WASHINGTON, DC, United States (JIS) — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, has encouraged members of the Diaspora to partner with the Government by sharing their thoughts, expertise and best practices to further develop the country.

Addressing a reception in her honour at the Jamaican Embassy on September 16, Johnson Smith said it is her intention to forge a stronger and more meaningful partnership with the Diaspora that will create opportunities and mechanisms for leveraging this vast potential of human capital.

The senator congratulated Ambassador Audrey Marks on her appointment, noting that she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the post, and expressed confidence that she will continue to represent the Government and the people of Jamaica admirably.

Meanwhile, Johnson Smith said the Government is firmly committed to tackle crime and violence affecting the nation.

“The Government is determined to confront this scourge which threatens to derail our best laid plans for our people,” the minister said.

She emphasised, however, that the Government cannot undertake this task alone, as it requires collaborative actions by all stakeholders – the public and private sectors, non-governmental organisations and all civic societies.