NEW YORK– New York’s Mayor, Eric Adams has offered to partner with the government of Jamaica to stem the flow of guns and drugs that continues to create mayhem both in the city of New York and in Jamaica.
“As Mayor of the Great City of New York, which is home to almost a million Jamaicans, I am concerned about the flow of guns and ammunition as well as drugs from New York City to Jamaica. Moreover, the impact it is having on the country relates to loss of life.
Some of the guns that are causing deaths in Jamaica are the same that are manufactured here in the United States. These guns are shipped to Jamaica and the region. They are also causing the same deaths in my city.”
Mayor Adams was addressing Sunday night’s New York launch of Jamaica-60 independence celebrations in New York City Jamaica, Queens, at the Hyatt Regency JFK Resort World Casino.
He told the over 300 Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica, headed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, that we will partner with your government Mr. Prime Minister. Together, we will be responsible for changing the culture of the flow of guns and drugs that is destroying the public safety of both our countries in a real way,” Mayor Adams declared to a thunderous applause.
Mr. Prime Minister, “I am your partner, I am excited that you are visiting my City and I’m excited about the partnership,” the New York Mayor said.
Jamaica Diaspora in New York
He said it was clear that New York City was what he called the heart and soul of the Jamaican Diaspora in the United States. This is because it boasted the largest Jamaican population in America.
Mayor Adams talked about the amazing contributions of the Jamaican community to the city. New York cannot ignore or live without them. As Mayor, I want to thank Jamaicans for their help in business, public safety, health, innovation, and education.
And having the Jamaicans here is a signal that we are going to strengthen those bonds that exist between us. We will look at the areas of education, expanding trade, and increasing business between the City of New York and Jamaica,” Mayor Adams concluded.
Jamaica-60 Launch
In New York, Prime Minister Holness launched the Jamaica-60 Independence anniversary. He urged Jamaicans, both at home and abroad, to come together. He wants everyone to help make Jamaica the greatest country on Earth.
“The Government will be bringing together all our Jamaicans so that we can look at what we have achieved over the past 60 years and to have Jamaicans recommit themselves to make Jamaica advance towards economic independence as we go forward.”
“It is right that as we celebrate 60-years we take stock of ourselves as to how we have administered our affairs and to assess our stewardship,” Holness said.
Achievements
The Prime Minister said that Jamaicans should reflect before the 60th anniversary of independence. We should think about our achievements. We should also consider our failures. After the celebrations, we should all commit to doing better and prepare to embrace our future.
The launch also featured speeches from Senator Charles Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader from New York. Minister of Sports and Culture Olivia Grange spoke. Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Ms. Alison Wilson, also spoke.
The Official Jamaica-60 launch included a wide array of Jamaican foods, music, and cultural displays. The venue, Hyatt Regency Casino grand ballroom, was transformed into a Jamaica away from home, with entertainment by Jamaica’s vintage artistes Johnny Osbourne and the Derrick Barnett band.
