(Jamaica Gleaner) Prime Minister Andrew Holness said his meeting with US vice president Kamala Harris yesterday was “very productive”.
Holness traveled to Washington, DC on Wednesday to meet with Harris to discuss a number of issues re US-Jamaica relations.
In a series of posts on his Twitter page yesterday, Holness said “our discussions were very productive as we affirmed our shared commitment to increase cooperation for the mutual benefit of Jamaica and the United States.”
According to the prime minister, the areas of cooperation discussed with Harris include violence prevention through intelligence and information sharing; investment in violence-reduction programmes targeting at-risk youth; human capacity development, particularly in relation to cyber security and digital technology; energy; and infrastructure.
“I was deeply encouraged by the feedback from VP Harris who committed funding to several areas:
1. Expansion of commerce and trade
2. Support for our health sector and our COVID-19 recovery efforts
3. Regional energy security
4. Violence-reduction programme targeting at-risk youth
“VP Harris expressed agreement for the establishment of a working group between Jamaica and the US to discuss issues unique to Jamaica and to continue dialogue.
“I thank the VP for prioritising this meeting with Jamaica and I welcome her announcements to provide greater support through investments,” Holness tweeted.
The prime minister is expected to meet with other high level US government officials as well as have discussions with the Diaspora before returning to Jamaica on April 3.
