Holness Challenges Summit to Stem Illegal Gun Trade

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Friday challenged world leaders in the Americas, to commit to planning and dialogue with hemispheric leaders to secure peace and prosperity for all countries. This after urging the 9th Summit of the Americas to do more to control illegally trafficked weapons in the region which continue to drive up Jamaica’s murder rate. 

Boasting Jamaica’s lead in regional growth with 6 consecutive quarters despite the crises, he notes more must still be done to help developing states. The obvious exclusion of Cuba and Venezuela from the 9th summit of the Americas was not lost on Prime Minister Holness as he addressed the group of leaders, Friday. 

Holness urged participation of the entire region for peace and prosperity. He notes the need for greater attention towards ending the illegal weapons trade in the region. Prime Minister Holness says despite the crises, Jamaica continues to lead the region in growth, with six consecutive quarters of sustained growth. However he says more is needed for trade expansion in the Caribbean as was promised at the 1st summit in Miami in 1994.