The United Kingdom's Department for International
Development (DFID) will be giving the Caribbean ₤46 million over the next three
years to assist the process of economic and social transformation.
The assistance will focus on crime, climate change and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Britain's Minister of State for Trade and Development, Gareth Thomas, announced the assistance programme Monday morning.
The British minister is in the region for Wednesday's signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Europe and CARIFORUM states, which includes the 15 CARICOM countries and the Dominican Republic.
Combating crime, climate change & HIV/AIDS
Mr. Thomas stopped off in Jamaica enroute to Barbados to examine some DFID assisted projects here, as well as to launch the Department's latest Caribbean Regional Development Strategy.
That strategy is underpinned by the ₤46 million, which will be directed at tackling the three main problem areas identified, as well as to improve the region's competitiveness in preparation for trade with Europe.
Some of the money will be used to improve the region's capacity to respond to hurricanes and other events influenced by climate change.
With major reductions in crime, Mr. Thomas believes Jamaica and the other Caribbean states will see significant improvements in their Gross Domestic Product.
Stop discriminating - Thomas
And according to the minister, the fight against HIV and AIDS will only succeed if there is an end to discrimination against homosexuals.
"It's clear to me that we all need to step up our efforts to combat that discrimination especially with HIV and AIDS which is perceived to be, quite wrongly, a disease affecting gay people ... it's not that and we need to challenge that notion at every turn," explained Mr. Thomas.
He said he discussed the homosexuality issue with Prime Minister Bruce Golding Monday morning and was pleased with his response.
The assistance will focus on crime, climate change and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Britain's Minister of State for Trade and Development, Gareth Thomas, announced the assistance programme Monday morning.
The British minister is in the region for Wednesday's signing of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Europe and CARIFORUM states, which includes the 15 CARICOM countries and the Dominican Republic.
Combating crime, climate change & HIV/AIDS
Mr. Thomas stopped off in Jamaica enroute to Barbados to examine some DFID assisted projects here, as well as to launch the Department's latest Caribbean Regional Development Strategy.
That strategy is underpinned by the ₤46 million, which will be directed at tackling the three main problem areas identified, as well as to improve the region's competitiveness in preparation for trade with Europe.
Some of the money will be used to improve the region's capacity to respond to hurricanes and other events influenced by climate change.
With major reductions in crime, Mr. Thomas believes Jamaica and the other Caribbean states will see significant improvements in their Gross Domestic Product.
Stop discriminating - Thomas
And according to the minister, the fight against HIV and AIDS will only succeed if there is an end to discrimination against homosexuals.
"It's clear to me that we all need to step up our efforts to combat that discrimination especially with HIV and AIDS which is perceived to be, quite wrongly, a disease affecting gay people ... it's not that and we need to challenge that notion at every turn," explained Mr. Thomas.
He said he discussed the homosexuality issue with Prime Minister Bruce Golding Monday morning and was pleased with his response.
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