KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness departs the island today to participate in the United States Caribbean Central American Energy Summit meeting in Washington DC.

A news release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Holness will engage in discussions on the results of the energy task force for the Caribbean and Central America announced by President Obama last year, and identify steps the United States and regional leaders can take to ensure that citizens of these regions achieve more secure, affordable and clean energy solutions.

Jamaica expects that tangible outcomes will emanate from this meeting as it relates to improved energy governance and energy diversification for the Caribbean, as this will improve competitiveness at the regional and international levels, the OPM said.

Holness will return on May 5. During this period, Minister without portfolio with responsibility for Water, Works and Housing in the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Horace Chang will be in charge of the Government.