Foreign Minister defends USS Nimitz visit as mission of goodwill

 

 

Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith is urging Jamaicans to think logically about the visit of the USS Nimitz.

 

Mrs. Johnson Smith said the government was advised of the visit earlier this year, explaining that it is a scheduled port visit under an established programme of maritime cooperation and goodwill.

 

Addressing concerns at Wednesday morning's post Cabinet media briefing about the American warship's presence in Jamaica, the minister said the United States has never been shy about demonstrating its military power and the possibility of force where necessary. 

 

"There would be no need to burden themselves with receptions and school paintings and the community football and to use resources in this way in order to send a message of menace or threat. They have not been shy. We have had information as well about the trip. We know what the programmes are. We have engaged as between our governments and as between our defence forces, unlike in any circumstance where they would be on their own national mission, which would be of any greater sensitivity. They would not need to stop in ten countries to preface a visit in Jamaica if they wanted to send a message other than the message which we have received, which is that of goodwill and friendship," she insisted. 

 

Mrs. Johnson Smith said the visit of the USS Nimitz is focused on strengthening ties between Jamaica and the United States.

 

She noted that during the visit, which began on Monday and ends on Friday, crew members will participate in community activities, including school refurbishment projects, sports engagements, and STEM-focused educational programmes.

 

"Rennock Lodge Primary, Grove Primary, Gaynstead High and Clan Carthy High are among the schools that will get a paint refresh and some other positive benefits, physical benefits. While the tours will not include any children under 14, they will include students of some of our tertiary institutions including CMU (Caribbean Maritime University), and to date, I've only heard two high schools, KC and Wolmer's, who will be part of the tours that are allowed on board," the minister outlined.

 

The visit will also include engagements with the Jamaica Defence Force and local universities.