Diaspora dialogue on crime, governance for New York Thursday

Jamaicans in New York will have the opportunity to weigh in on the on-going discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Jamaica and the United States at a public forum in Manhattan, New York on Thursday.

The forum, led by the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CAPRI) in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Jamaica, is the fourth in a five-part series being held with Jamaicans locally and overseas, under the project 'Dialogues Between Democracies: The Future of US/ Jamaica Bilateral Relations.'  

The Manhattan forum get under way at 6 p.m at the New York Hilton Midtown, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, and will focus on matters of security and good governance.

It will explore practical measures to strengthen civil society and enhance its impact as an agent for improving governance in Jamaica, said Dr Damien King, Executive Director of CaPRI.

"What we hope to achieve from these discussions are feasible ways to advance security cooperation in areas, such as defence and maritime security; as well as identify ways in which we can strengthen Jamaica’s social institutions," said King.

Panellists:
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, United States House of Representatives
Ralph Thomas, Jamaican Ambassador to the USA
Earl Jarrett, General Manager, Jamaica National Building Society
Ambassador Curtis Ward, former Jamaican Ambassador to the United Nations. 

Moderator:
Joshua Polacheck, Counsellor, Public Affairs at the US Embassy in Kingston.