PM Golding calls for support from Jamaicans in Bahamas

Mr. Golding was speaking tonight (March 6) to hundreds of Jamaicans who turned out at the Breezes-Bahamas hotel for an update on the government’s economic and social policies including its plans for education, small business development, investment opportunities and strategies to fight crime.

The Prime Minister is in Nassau, Bahamas for the 19th Inter-sessional meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government which runs from March 7-9. Mr. Golding, in his capacity as Chairman of the Prime Ministerial Committee on External Trade Negotiations, will lead the discussions on the implications of the CARIFORUM/EU Economic Partnership Agreement and the appropriate strategy for future trade negotiations.

Speaking to an enthused audience of Jamaicans, Mr. Golding said ‘’ I know how committed you are to Jamaica and I want to urge you to partner with us in building our country. We are also proud of you because we know the contribution you are making to the growth of the economy of the Bahamas.

At the same time Mr. Golding said he was aware of the challenges and the concerns being faced by Jamaicans in the Bahamas. He said he was aware that there is a need for improvement in certain aspects of their lives and that he would use the opportunity while in the Bahamas to air their concerns when he meets with Bahamian Prime Minister, Hubert Ingram.

He urged the Jamaicans to become as involved in the Bahamian society as their own integration in their temporary home, is assisted when they become an active member of the society, while at the same time never forgetting that they are Jamaicans. The Jamaicans also got the opportunity to hear updates from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Kenneth Baugh and Industry Minister, Karl Samuda.

The inter-sessional CARICOM Heads of Government meeting is expected to deal with several urgent issues including the recently concluded Economic Partnership Agreement with Europe, the rising cost of living throughout the Caribbean, the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases, and concerns about the level of crime and violence in several member countries.

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