BARONESS Anelay, British Minister for the Caribbean, is on an official visit to Jamaica, the British High Commission in Kingston said yesterday.

The visit, which started yesterday and is scheduled to end today, will focus on strengthening the relationship between the United Kingdom and Jamaica by continuing the dialogue started during the visit of former Foreign Secretary Phillip Hammond at the UK/Caribbean Forum in April.

Baroness Anelay is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith and Minister of National Security Robert Montague.

“During these meetings, the minister will explore areas of shared interest, including the promotion of bilateral trade and investment, human rights and security between our countries,” the High Commission said.

Baroness Anelay will also visit projects supported by the UK Government in Jamaica, including the Office of the Children’s Advocate and Operation Friendship under the Citizen Security and Justice Programme.

Ahead of the visit, Baroness Anelay said: “I am delighted to be visiting Jamaica during my first visit to the region as minister for the Caribbean. Jamaica and the UK have a long-standing relationship and I am grateful to have the opportunity to strengthen this partnership. I look forward to meeting Jamaicans and getting a firsthand view of the Jamaican culture I have heard so much about.”