Haitian president arrives in Jamaica for three-day state visit

Kingston, Jamaica (JIS) — At just after 4:00 pm on Wednesday, a private aircraft with president of Haiti, Michel Martelly on board, landed at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston.

Martelly and a 11-member delegation are in Jamaica for a three-day state visit, when he is slated to participate in talks on a range of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues with the Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and members of the Cabinet, heads of executive agencies and the private sector.

Members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) gave a 21-gun salute, as the plane entered Jamaican airspace.

Martelly was met at the steps of the plane by Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador Elinor Felix and Chief of Defence Staff, JDF, Major General Antony Anderson, who escorted him to the saluting dais for the playing of the National Anthem.

After inspecting the guard of honour formed by the First Battalion, Jamaica Regiment, the president returned to the dais for a second playing of the National Anthem.

On hand to welcome the Haitian president were Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen; Prime Minister Simpson Miller; and leader of the opposition, Andrew Holness.

He was then introduced to the government team on hand by Simpson Miller

During his visit, the Haitian president will meet with the governor-general, the prime minister and leader of the opposition. He will also hold talks with Simpson Miller and members of the Cabinet, heads of executive agencies and the private sector on a range of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. Among the areas to be discussed are security, trade and investment, tourism, sport and culture and CARICOM assistance to Haiti.

The Haitian leader will also visit the JDF and Jamaica Broilers in St Catherine. He will also lay a wreath at the monument of Venezuelan liberator Simon Bolivar and meet with members of the Haitian community in Jamaica.

In welcoming the visit of Haitian president, Simpson Miller said it will serve to deepen the longstanding friendship that both countries enjoy.

“As one of our closest neighbours, Haiti has always been a great friend of this country and I look forward to strengthening the bilateral ties that will enhance the growth and development of both Haiti and Jamaica,” she said.

Martelly is also accompanied on his trip by representatives from the Haitian private sector and members of his security detail.

Martelly and his delegation will leave the island on Friday.