PM Welcomes Support from FBI

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness is welcoming support from liaison officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to aid government’s plans to combat crime.

At a function hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) to bid farewell to Ambassador-designate of Jamaica to the United States, Audrey Marks, Mr. Holness indicated that national security is of “top priority” for his administration and of “mutual interest” to Jamaica and the United States.

“We will place the resources in the areas we are experiencing the highest levels of crime and we expect your (United States) support as our partner,” he said, at the function, at Vale Royal on September 9.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Marks, who is in her second stint as ambassador, has been described by the Prime Minister as an “experienced and savvy player in the diplomatic field”.

She has been mandated by him to strengthen and deepen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

She has also been tasked by Mr. Holness with establishing political contacts in the United States because “Jamaica needs friends in Congress, the Senate and whichever administration runs the United States of America”.

“Our charge to Ambassador Marks is to make friends that will influence things for the benefit of Jamaica and we are confident that (she) has the skill set to accomplish this,” he said.

For his part, AMCHAM President, Ron McKay expressed confidence in Mrs. Marks’ as ambassador.

“I can’t think of a better person to represent Jamaica and America interests and  to go to Washington DC with an initiative to strengthening the relationship even more between our countries and to strengthen business opportunities to promote trade and investment,” he said.

United States Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency, Luis G. Moreno, informed that he has been pressing his colleagues at the United States Department of State to ensure that Mrs. Marks’ transition to ambassador is seamless.

Mr. Moreno also emphasised the benefits that are to be had with the appointment of Mrs Marks to the post of ambassador.

“We’re going to get another half-billion dollars of US investment down here,” he said.

Mr. Moreno also wants to double the two and a half million tourists visiting the island.

Addressing concerns over the FBI office to be established at the US Embassy in Kingston, Mr. Moreno informed that the agents will be there to “help develop law enforcement, conduct training, help with investigations and tackle lottery scamming”.

For her part, Mrs. Marks, said she was humbled and honoured to serve a second time.

She said she has fully accepted the charge and mandates made by the Prime Minister and will “run with it”.

Mrs. Marks indicated that she supports the Young Leader of the Americas Initiative, which was initiated by US President Barack Obama and is looking forward to engaging with those youths.

“I am pulled into this assignment by my vision for a prosperous and peaceful Jamaica that will indeed be the place to do business, work and raise family,” she said.