Trinidad & Tobago PM Keith Rowley on 4 day visit to Jamaica

It is hoped that Rowley’s visit to Jamaica will resolve the differences between the two biggest economies in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley arrived in Jamaica yesterday on a 4-day visit that both Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago hope will repair a frayed relationship between the 2 largest economies in the CARICOM bloc.

On the eve of Rowley’s arrival, Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson-Smith told the Senate that at least 320 Jamaicans were denied entry into the twin-island nation last year, while only 2 Trinidad & Tobago nationals were denied entry during the same period.

But Johnson Smith said the trend is changing following the intervention of the Jamaican government in March after Trinidad & Tobago denied entry to nearly a dozen Jamaicans.

Last month, a statement from Trinidad & Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that items on the agenda for discussion between Prime Ministers Rowley and Holness include a range of issues of mutual interest to both countries.

Rowley had told reporters that he had met with Jamaica’s Prime Minister during the 7th Summit of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in Cuba and that he wanted to visit Jamaica to put “to bed” the issue of the alleged ill treatment of Jamaican nationals in Trinidad & Tobago and the resulting disquiet over this allegation. “We have been informed that on the ground in Jamaica there is a sentiment that is being fueled that they are not welcome. The Jamaican prime minister and I agreed that the time had come that this matter be put to bed,” Rowley said then.

During his visit in Jamaica, Rowley and Holness will hold talks towards the resolution of long standing bilateral and regional issues, including the Implementation of the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME), and the related Free Movement of Community Nationals and Immigration matters, Trade and Energy Cooperation and Air Transportation.

A statement from the Office of the Jamaica Prime Minister indicated that the two CARICOM leaders will discuss the signing of a Framework Agreement and the establishment of a Joint Commission, which is currently under negotiation, to provide a structured medium for bilateral discussions and cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The prime ministers are also expected to engage on the CARICOM integration process.

The Trinidad & Tobago prime minister is expected to meet with the Chairman of the CARICOM/CARIFORUM Review Commission, pay a Courtesy Call on the Governor General and meet with the Leader of the Opposition. He is also scheduled to engage with heads of private sector bodies and entities on trade and business development. In addition, he will have a scheduled event with Trinidadian entrepreneurs in Jamaica. -(CMC)