NEW YORK – Jamaicans residing in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, have been assured that relations between Jamaica and the United States of America (USA), have not been damaged by the recent series of events involving an extradition request by the US Government.
Addressing a town hall meeting at the St. Gabriel’s Church Hall in Brooklyn, New York, on May 27, newly appointed Ambassador to the USA, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, told the large audience that relations between both countries remain unchanged.
“I know many of you in this audience are concerned about the recent events at home and how it is impacting the relationship with the US. I want to assure you that nothing has changed,” the Ambassador said.
In her first public meeting with Jamaicans in the United States, Ambassador Marks disclosed that a number of high level meetings had been held with various US government agencies, chief among them the US State Department and the Attorney General, Eric Holder. A number of these meetings were attended by the Minister of National Security, Senator Dwight Nelson.
Ambassador Marks noted that the meetings also focused on enhancing the US/Caribbean partnership to combat crime and illicit activities, among other issues.
Turning to what she described as her core responsibilities, Ambassador Marks listed enhancing and strengthening existing US/Jamaica relations as a priority. She said the Government was working hard to bring closure to the existing situation at home; to solidify and build on the current relationship with investors; and potential investors and to develop and strengthen the Diaspora relations framework.
Ambassador Marks said that she will be focusing on investment opportunities in Jamaica above and beyond Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and emphasising joint venture opportunities with Jamaicans.
Among those attending at the meeting were: Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Geneive Brown Metzger; Community Relations Attaché, Embassy of Jamaica, Natalie Campbell-Rodriques; Chairman of the Northeast Diaspora Advisory Board, Patrick Beckford; President of Sons & Daughters of Jamaica, José Richards; Director of Reggae AMPPS, Noel Stephens; and Chairman, Coalition to Preserve Reggae Music, Carlyle McKetty.
