relationships, and the uncompromising importance of integrity. The ambassador’s narrative transitioned seamlessly into a broader discourse on the systemic barriers women face and the critical need for structural changes to facilitate women’s economic and social empowerment. She called on leaders, policymakers, and community members to invest in women, highlighting the undeniable return on this investment for society’s broader prosperity and well-being. In closing, Ambassador Marks reiterated the imperative for action, stating, “To forge a future where everyone thrives, we must all contribute to creating a world brimming with opportunities, where women empowerment is the norm not the exception.” THE MONTHLY GLEANER | MARCH 14 - APRIL 13, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS 3 Will ELAINE PACKEEL-DAVIS daughter of the late Simeon Packeel whose last known address is Port Charlotte, Florida 33948-5744 in the United States of America or anyone knowing her whereabouts please urgently contact Delroy Chuck & Co. Attorneys-at-Law 37 East Street, Kingston, Jamaica Telephone: 876-922-4654 Email: info@delroychuckco.com WHEREABOUTS NOTICE FOREIGN AFFAIRS and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has declared Jamaica’s full support for the free movement of all CARICOM nationals within the region, a move that will go beyond the current regime under the Caribbean Single Market and Economy, which allows for the free movement of agreed categories of skilled workers. DURING A meeting of the Standing Finance Committee of Parliament on Wednesday evening, Opposition spokesman on industry, competitiveness and global logistics, Anthony Hylton, quizzed Johnson Smith on Jamaica’s position regarding CARICOM’s thrust to open up free movement of nationals within the regional space. Johnson Smith told lawmakers in the Lower House that coming out of the recent CARICOM meetings the heads of government committed to carry out work on the new arrangement, but will consider amendments to provide for a transitional period of three years. She said proposals are also being made to amend the treaty to secure minimum benefits to a CARICOM national if she moved to live in another CARICOM state. Johnson Smith observed that one member state had indicated that it would not be participating in the move. The Antigua and Barbuda government has said it would not be participating in the full free movement of CARICOM nationals. It contends that full free movement is too much for the country at this point in time. The Antiguan Government is reported to have said that if it allowed the unrestricted flow of CARICOM nationals into its country, it would overwhelm its social services and other aspects of life in the small island. Reiterating Jamaica’s support for full free movement within CARICOM, Johnson Smith said, “The ability to move and work and live would be the most profound way in which nationals can experience CARICOM in a real way.” She said Jamaica continues to play its part in the intergovernmental task force, which is responsible for all the technical work. “I know that they are meeting with the legal affairs committee, as well as all the different arms that are going to be necessary to propose the amendments to the treaty and to propose some clear policy decisions that heads will have to take later this month.” CARICOM heads of government are expected to meet in another week to sign-off on arrangements that would facilitate the free and full movement of CARICOM nationals by the end of March. During a recent press conference following the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, held in Georgetown, Guyana, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley said that the Caribbean Community was on track to fulfil the mandate of the regional body at its 50th historic meeting in Trinidad and Tobago last year. editorial@gleanerjm.com Ja commits to free travel for CARICOM nationals within region Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade NEW YORK: JAMAICA’S AMBASSADOR to the United States, Audrey Marks, on Saturday, pointed to the pivotal role women play in creating a safer and healthier world, and spotlighted the compelling need for women’s economic empowerment. Ambassador Marks’comments came as she addressed the International Women’s Conference hosted by Nevalliance at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, to enhance awareness on women’s issues and generate resources to support women’s growth. “Investing in women is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic global necessity,” Marks emphasised. Highlighting alarming statistics from UN Women, she noted that an additional US$360 billion per year is required by developing countries to achieve gender equality under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Closing gender gaps in employment could boost GDP per capita by an impressive 20 per cent,” Marks added, illustrating the vast economic benefits of gender parity. Yet despite the clear advantages, the current rate of investment in women is woefully inadequate. “At this trajectory, more than 340 million women and girls will still live in extreme poverty by 2030,” Marks lamented, underlining the stark reality faced by millions if immediate action is not taken. This data framed the profound context for this year’s international women’s day theme, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” echoing a worldwide call to action. Marks’ address was not just a presentation of data, but a rallying cry for societal change. She urged attendees and stakeholders worldwide to recognise the crucial role women play in confronting some of the most pressing global challenges today, from geopolitical conflicts and rising poverty levels to the escalating impacts of climate change. “As half of the world’s population, women are not just participants, but key drivers of economic growth and societal contributions,” Marks asserted. She drew attention to the diverse roles women occupy, from scientists and military members to entrepreneurs, educators, and political leaders, underscoring their essential contributions across the spectrum of human endeavour. Marks called on women to step forward as active participants in the fight for gender equality. Emphasising the conference’s theme,“leading ladies,” She championed the idea that women must not only advocate for change, but embody it, inspiring others by becoming exemplary figures in all spheres of life. “We must all become leading ladies in our own right,” Marks declared, invoking the collective power and responsibility of women worldwide. Marks’ speech encapsulated the vision of women not just as contributors, but as pioneers at the forefront of societal progress. Echoing Melinda Gates’ sentiment on empowering daughters to find their voice, Marks emphasised the importance of role modelling for the next generation. “Let us be the change we wish to see,” she urged, calling on women to lead by example and show the world the strength and capability inherent in female leadership. Marks stressed the importance of visibility and influence, asserting that role models are needed at all levels of society to foster a culture that values and enables women. Reflecting on her own experiences, Marks shared powerful lessons on embracing innovation, the value of ‘We must all become leading ladies’ - Amb Marks Champions women’s economic empowerment at international conference Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks (second from right) with (from left) Dr. Neva Alexander, chief executive officer, Nevalliance; Jamaica’s consul general in New York, Alsion Wilson; former P resident of the Jamaica Nurses Group of New York( JAGYN )Claudette Powell;Past presidents of the Union of Jamaica Alumni Association (UJAA) Karlene Largie, and Lesleyann Samuels. She was at the International Women’s Conference hosted by Nevalliance at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York on Saturday March 9. PHOTOS BY DERRICK SCOTT Ambassador Audrey Marks receive a warm welcome from New York State Senator Kevin Parker on her arrival at International Women’s Conference to deliver the keynote address at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York on Saturday March 9. Looking on from left are: Jamaica’s consul general in New York, Alsion Wilson, and Dr. Neva Alexander, chief executive officer, Neva Alliance.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=