WASHINGTON, DC – Senior United States Democratic Congressman, Charles Rangel, has reaffirmed his support for Jamaica, and says he is looking forward to seeing how he can play a part in the development agenda for the island.
“I firmly believe that job creation can dramatically reduce, and even erase, many of the current problems that face the country,” he said.
He was speaking at a meeting with Jamaica’s new Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, at his Capitol Hill office on Thursday (July 1).
U.S. Congressman Charles Rangel greets newly appointed Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, during her visit to his office on Thursday (July 1).
Congressman Rangel reiterated the long friendship between himself and Jamaica, dating back to the turbulent 1970s.
“I have warm feelings for Jamaica, and will continue to be a friend to Jamaica,” he told the Ambassador.
Ambassador Marks recalled their last meeting in New York in October 2008, and said that plans were being finalised, based on discussions on the initiative, for pre-clearance facility for cargo and passengers from Jamaica to the United States.
She updated the Congressman on some of the agenda items being pursued by the Golding administration, including changes in the macro-economic model.
Since arriving in Washington D.C. just over a month ago, Ambassador Marks has been focusing on interaction with the State Department, and other areas of the administrative branch of the U.S. government. In the weeks ahead, the main focus will be on visiting Congressional representatives.
Ambassador Marks said that she began the Congressional meetings with Mr. Rangel, one of Jamaica’s longest standing supporters in Washington D.C., because it is important to show appreciation and friendship, at this time in his career.
