US President’s Visit Sends Excellent Signal to World – Nicholson

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. A.J. Nicholson, says the United States President, Barack Obama’s recent visit to the island sent an “excellent signal” to the global community on the respect being accorded Jamaica at the international level.

He said the Government “is extremely satisfied with the visit,” specifically in relation to the bilateral discussions and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)-US Summit.

The Minister was speaking today (April 16) at a Jamaica House media briefing, where he provided more details on the President’s successful visit last week.

Senator Nicholson said the visit has provided a platform for further collaboration between Jamaica and the United States on trade and investment, economic reform, energy, security and on education and training.

He added that the historic visit also signalled “the readiness of the President to have his administration follow-up actively on the points made by Jamaica and CARICOM, and to have the process of engagement continued going forward.”

The Minister said it also provided a platform to discuss regional and hemispheric developments, including relations with Cuba, and afforded the opportunity to have brief exchanges on multilateral development issues, such as climate change.

Importantly, Senator Nicholson pointed out that it led to the signing of a Letter of Intent between Jamaica and the United States to pursue the development and deployment of energy-related technologies.

“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.

In addition, the Minister said the visit has further strengthened the partnership between Jamaica and the US, “that has existed long before the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962.”

“It has allowed us to convey in person to the President of the United States of America, the gratitude of the Government and people of Jamaica for the high levels of support provided by the United States to Jamaica over the years,” he added.

Senator Nicholson also noted that the this visit will be good for the image of Jamaica as a tourist destination in the country’s main market, the United States, and elsewhere.