Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness Congratulates President Elect Trump

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has extended congratulations on behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, to the President-elect of the United States of America, Mr. Donald J. Trump.

The Prime Minister communicated the great value placed by Jamaica on the longstanding friendship and cooperation, which has shaped our bilateral relationship with the United States for more than 50 years. He also articulated a shared commitment to achieving and maintaining economic growth and development for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and for the peoples of the hemisphere.

Prime Minister Holness emphasized the intention to build on existing initiatives, to explore new opportunities, as well as the desire to strengthen US/Caribbean and Jamaican relations.

The Prime Minister extended his best wishes to President-elect Trump, and for peace and prosperity for the people of the United States of America.

Commentary

We do not share the Government’s optimism as to sound bilateral relations with the USA going forward. It would be great if this turns out to be good.

President-Elect Trump has publicly stated that he plans to deport criminals and build a wall to shut out say Mexicans who he has described as “rapists & criminals”. Every society has criminals but there is also rehabilitation that can occur.

We do not support shutting your child or neighbour out without trying to rehabilitate. Many have been wronglyy convicted as the legal system is not perfect.

Trump’s approach lacks vision. Can we trust Trump to better our lives in the Caribbean?

We will have to wait and see.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.