KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade congratulates Senator Pearnel Charles Jr on his recent appointment as Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC).

Charles Jr served as minister of state with responsibility for the Diaspora and other regional portfolios at the Foreign Ministry since April 2018.

In expressing her commendations and well wishes, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, said Charles Jr added a new and youthful energy to his portfolio responsibilities and that he will be greatly missed by the team.

Johnson Smith recalled that he always presented himself with professionalism and showed a willingness and passion for Jamaica’s foreign policy.

“I speak on behalf of the Jamaica’s Foreign Service in wishing Minister Charles Jr all the best in his new role. With his proven track record at the Ministry of National Security and at the Foreign Affairs, I am confident he will make significant strides at the Ministry of Economic Growth,” Johnson Smith said.

According to the release, the newly appointed Cabinet minister also commended Johnson Smith and the Foreign Affairs Ministry on their stewardship of Jamaica’s foreign policy.

“I am proud to have witnessed and participated in the diligent and efficient delivery of the ministry’s mandate of national development through foreign policy execution, under the leadership of Minister Johnson Smith,” Charles Jr said.

 “As I express my willingness and anticipation of contributing to Jamaica’s infrastructural development as minister in (MEGJC), I say thank you to the wonderful Foreign Service family and its Missions overseas for such an opportunity to represent Jamaica across the world,” he continued.