Jamaica PM to meet with Kamala Harris

The Office of Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on Tuesday that the Jamaican leader was expected Tuesday afternoon to depart for a “working visit in Washington, D.C., United States.”

“During his visit, he is expected to meet with high level officials within the US government,” the statement said. “He will also have discussions with the Diaspora.”

The statement said Holness is expected to return to Jamaica on April 3, 2022.

During his absence, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang will be in charge of government, the statement said.

News reports in the US said that Holness is expected to meet with US Vice President Kamala Harris, the daughter of a Jamaican father.

According to the Miami Herald, Harris will “host Jamaica’s prime minister at the White House on Wednesday as part of an effort to improve the United States’ relationship with Caribbean nations.”

Holness is the second Caribbean leader to visit Harris in Washington, the Herald said, adding that “the bilateral meeting coincides with the 60th anniversary year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and the United States.”

The paper said Prime Minister Holness will be the first Jamaican leader to visit the White House since a 1995 working visit by former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.