Jamaica Ready to Work with Partners – Foreign Minister

Jamaica is ready to work with all its partners in the international community, in order to assist in the effective reform of  governance structures that reflect global realities.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. A.J. Nicholson, gave this commitment at a meeting with 63 members of the Diplomatic Corps, at Jamaica House, yesterday January 31, as part of activities to observe Diplomatic Week (January 29 to February 3) .

“Our strong belief in the need for a more inclusive global economic environment will continue to inspire our advocacy for greater opportunities for all of us to share in global prosperity,” he argued.

It is in this regard, the Minister said, that Jamaica will continue to advocate that CARICOM’s voice  be heard directly in the context of the Group of 20 (G20). “We look to Mexico, our Caribbean neighbour, which is hosting the upcoming G20 Summit in June 2012, to facilitate this aspiration,” the Minister said.

Senator Nicholson emphasised that multilateralism remains a potent force in international relations and the most viable avenue for small states to have a voice in the global arena. “It provides the most effective means for the maintenance of international peace, security and development. It is this belief that has guided our multilateral engagement for the past 50 years and will continue to do so in the years to come,”  he emphasised.

“We know that no state, irrespective of its economic or military might, can effectively and single-handedly confront the many challenges that face our world.  The unfolding global economic crisis, the increasing number of natural disasters associated with climate change and political instability arising from protracted conflicts and civil uprisings, will not be adequately dealt with without the collective resolve of the international community,” the Minister told the diplomats.

During the Week, Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, and Cabinet Ministers will address the resident and non-resident Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Charge d’Affaires.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry is staging its 14th Diplomatic Week, which includes the customary presentation of diplomatic credentials to the Governor-General or the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, by High Commissioners and Ambassadors who have been newly appointed by their Governments. 

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Senior Reporter