Jamaica strengthens African ties

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness is continuing to strengthen relations with African countries.

Speaking during a webinar to mark Africa Day on May 25, Holness said there are notable opportunities for trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean region. He also noted tourism links and connectivity will be vital going forward.

Holness highlighted some of the new agreements signed connecting nations, including one between South Africa and Jamaica. He also announced an acceptance of direct flights from Nigeria to Kingston. Other flight arrangements are being considered.

Holness said Jamaica is on its way to positioning itself as a focal point for investment arrangements between Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas.

“It is envisioned that this will create more powerful engagement, and exchange of a range of goods and services between the continent and its sixth region,” he said and added it was essential for the African diaspora of the Caribbean and the Americas to consider itself as the sixth region of the African Union. The Jamaican government has also recently appointed its first ambassador for investment to Togo, Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria.