Hon. Kamina J. Smith Engages with Canadian Minister to Strengthen Jamaica-Canada Development Cooperation

Kingston, Jamaica – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, held a pivotal meeting with Canada’s Minister of International Development, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, to further discussions on building resilience, disaster response, and reconstruction efforts. The meeting, held on September 21, 2024, marked a continuation of conversations initiated during the recent CARICOM Heads of Government Conference.

Minister Johnson Smith, in a tweet posted earlier today, shared her enthusiasm about the productive dialogue with Minister Hussen, emphasizing the longstanding partnership between Jamaica and Canada. “It was a pleasure to meet with 🇨🇦 Minister of International Development @HonAhmedHussen to explore ways in which we can build on the already strong development cooperation between 🇯🇲🇨🇦 and to follow up on discussions started during CARICOM Heads, regarding resilience, disaster response, and reconstruction,” the Minister tweeted.

It was a pleasure to meet with 🇨🇦 Minister of International Development @HonAhmedHussen to explore ways in which we can build on the already strong devpt. cooperation between 🇯🇲🇨🇦 and to f/ up on discussions started during CARICOM Heads, regarding resilience, disaster response,… pic.twitter.com/kSDg4uk4pr

— Hon. Kamina J Smith (@kaminajsmith) September 21, 2024

The discussions centered on deepening the collaboration between the two nations in addressing critical issues such as climate change adaptation, natural disaster preparedness, and post-disaster recovery. These issues have been at the forefront of regional concerns, particularly given the Caribbean’s vulnerability to hurricanes and other climate-related disasters.

Minister Hussen, who has been a key advocate for global development and humanitarian aid, expressed Canada’s commitment to working with Jamaica and other CARICOM nations to strengthen the region’s resilience. Both ministers also explored opportunities for enhancing support in various sectors, including infrastructure development and social welfare.

This meeting comes at a crucial time as Jamaica continues to enhance its disaster response mechanisms while seeking international partnerships to support reconstruction efforts following natural disasters.

The Jamaican government remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, particularly within the CARICOM framework, to ensure that the country and its neighbors are better equipped to handle the increasing threats posed by climate change.

About the Partnership

Jamaica and Canada share a rich history of cooperation, particularly in areas such as education, development assistance, and disaster relief. Canada has consistently been one of Jamaica’s strongest allies in international development, contributing to various projects aimed at improving the country’s resilience to climate change and natural disasters.

This latest engagement between the two ministers highlights the importance of sustained dialogue and action in addressing shared challenges that affect both nations. The meeting serves as a testament to the ongoing commitment to strengthening ties between Jamaica and Canada, particularly in areas crucial to sustainable development and disaster preparedness.