Canada is looking to strengthen relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Canadian International Development Minister, Hon. Harjit Sajjan, who visited Jamaica and Barbados from January 9 to 14, said the aim is to explore opportunities for strengthening partnerships and to continue building relationships in the region.
During the visit, Minister Sajjan held discussions with government officials on shared priorities such as justice, human rights and gender equality, and health, including the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
“We have a very important relationship with Jamaica and also within the Caribbean. This is an opportunity for us to look at how we can work together,” he told JIS News.
Minister Sajjan said his focus is on climate resilience and response to natural disasters.
“As you know, this area (the Caribbean) is prone to a lot of hurricanes and disasters. So it [is] one area that I [will] be focusing on and looking at the response [to see] how we can also assist,” he indicated.
Mr. Sajjan said a major outcome of his visit to Jamaica, was the opportunity afforded him, through engagements with representatives of government, to be apprised of the vision for the country.
“That allows us to have a conversation and offer our advice, also, on various things that we can support,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Minister said he was happy to have announced the launch of the Canadian-funded So-Just (Social Justice) project in Jamaica.
He pointed out that the engagement underscores Canada’s longstanding and continued commitment to justice reform on the island.
The project will benefit the poorest and most disadvantaged users of justice services, especially survivors of gender-based violence.
Mr. Sajjan also toured the Sustainable Agriculture in the Caribbean Project sites in Manchester and Trelawny.
Additionally, he attended a reception to commemorate 60 years of Canada-Jamaica development cooperation.
Canada was among the first countries Jamaica established diplomatic relations with on gaining Independence in 1962.
Mr. Sajjan said the most notable achievement between the nations is their forging of “shared citizens’ ties”.
“We have many Canadians that originate from Jamaica, having those ties. Our country is richer because they bring the Jamaican cultural experience to Canada” he added.
Mr. Sajjan, who is also Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, said the countries’ relations have created “greater economic ties”.
“When there have been times of need, we have been able to work together to provide support,” he pointed out, citing as an example the nations’ collaboration on defence and military training.
“We have operational support here that provides direct support for the Jamaica Defence Force. When I was Minister of National Defence, I made sure that our relationship increased in that area,” he disclosed.
Mr. Sajjan served as Minister of National Defence in Canada from 2015 to 2021.
Additionally, he said Canada has been one of Jamaica’s trusted bilateral partners over the years.
“There are many things that we have done in the development sector to provide support, but more importantly is the trusted relationship that we have built that has allowed us to do more,” Minister Sajjan added.
