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Obama hails Jamaica’s efforts in narco fight
Obama hails Jamaica’s efforts in narco fight
Thursday, July 01, 2010
BARELY a week after Jamaica handed over alleged drug lord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to United States law enforcement authorities, President Barack Obama has hailed joint efforts to counter the growing threat poised by narcotics and weapons trafficking as the "hallmark" of the close relationship between the countries.
President Obama made the statement Monday while accepting the letter of credence for newly appointed ambassador of Jamaica to the United States Audrey Marks at the White House in Washington DC.
United States President Barack Obama shares a light moment with Jamaica’s new ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks in the Oval Office at the White House after she presented her letters of credence on Monday. (Photo: JIS)
United States President Barack Obama shares a light moment with Jamaica’s new ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks in the Oval Office at the White House after she presented her letters of credence on Monday. (Photo: JIS)
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"The hallmark of our close collaboration has been our joint efforts to counter the growing threat poised by narcotics and weapons trafficking to the security of our citizens and our economies," President Obama said.
He noted that for the past 48 years Jamaica and the United States have shared a long history of friendship based on a mutual commitment to democracy, prosperity and security in the Caribbean region.
"The United States and Jamaica continue to co-operate on
olence, curbing drug trafficking and promoting economic growth," Obama said.
In the same vein the United States president said the May launch of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative brought into focus the fact that the security interests of both nations are "deeply intertwined".
Said Obama: "Along with other partners in the Caribbean, we pledged to work together to reduce illicit trafficking in the Caribbean, advance public safety and security and promote social justice by addressing the important issues of crime prevention, justice sector reform and corruption.
"As a member of the Caribbean-US Joint Working Group, Jamaica played a key role in developing this initiative. As the Jamaican Government seeks to uphold the rule of law, the United States supports its efforts to ensure public safety and to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activity."
The US State Department had lauded Jamaica for what it said was the swift and safe handover of Coke last Thursday, just hours after he waived his right to an extradition hearing and was flown to New York where he will face trial on gun and drug charges.
The Jamaican Government's stubborn refusal to extradite Coke despite an extradition request by the US from August 25, 2009 had deeply strained relations between Washington and Kingston.
Thursday, July 01, 2010
BARELY a week after Jamaica handed over alleged drug lord Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to United States law enforcement authorities, President Barack Obama has hailed joint efforts to counter the growing threat poised by narcotics and weapons trafficking as the "hallmark" of the close relationship between the countries.
President Obama made the statement Monday while accepting the letter of credence for newly appointed ambassador of Jamaica to the United States Audrey Marks at the White House in Washington DC.
United States President Barack Obama shares a light moment with Jamaica’s new ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks in the Oval Office at the White House after she presented her letters of credence on Monday. (Photo: JIS)
United States President Barack Obama shares a light moment with Jamaica’s new ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks in the Oval Office at the White House after she presented her letters of credence on Monday. (Photo: JIS) 1/1 He noted that for the past 48 years Jamaica and the United States have shared a long history of friendship based on a mutual commitment to democracy, prosperity and security in the Caribbean region.
"The United States and Jamaica continue to co-operate on
olence, curbing drug trafficking and promoting economic growth," Obama said.
In the same vein the United States president said the May launch of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative brought into focus the fact that the security interests of both nations are "deeply intertwined".
Said Obama: "Along with other partners in the Caribbean, we pledged to work together to reduce illicit trafficking in the Caribbean, advance public safety and security and promote social justice by addressing the important issues of crime prevention, justice sector reform and corruption.
"As a member of the Caribbean-US Joint Working Group, Jamaica played a key role in developing this initiative. As the Jamaican Government seeks to uphold the rule of law, the United States supports its efforts to ensure public safety and to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activity."
The US State Department had lauded Jamaica for what it said was the swift and safe handover of Coke last Thursday, just hours after he waived his right to an extradition hearing and was flown to New York where he will face trial on gun and drug charges.
The Jamaican Government's stubborn refusal to extradite Coke despite an extradition request by the US from August 25, 2009 had deeply strained relations between Washington and Kingston.
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