NEW YORK, USA — Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller arrived in New York on Monday to attend the 67th General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) as well as for a series of meetings and bilateral talks.

The prime minister is scheduled to deliver Jamaica’s Policy Statement to the assembly tomorrow.

She is also scheduled to participate in the official launch of the Equal Features Partnership — a global initiative proposed by United States President Barack Obama aimed at expanding economic opportunities for all women — with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

A meeting is also planned to take place between the prime minister and the head of the Inter-American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno, while she will also attend a meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as part of the Heads of Government of Caribbean Community countries.

The prime minister’s address on Thursday marks the first time she will address the world body. The theme for this year’s debate is ‘Adjustment or Settlement of International Disputes or Situations by Peaceful Means. Among the other agenda priorities of the assembly are:

* Promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable development in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and recent United Nations conferences

* Maintenance of international peace and security

* Development of Africa

* Promotion of human rights

* Effective coordination of humanitarian assistance efforts

* Promotion of justice and international law

* Disarmament

* Drug control, crime prevention and combating international terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

Foreign Affairs Minister AJ Nicholson is accompanying the prime minister on her trip. The delegation also includes Jamaica’s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Raymond Wolfe.

The prime minister returns to the island on Friday. During her overseas assignment, Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Peter Phillips will be in charge of the Government.

Last week Jamaica observed its 50th year as a member of the UN at a special ceremony here.

— Harold Bailey

CAPTION:

SIMPSON MILLER… to deliver Jamaica’s Policy Statement to the assembly tomorrow