Montague US Tour a Success

In an effort to promote democracy and good governance, the New York State Republican Party and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) are developing strategies of mutual interest.

These comments were echoed recently during a meeting with Senator Robert 'Bobby' Montague, chairman of the JLP, and Edward F. Cox, chairman of the New York State Republican Party at its Manhattan offices.

Montague, who was on a three day Jamaican Leadership Diaspora Tour, said the meeting with Cox was very informative and instructive as they discussed not only political and party-management issues, but investment opportunities for Jamaica, especially in the energy sector.

"We are very happy to be partnering with the Republican Party as we seek to enhance the JLP party machinery and prepare to take leadership of Jamaica," said Montague.

Cox lauded the visit of Montague as an opportune time to connect with the Jamaican community in New York, as well as to partner with the Jamaican population in supporting democracy and policies to enhance the living standards of ordinary people.

"Jamaicans in New York are among the most productive and the most educated people in the State, contributing significantly to the development of the society," Cox observed.

He said both the GOP and the JLP had similar ideals and values and he was looking forward to strengthening relationships in the areas of training, data management, and research. He also said that Republicans would also be engaging the Jamaican and Caribbean diaspora in New York as the party seeks to address the needs of the people.

Hosted by the Proud Jamaican Foundation, a New York-based social development and think tank comprising the Jamaican Diaspora and supporters of the JLP, Montague's visit was the first leg of the tour that will bring Opposition Leader Andrew Holness to New York this fall.

Montague's New York visit included meetings with several business and political leaders; a town hall meeting in the Bronx; tours of Jamaican-American businesses in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn; and a fund raising gala.

Patrick Maitland, a spokesman for Proud Jamaican, said the tour was also an opportunity to promote the JLP's "diaspora membership drive" and give Montague the opportunity to outline the party's plans and vision to develop Jamaica.