KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says several Cabinet members have mixed feelings regarding Kamina Johnson Smith’s defeat in her bid to become the Commonwealth Secretary General.
However, the prime minister said they are also relieved that Johnson Smith remains Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
Unofficial reports are that Johnson Smith polled 25 votes to 27 polled by Baroness Patricia Scotland.
In a statement after Friday morning’s consensus, Holness said: “I extend sincere congratulations to the incumbent, Baroness Scotland on her re-election as Commonwealth Secretary General. It was a good contest and the Baroness prevailed.”
“My heartfelt congratulations and commendations also to our Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith who ran a distinguished and exemplary campaign,” he continued.
Holness said Jamaica remains deeply proud of Johnson Smith and remains happy to have put forward such a strong credible and competent candidate.
“Her candidate won her the respect and admiration of many countries within our Commonwealth family and brought prominence to Jamaica and our ability to contest within such a large international institution,” the prime minister said.
He added that Jamaica continues to believe in the Commonwealth, its diversity and its potential to deliver for its people.
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