Ambassador Urges Maryland Investors to Explore Opportunities in Jamaica

Ambassador to the United States, Ralph Thomas, has  urged  investors in Maryland, in the United States, to examine the various opportunities that exist in Jamaica in business process outsourcing (BPO), medical tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure development, logistics hub and the maritime industry.

Mr. Thomas, who made history on February 1, becoming the first Jamaican diplomat to address the Maryland General Assembly, in Annapolis,  told the law makers that  “Jamaica is open for business.”

He said the Government is also taking advantage of its geographic location to position the island as a major Caribbean hub for energy and port services.

Ambassador Thomas was invited after Jamaican-born first-term State Senator, Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, moved a Resolution paving the way for him to address the  Maryland lawmakers.

The Ambassador said he was deeply honoured to address the State’s General Assembly. He pointed out that in the city of Baltimore, Jamaicans represent the largest group of West Indians and that 2014 statistical data showed that Jamaicans were the second largest foreign-born population in Baltimore, after Mexicans.

Mr. Thomas informed that the Jamaican community in Maryland is made up of a large cadre of highly skilled professionals, which include educators, entrepreneurs and students.

“The largest concentration of Jamaicans has contributed significantly to the melting pot of culture and diversity that form part of the colourful tapestry of your beautiful state,” Ambassador Thomas said.

He told the lawmakers that while in Washington he intends to pursue every opportunity for deepening and strengthening the relationship between Jamaica and Maryland.

The Ambassador also used the opportunity to extend warm greetings to  members of the Senate on behalf of Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller, the Government and the people of Jamaica.

Prior to addressing the General Assembly, Ambassador Thomas was guest of honour at a reception with state lawmakers, business leaders, and Jamaican community members. It was hosted by Senator Nathan-Pulliam and the Jamaica Association of Maryland (JAM).

During his one-day visit, he also held talks with Lieutenant Governor, Boyd Rutherford; Maryland Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce, Joe Bartenfelder, and State Secretary, John Wobensmith.  He was accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Jamaica, Mrs. Marsha Coore-Lobban, and Economic Affairs Officer, Mrs. Ariel Bowen.