Speaking at the eighth Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru, on the weekend, Prime Minister Andrew Holness signalled his administration’s commitment to stamp out corruption with the assistance of international partners.

“Jamaica remains committed to cooperating with international bodies and other Member States to combat corruption in the forms of bribery, international graft, and organised crime. Organised crime affects us all and Jamaica is currently engaged at the domestic and international levels to find meaningful solutions to these issues,” said Prime Minister Holness.

The Prime Minister also called on leaders of the hemisphere to do more to engage young people as they are most at risk and vulnerable to criminal activity.

“Considering that the majority of those engaged in organised crime are typically young people, it is imperative that leaders not only consider the role of law enforcement and justice systems but also social and educational programmes which target unattached youth and promote opportunity, inclusion and empowerment. We have a responsibility to ensure that we create a social environment that is conducive to the adherence to the rule of law, inclusion, fairness and prosperity,” Holness added.

He said the deliberations by hemispheric leaders in Peru have set a firm and positive foundation for further sustained economic growth and sustainable development in the hemisphere, and encouraged his colleague leaders to continue to work collectively and collaboratively towards attaining constructive and practical solutions to the challenge of corruption.

Meanwhile, Jamaica adopted the Lima Commitment on Democratic Governance against Corruption which reaffirms a commitment to anti-corruption treaties such as the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption. The Commitment also reaffirms the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and support for its implementation.

While at the Summit, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and President of the Republic of Chile, Sebastian Pinera held bilateral talks.

Among the subjects they discussed was the need for ease of travel between the two countries and they agreed to follow up on the discussions regarding an air services agreement to boost tourism between both countries is formalised.

The two leaders, who attended the Eighth Summit of the Americas last Friday and Saturday, also pledged to deepen cooperation in several key areas of mutual interest, including exchanges in sports, culture and language.

Prime Minister Holness and President Pinera agreed to greater cooperation on investment and in particular enhancing the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Jamaica and Chile during an official visit by Prime Minister Holness in August 2017.