JAMAICA: Canada continues to be a key regional partner – PM Holness

#Kingston, October 23, 2023 – Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says Canada has been a good friend to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean and continues to work closely with the region on matters such as climate change, climate financing, and development financing.

“We are very grateful to have the support of Canada in for as in which we do not sit, but in which important decisions are made which affect our people. So, we are very happy to have your voice on our behalf,” he said.

Prime Minister Holness was speaking with Prime Minister of Canada, Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, during the final day of the Canada-CARICOM Summit in Ottawa, Canada on Thursday (October 19).

Mr. Holness said the summit will provide meaningful outcomes for the people of the Caribbean, Jamaica and Canada.  He expressed gratitude for the support of Canada regarding the issue of security in the region, particularly the situation in Haiti.

“In the region, the issue of security is also a concern and Canada has taken a lead role in the situation in Haiti. Jamaica has taken a lead role as well and CARICOM,” he noted.

“We are working very hard to facilitate, as best as we can, a political solution, and we are very happy that there is now a security council resolution, which will hopefully inure to a security resolution as well in Haiti. So, we are very grateful for your support as usual, and we look forward to concluding a very successful summit,” he said.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Trudeau said the countries continue to work together on shared and bilateral prosperity as well as regional and global issues.

These include United Nations initiatives for financing for development, climate change financing and its impact globally, particularly for at-risk middle-income countries, among other issues.

Prime Minister Trudeau said Jamaica continues to be a regional leader on key issues.  He commended the country for “stepping up”, particularly on the matter of Haiti and trying to push the Haitian political class for solutions.

“We are all lucky to have an active ally as Jamaica, in so many ways, in the region and the world,” Prime Minister Trudeau said.

The three-day Canada-CARICOM summit, from October 17 to 19,  facilitated discussions aimed at advancing shared priorities, including building inclusive and sustainable economies, increasing trade and investment, and promoting multilateral collaboration.

Contact: Chris Patterson

Release: JIS

Caption

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, converses with Prime Minister of Canada, Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, on the final day of the Canada-CARICOM summit in Ottawa, Canada on Thursday (October 19).

Photo Contributed