Information Minister Says Obama Visit Showed Positive US-Jamaica Relationship

Minister with Responsibility for Information, Senator the Hon. Sandrea Falconer, says the recent historic visit of the President of the United States of America, Barack Obama served to underscore the strong and positive relationship that exists between Jamaica and the United States and was widely embraced by Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora. The Information Minister was speaking at a Jamaica House Media Briefing held on Thursday, April 16.

According to the Information Minister, a tremendous amount of work, considerable effort and coordination went into the planning and smooth execution of the visit. “The Government sincerely thanks everyone- organisations and individuals, in both the public and private sectors – who collaborated in this national effort to ensure that the visit of the President went smoothly and was such an outstanding success,” said Minister Falconer.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. AJ Nicholson, who also participated in the Briefing, said Jamaica is extremely satisfied with the visit, which has strengthened relations and provided a platform for further collaboration between Jamaica and United States. He added that the visit sent an excellent signal to the global community on the respect being accorded to Jamaica at the international level. In addition, “It showed that Jamaica is on the right track with our economic programme and will buttress our efforts to promote further economic growth with job creation,” the Foreign Affairs Minister added.

Speaking of the Bilateral meeting between the US Delegation led by the President and the Jamaican Delegation led by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, Senator Nicholson said the meeting focused on five areas: Jamaica’s Economic Reform Programme, Energy, Trade and Investment, Security and Human Resource Development.

Senator Nicholson noted that related to the meeting was the signing of a letter of intent between Jamaica and the United States to pursue the development and deployment of energy related technology. “Through this instrument, we aim to encourage increased bilateral trade, accelerate the development of emerging technologies and industries and pave the way for future technological innovation in energy related fields,” he said.