Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith gave an update on positive trends currently taking place in Jamaica during a whirlwind visit to South Florida last weekend (May 6-7).
Minister Johnson Smith stated that the reduction in fiscal debt and also in criminal activities is phenomenal. This, she said, resulted from hard work, short, medium and long-term programs over a period of time.
This work is taking time, she emphasized, mentioning the increase in mobility building, as well as renovation of police stations, training programs for security personnel among other infrastructural development.
The reduction in debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is trending down significantly now at 84% which has also created fiscal space to do more for economic growth at home. She encouraged persons to follow the positive news coming out of Jamaica, as well as continue to pray for the nation, the security forces, and for the eradication of ills in the society.
“We’re not just trying, we are doing” she reiterated, as we continue to be positive and embark on life as responsible citizens, continue to represent and help our youths as role models.
The Minister spoke of the role of the Jamaican Ministries of National Security, Health, and Labor and Social Security supporting the work of the Diaspora addressing concerns about Jamaica.
The Minister was speaking with members of the Jamaican Women of Florida (JWOF) who hosted an informal Reception in her honor last Sunday (May 7) at the Island Space Caribbean Museum in Fort Lauderdale.
She commended the members of the South Florida based group now celebrating its tenth anniversary, for their exemplary role in the Florida community and in Jamaica. An advocate of phenomenal women and their impact on community, she expressed pride for the role the organization played as accomplished women in “opening doors in real and practical ways for our young people to follow”.
Expressing appreciation for the warm reception she received, the Minister proposed follow-up engagement with JWOF members in further discussions to look at programs in which we could collaborate more deeply, she said, creating opportunities for young people and families – programs in health, education and the social sector.
Speaking to the wide representation of Jamaicans at the event, Minister thanked the group of professionals, corporate leaders, businesspersons, artists, philanthropists, and media personnel for their contributions in various areas of the Jamaican society as well as to development across the Diaspora.
Expressing her desire to again visit the Island Space Caribbean Museum, the first of its kind, the Minister lauded the executive team for this Space which she described as emblematic of our Caribbean history, culture, excellence and political sphere. The Museum now celebrating its fifth anniversary was started by two Jamaican principals, Calibe Thompson and David Muir.
The patrons at the Reception were treated to entertainment by members of the artistic community, jazz guitarist, Eugene Grey who shared musical talent with pieces done with the late Harry Belafonte. Dub poet, Malachi Smith also performed pieces of love and passion of country.
The Minister received several gift items including the Keys to the City of Miramar by Mayor Wayne Messam. She was also presented with a gift package celebrating the 10-year anniversary of JWOF.
The President, Ms. Janice McIntosh presented an anniversary souvenir bag with a scarf designed and produced by JWOF member and designer, Ms. Denise Katz. The Minister also received a painting by Jamaican artist, Chris Butler “The Market Place” which she described as the economic hub of Jamaica, another aspect of the Jamaican society depicting the role of women in building communities and families.
Ms. Calibe Thompson also presented the Minister with an autographed copy of “Pieces of Jamaica – Jamrock Edition” by David Muir and Sean Henry.
Another eventful day for Minister Johnson Smith was on Saturday (May 6), where she participated in the fourth Annual Jamaica 5K Run/Walk at the Miramar Regional Park in Miramar. An avid runner herself, Minister gained fifth place in the Female Masters Level.
Over 700 Jamaican nationals and friends of the Diaspora enjoyed another successful run to the finishing line at the 5K Run/Walk. The event was hosted by the Consulate General of Jamaica in association with Miramar City Mayor, Wayne Messam and the Jamaica United Relief Association (JURA), a South Florida base non-profit organization dedicated to help the less fortunate in the areas of health, education and social services in South Florida, Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
The annual event continues to garner positive community response each year as the proceeds from registration continue to benefit the Adopt A Clinic Initiative of the Jamaican Health Ministry. So far, five clinics have been adopted from the annual registration. These are located in rural areas across the Island.
Under the Consulate General’s jurisdiction covering 13 States in the Southern USA, Jamaicans in five cities joined in simultaneously in the 5K Event. These included Atlanta, GA; Phoenix, AZ; Birmingham, AL; Houston, TX; and Orlando and Miramar, FLA.
Minister Kamina Johnson Smith praised the Consul General and the committee of volunteers for a successful day which included a Post-run party showcasing Jamaica at its best with patrons enjoying food, music, and entertainment while enjoying a showcase of Jamaican products displayed by Jamaican sponsors and supporters from Jamaica and locally based.
Consul General Mair, a runner himself, expressed appreciation to the many supporters who joined the Race by running, walking, or simply donating to the cause – supporting primary health care in Jamaica. “It’s a great experience of giving back as we stay healthy” he stated.
Next year’s event will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Annual 5K, and is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2023.
