US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is expected to hold talks today with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other Caribbean leaders.
Pompeo arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport last evening, and was greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith and her Opposition counterpart Lisa Hanna.
The call on Jamaica, is part of a six day working trip for the Secretary of State, during which he will also visit Germany, Colombia, Costa Rica and Florida.
While in Jamaica Mr. Pompeo is slated to deliver a policy speech on US Caribbean relations and the country’s renewed commitment to closer ties, based on shared values, interest and economic development.
Not all CARICOM members are pleased about this meeting, claiming its an attempt to divide the region.
In response to the concerns, Senator Johnson Smith said US engagements with Caribbean Foreign Ministers are being undertaken largely bilaterally and not within a CARICOM context.
