PNP seeking to restore Jamaica as respected voice on international issues

By Kimone Witter    

 

Opposition Spokesperson for Foreign & Regional Affairs Dr. Angela Brown Burke says the People's National Party will be seeking to return Jamaica to the position of a powerhouse on regional and international affairs.

 

Dr. Brown Burke, who was appointed to the role during the shadow cabinet reshuffle last weekend, says as was demonstrated in a recent international faux pas, Jamaica can no longer be relied on for a principled stand on issues.

 

In October, Jamaica missed a crucial vote of the UN General Assembly calling for a humanitarian truce in the Israel-Gaza war.  

 

Dr. Brown Burke says the PNP is looking for a different era in foreign affairs. 

 

"The first thing really is around the international cooperation. There's so much happening around the world. We have started to talk about some of the things. Whether it is Cuba, we have been consistent on that. Whether it is Palestine-Gaza, or Palestine-Israel, I've spoken about that not so long ago as well. As part of the African diaspora, we haven't done much with that. The Jamaican diaspora is also waiting to hear from us as well. And so there's so many areas and so many things that we need to do," she revealed. 

 

Addressing apprehension towards her appointment, the opposition spokesperson said she has a lot to offer. 

 

"I'm looking forward to it, and I'm not daunted by the prospect at all. I believe that persons will see in the days and months to come that it is a very important portfolio that I am prepared to deal with."