Johnson

WASHINGTON (CMC):

Jamaica's new envoy to the United States (US), Anthony Johnson has added his voice to regional calls for the American president to renew the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).

In presenting his credentials to the White House, the Ambassador identified trade and investment as key components of this 'partnership'.

Johnson said enabling mechanisms, such as the CBI which will expire in September, would serve to increase Jamaica's economic competitiveness as the country continues to seize the opportunities that globalisation presents.

Fastest growing

"We have the fastest-growing trans-shipment port in the Latin American and Caribbean region, which is a natural hub for the on-time distribution of American goods throughout the hemisphere," he told President George W. Bush.

"We know that you are aware of these competitive advantages, but wish to emphasise that there is a great need for affordable financing and for a sustainable trade regime that can continue to attract American firms and their know-how."

Johnson also told the US president that Jamaica is adjusting its economy to better meet the heightened competition in the global marketplace.

"The challenges that confront small developing states, such as ours, stem from vulnerabilities that are associated with our open economies, susceptibility to external shocks and pandemic threats, as well as the catastrophic risk of natural disasters," he said.

Impact of crime

Noting that the Bruce Golding administration remains concerned about the impact of crime on the country's development prospects, Johnson said Jamaica could be affected by trans-national criminal networks, which seek to exploit the physical features that are characteristic of small island states. President Bush said the US has intensified its cooperation with Jamaica and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) through joint policy initiatives that were agreed on during last year's Conference on the Caribbean.

He said that conference provided a framework within which the US and Jamaica could deepen efforts to achieve the shared goal of a stable, secure and more prosperous Caribbean.

Bush noted that Jamaica and the US shared "significant interests" and that it was important that both countries continue to strive to strengthen democracy and respect for human rights.

He also expressed satisfaction with Jamaica's support for ongoing efforts to interdict drugs and to combat terrorism within the Caribbean region and the wider hemisphere.