Introduction to the Jamaican PM’s Visit
Jamaica’s Prime Minister visited South Florida one week after a high-profile meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness was set to host a town hall in Miramar Friday, speaking directly to the Jamaican diaspora living in South Florida about the progress of the island following a difficult hurricane season, lowering crime and economic progress.
Meeting with Rubio and Travel Warnings
Ahead of that meeting, he spoke exclusively to NBC6 about the meeting with Rubio, which led the Secretary of State to vow to revisit a travel warning against the island.
“It’s significant,” said Prime Minister Holness. “The travel advisory has had an adverse impact on tourism arrivals and negative impact on the image of the country. It’s important to state that tourists and American tourists in particular are extremely safe in Jamaica.”
Addressing Deportation Concerns
Holness also responded to concerns about an increase in deportations as the Trump Administration continues cracking down on illegal immigration.
“We take our responsibility to the diaspora seriously,” he said. “So every Jamaican should be confident that they have a home to come back to, but I’m also very clear that when you come back to Jamaica you will follow the rules. We respect the sovereignty, authority and will of the United States in ensuring that there rules are followed for persons [people] that migrate here.”
Progress in Jamaica
Holness said the island has had strides, lowering crime and working to bounce back from COVID-19.
“A major touch point was bringing down our national debt, from as high as 140% to now we are at 68% of GDP,” said Holness. “But one of the things in particularly proud of is bringing down the unemployment rate.”
Public Engagement
The public has a chance to ask questions during a Friday town hall called “An Evening with the Prime Minister.” Doors were set to open at 5 p.m. at Christway Baptist Church in Miramar.
Conclusion
The visit of the Jamaican Prime Minister to South Florida and his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mark significant steps towards improving relations and addressing key issues such as travel warnings and deportations. The Prime Minister’s engagement with the Jamaican diaspora and his efforts to highlight the progress made by the island are crucial for fostering a positive image of Jamaica and encouraging tourism and investment.
FAQs
- Q: What was the main purpose of the Jamaican Prime Minister’s visit to South Florida?
A: The Prime Minister visited to host a town hall and speak to the Jamaican diaspora about the island’s progress. - Q: What was discussed during the meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio?
A: The meeting led to a vow to revisit a travel warning against Jamaica, which has negatively impacted tourism. - Q: How has Jamaica progressed in terms of crime and economic recovery?
A: Jamaica has made strides in lowering crime and recovering from COVID-19, including reducing national debt and unemployment rates. - Q: What is the Prime Minister’s stance on deportations?
A: The Prime Minister emphasizes the importance of following rules for those migrating to the U.S. while ensuring Jamaicans have a home to return to.
