[Alberto Figueiredo Machado], who is on a working visit to Jamaica, told The Gleaner ahead of Thursday's signing of three other agreements, that Jamaica's tourist product also stands to benefit significantly from the pending non-visa arrangement. He said that Brazil was one of the first countries to have recognised Jamaica's attainment of Independence in 1962, with his compatriots remaining great admirers of Jamaica's athletes and musicians, among other things. Jamaica's Foreign Affairs and îbreign Trade Minister A. J. Nicholson said attention was paid to the greater role of cooperation in the field of energy, with particular emphasis on the role of biofuels as a key instrument of sustainable development, as well as the strengthening of and support to Jamaica's Sickle Cell Programme.
High Commissioner [Maxine Roberts] was praised for her dedication and commitment to both Jamaica and Jamaican community in the United Kingdom (UK). Manager of National Commercial Bank, UK Operations, Dale Robinson said Miss Roberts was a true friend to the Jamaican businesses operating in the UK.
She said Jamaica is determined to become the model for economic revitalization of the hemisphere and for securing the country's well-being. During the ceremony, [Audrey Marks] was recognized by Martin O'Malley, governor of Maryland, with a citation honoring her as Jamaica's first female ambassador to Washington. The citation was presented by Jamaican-born Shirley Natham-Pulliam, the Maryland House of Assembly delegate.
