By Derrick Scott
[WASHINGTON, DC] – Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness today held discussions with United States Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House following his arrival in Washington, DC on Tuesday night for a five-day working visit in the United States Capitol.
The prime minister accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks, and Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke, held talks with the US Vice President at her Office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex.
The discussions covered the implementation of violence reduction programmes targeting youth at risk. VP Harris expressed agreement for the establishment of a working group between Jamaica and the US. In addition, they plan to discuss issues unique to Jamaica and to continue dialogue.
“The areas of cooperation discussed include violence prevention through intelligence and information sharing and investment in violence reduction programme, targeting at-risk youth, human capacity development, particularly in relation to cyber security and digital technology, Regional energy security and infrastructure,” the prime minister said.
Funding
He added that he was encouraged by the positive feedback from Harris, who committed to funding several areas of need. These include Expansion of Commerce and Trade Support for the health sector and the country’s COVID-19 recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Holness thanked Vice President Harris for prioritizing this meeting with Jamaica. He welcomed her announcements that the US will be providing greater support by investing J$3.1 billion in Jamaica.
The plan will see the US invest US $20 million to boost commerce between the two nations. A further US $10 million will be invested in boosting human capital and violence reduction for at risk youth. The total of US $30 million announced is the equivalent of more than JMD $4.6 billion at the current exchange rate.
Congressional Meetings
The Prime Minister will also have high level congressional meetings with Senate Majority Leader, Charles Schumer. In addition, he will meet with Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator, Robert Menendez and members of the Committee.
The Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Gregory Meeks will also host a meeting for the Prime Minister with members of the Committee.
The prime minister’s five-day working visit will also include meetings with the Chair of the House Finance Committee Congresswoman Maxine Waters and the Chairman of Chair of the House Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations (SFOPS), Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
Press Meetings
He will also address members of the Washington DC Press at the National Press Club. This morning, Holness appeared as guest on Great Day Washington on Channel 9/WUSA with hosts Kristen Berset-Harris and Ellen Bryan.
“Lets Connect with Ambassador Marks”
Prime Minister Holness will join members of the Diaspora as the special guest on the “Lets Connect with Ambassador Marks”. The online town hall meeting takes place on Friday at 7pm EDT. He is expected to highlight the island’s development at 60 years of Independence. Plus, outline the efforts being made to facilitate expanded diaspora participation in the overall economy.
While in Washington, Prime Minister Holness will also meet members of the Embassy staff. As well as members of the Jamaica Central Labour organization which oversees the US Jamaica Farm Worker Programme.
The Prime Minister is expected to return to the island on April 3, 2022
