In his remarks, Mr. Obama commended Jamaica’s security efforts which he contended have “historically” been “very capable.”
He noted, however, that “strains” are being placed on Jamaica’s national security capacity, and that of other CARICOM countries, as elements in the transnational drug trade continue efforts to expand their illicit activities.
“So, we are strengthening our cooperation, (and) making sure that (as it regards) training, equipment, coordination, and intelligence, that we are in sync. It’s going to be very important, and I look forward to our efforts there, as well,” President Obama said.