PM Holness addresses Caribbean Diaspora in Namibia

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday engaged Jamaican and Caribbean nationals living in Namibia as part of his official visit to the southern African state.

The prime minister addressed the diaspora in keeping with his mission to update them on matters involving the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and, by extension, Jamaica.

Prime Minister Holness noted that a large part of the Jamaican population lived outside of the island and his duty as prime minister and chairman of CARICOM was to connect with all.

"Wherever I go, I make it a point of duty to meet with the Jamaican Diaspora but not just the Jamaican Diaspora because we are Caribbean people. Coincidentally, I am now chairman of CARICOM for the next six months, or so, and I'm very happy to see my Caribbean brothers and sisters here coming out to support me," said Prime Minister Holness.

The prime minister said that he recognised the strong solidarity and support between Namibia and Jamaica, and he expressed thanks for the support of the Caribbean Diaspora.

A LAND OF REFUGE

"The truth is, we are all one. The motto of Jamaica is 'Out of Many One People'. It is a lesson that I believe the rest of the world could learn. After [gaining] our Independence, our founding fathers and leaders at the time insisted upon ... Jamaica being out of many one people, and that was reinforced," said Holness.

According to the prime minister, by virtue of its central position in the Caribbean, Jamaica has always been a place of refuge and a launching pad for many. He welcomed all to visit Jamaica.

Prime Minister Holness also touted national hero the Rt Excellent Dr Marcus Garvey as a true diaspora man who used knowledge and his political independence to become a catalyst for change for people of African descent across the world.

The government of Namibia on Monday named a street in honour of Jamaica's first national hero, Dr Marcus Garvey.

Prime Minister Holness yesterday travelled to South Africa to participate in the BRICS Plus summit with other heads of state and governments of the BRICS grouping, as well as the UN secretary general.

BRICS is the acronym for the group of countries comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.