Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness will today deliver the commencement address at Delaware State University in the United States.

Dr Tony Allen, president of the university, said this was the first time in the university’s 132-year history that a sitting head of government will be addressing a graduation ceremony.

Speaking during a luncheon held by the university in the prime minister’s honour on the school’s campus, Allen welcomed Holness, pointing out that this was a historic occasion for the university, which is a leading institution in the 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the United States.

He said it was also a significant occasion because of the relationship that the university shares with Jamaica and The University of the West Indies.

Allen said he was delighted that Holness will be delivering the school’s commencement address, as 38 students from Jamaica will also be among the graduates of the institution.

Allen pointed out that Jamaica was the anchor within the school’s international portfolio, which he has described as extremely diverse.

In responding to the welcome, Holness thanked Delaware State University for the warm hospitality and welcome that he has received. He said he has had the chance to see the university at work, to see its research and to interact with faculty and students.

“I was already convinced but now it’s confirmed, based on my tour earlier today, that this is a great institution. You’re doing meaningful work to improve the lives of your citizens as well as globally. And Jamaica is indeed very grateful to have partnerships with your institution, and, indeed, we see the benefits from it,” Holness said.

Holness added that, based on the interactions he has had with students, the relationship between the universities in Jamaica and Delaware State University is a meaningful one and adds value.

Yesterday evening, Governor of Delaware John McCarney and Allen hosted the prime minister at a state dinner in his honour.