Bilateral Meeting Positive – PM

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley, on July 18, has led to a deeper understanding of critical issues between the two countries.

Making a brief statement at the Office of the Prime Minister following the meeting, Mr. Holness said he and Dr. Rowley have developed a good friendship and understanding.

The Trinidadian Prime Minister, in turn, declared the meeting a productive one, noting that a foundation has been laid for further discussion and work in other areas.

Follow-up discussions will be conducted throughout the rest of his official visit, after which a more in-depth statement will be made in a press conference on Thursday (July 21).

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, said the brief meeting between the Prime Ministers set a tone of strong cooperation, deepening friendships and expanded partnerships.

“It was made quite clear that both Prime Ministers had the common objective of ensuring that at the end of this sitting, our bilateral relations would be strengthened and that our commitment to resolving the issues which have arisen between the countries would be resolved or mechanisms would have been agreed to have them resolved,” she explained in a statement delivered at the press conference.

She said implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) regime was a substantial part of discussions at the bilateral meeting, which she said will lead to further talks on trade relations between the two countries.

Among other issues explored were the implementation of the Shanique Myrie ruling, the matter of air and sea transportation and cooperation in respect of culture, film, fashion and the creative industries.

Dr. Rowley and his wife, Mrs. Sharon Rowley, arrived in the island on July 17.

He is scheduled to meet with the Chairman of the CARICOM/CARIFORUM Review Commission, Hon. Bruce Golding; as well as pay a courtesy call on the Leader of the Opposition, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, and the Vice Chancellor, University of the West Indies (UWI), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles.

Additionally, he will engage heads of private-sector organisations and entities in discussions on trade and business development issues.

Dr. Rowley will also address the 22^nd Session of the General Assembly of the International Seabed Authority at the Jamaica Conference Centre.