PM's Wife visits Atlanta for Independence celebrations

Juliet Holness, wife of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 10 for a five-day official visit.

She was met upon arrival by a welcome party, including Jamaica's Honorary Consul to Atlanta, Jewell Scott; president of the Atlanta Jamaican Association (AJA), Alan Stewart; and director of International Business at the Hartfield Jackson International Airport, Alrine Barr.

Mrs Holness, who is being hosted by the Atlanta Jamaican Association, will participate in a number of activities to commemorate Jamaica's 54th year of Independence. She made a courtesy call on Georgia's First Lady, Sandra Deal, wife of the Governor of Georgia Nathan Deal, at the Governor's Mansion. After discussions, she toured the 178-year-old residence.

Holness, who is also member of parliament for St Andrew East Rural, will do radio interviews and also visit Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed at his office. She will also attend a special reception in her honour, hosted by Jewel Scott. The reception is expected to be attended by a wide cross section of the Jamaican and Caribbean communities, as well as members from local and state governments.

One of the highlights of her visit is a her address at the AJA's Independence Ball and Scholarship Awards at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway hotel. More than 600 guests are expected to attend this event, among them Jamaica's Consul General to Miami, Franz Hall.

AJA President Alan Stewart said, "We are pleased that Atlanta is her first overseas visit in her official capacity and the Jamaican community welcomes her. This is a special occasion for us," he said.

Yesterday, Mrs Holness was hosted at a special breakfast in her honour by the Benevolent Mission of Atlanta before returning home.