IMPACT ON JAMAICA

Jamaica, UK Ministers talk counter- narcotics, terrorism

Jamaica's Minister of National Security, Dr Peter Phillips last week met with Dr Kim Howells, Minister of State in Britain's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) responsible for Counter Narcotics, Counter Terrorism, Counter Proliferation, Conflict Issues, the Middle East, Afghanistan and South Asia, and UN Reform.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed a number of issues, relating to the ongoing cooperation between the UK and Jamaica including the trans-national trade in illegal narcotics, the related issue of guns and ammunition, and their impact on the crime rate. They also discussed the current social intervention initiatives which are partly funded by the UK government.

The discussions also centered on regional and international security concerns and bilateral trade matters. Howells also stressed the historical and current importance of Jamaica to the United Kingdom, and the need for continued collaboration between both countries. 

Howells also spoke to his government's provision of technical assistance and their contribution to the engagement of international police officers for the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Dr Kim Howells MP was appointed Minister of State at the FCO Office in May 2005. He was previously Minister of State at the Department for Education and Skills. He has also held Ministerial posts at the Department for Transport, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Department for Trade and Industry. (Caribbean Net News)