(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has extended “warmest congratulations” to the Honourable Andrew Holness on his recent appointment as Prime Minister of Jamaica.

In a congratulatory note, Ambassador LaRocque said that Prime Minister Holness had joined the “eminent cadre of regional leaders who have assumed this high office.”

“The fact that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has entrusted you with this great responsibility speaks clearly to the unequivocal affirmation of their confidence in your leadership,” Ambassador LaRocque stated.

He told the Prime Minister that the Community was looking forward to his leadership in the area of External Trade Negotiations, a portfolio in the Quasi-Cabinet of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, with which Jamaica has been entrusted.

The full text of the letter reads:

I extend warmest congratulations to you on your appointment as Prime Minister of Jamaica. In that capacity, you have joined the eminent cadre of regional leaders who have assumed this high office.

The fact that the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has entrusted you with this great responsibility speaks clearly to the unequivocal affirmation of their confidence in your leadership.

Over the years, Jamaica's commitment to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) integration and development has contributed significantly to the deepening of regional relations and to the advancement of the Community's citizenry. During your tenure, the Community looks forward to the continued vibrant and active participation of Jamaica in CARICOM affairs at the regional, hemispheric and international levels.

We particularly look forward to your leadership in the area of External Trade Negotiations, a portfolio in the Quasi-Cabinet of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, with which Jamaica has been entrusted.

I look forward to the opportunity of meeting with you at a convenient time in the future, to hear your views, perspectives and priorities regarding the integration movement and to brief you on your portfiolio area as well as on other key matters on the Regional Agenda.

I wish you every success as you lead your people to new thresholds of development, and pledge the CARICOM Secretariat's continued support to the Government and people of Jamaica, as we collaborate to deepen the process of regional integration and work towards consolidating a Community for All.

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org
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