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US congresswoman wants greater partnership with the Caribbean

Published:Friday | July 20, 2018 | 5:33 PMJody-Ann Gilpin/Gleaner Writer
Rudolph Brown
From left: University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) executive chancellor Professor Dennis Gayle; US Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke; and UCC Group Executive Chairman Dr Winston Adams, converse during the lawmaker’s visit to the institution’s main campus on Worthington Avenue in St Andrew, yesterday. In the background is Clarke’s mother, Una.

Technology and climate change are areas that Congresswoman Yvette Clarke believes Caribbean countries can strengthen while enhancing their relationship with the United States of America.

Clarke, who was addressing students and staff of the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) during a tour of the institution, indicated that a wealth of expertise existed within the region that should be utilised to bring growth and development.

"I am constantly looking for and figuring out ways in which I could be of assistance from where I sit in Washington, DC. It's important that as we sit in the Western Hemisphere that the US feels stronger ties with the Caribbean region, and, particularly, the English-speaking Caribbean," the congresswoman told the gathering

"There is such a natural relationship that needs to be cultivated. What you are developing here at UCC should be something that we should be partnering with. When we think of security, climate change, technology, and cybersecurity; issues of maritime, health, goods, and services flow, this region can be a strategic partner for the US in a very unique way," she declared.

Clarke added, "You have the talent, the skill, the expertise, and the ability."

jodi-ann.gilpin@gleanerjm.com