Jamaica’s economic programme gets thumbs up from US

Jamaica’s economic programme yesterday attracted sweeping endorsements from a high-ranking United States (US) official.

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs in the US Department of State, Juan Gonzalez asserted that the current administration was already a star performer in the programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He said Jamaica is doing everything it is supposed to do to attract foreign-based investment.

Gonzalez stated that one of the defining factors of the US’ economic prosperity and successes arising from the global financial crisis is that investors going to the US can be assured that their money is safe.

Gonzales also noted that there are few places in which the relationship with the US was as strong and broad-based as it was with Jamaica.

He also divulged that conversations with Finance and Planning Minister Dr Peter Phillips and Justice Minister Mark Golding have borne fruit.

Gonzalez, who was in Jamaica for talks on bilateral and regional affairs, spanning economic partnerships, security cooperation and development, noted that US Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis Moreno, has been cooperating with the Jamaica Government to support the security programme.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez has given a commitment that his country is willing to work with any party that wins the next general election.