KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has called on heads of Jamaica’s diplomatic and consular missions to leverage foreign policy as a fundamental tool for securing total economic independence for the country.

Noting that a strong economy is essential for true sovereignty, he directed the envoys to focus on building strong partnerships that safeguard the country’s international credibility, attract investments, create jobs and strengthen resilience.

The prime minister, who was addressing heads of mission at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in downtown Kingston on Wednesday, said while Jamaica has safeguarded its political sovereignty since 1962, the current global climate demands a shift in focus.

He contended that Jamaica’s political independence remains “hollow” without economic self-reliance, contending that true sovereignty requires fiscal credibility, institutional strength, competitive industries, and the capacity to withstand external shocks without surrendering political autonomy.

“The only way to fulfil your political objectives is to make sure that you are economically independent…We should declare that this must be the decade when we secure our economic independence,” Holness stated.

He told the diplomats that they have a key role to play in this regard.

“Our foreign policy must support our economic policy,” he pointed out.

“You are the custodians of Jamaica’s image, interest and influence. You hold the responsibility of ensuring that Jamaica’s voice is heard clearly, that our partnerships are strengthened, and that our national priorities are advanced with professionalism and conviction,” he added.

The prime minister urged the heads of mission to reinforce the investor conference in Jamaica by highlighting the country’s resilience, including the quick recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Beryl.

He added that Hurricane Melissa has dealt a devastating blow to the nation but also noted that it “did not erase our progress but tested it severely”.

“Communicate clearly and consistently that fiscal discipline remains intact, that recovery and reconstruction spending will be targeted and strategic, and that Jamaica remains committed to responsible macroeconomic management,” Holness said.

Turning to national security, the prime minister noted the successes over the past three years in reducing violence and homicides in Jamaica and urged the diplomats to ensure that the world is aware of the gains made.

“We are moving towards peace, and that’s the message that you will take to the global community. Jamaica is seriously addressing and having great impact on safety and security,” he said.

The heads of mission, who oversee 20 diplomatic and consular posts and guide 85 consulates, are engaging in a week-long consultative process with the ministry’s leadership.

It is the first time since 2018 that a meeting of this nature is being held.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, noted the importance of the week-long meetings with the ambassadors, high commissioners and consuls-general given the changing global landscape.

“Our foreign policy approaches clearly have to be sensitive to changes domestically and internationally, and for this reason, we have brought heads of mission once more home to meet with ministry leadership for an internal reset,” she said.

— JIS