Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) backs Brazil pacts but still wary - Welcomes direct flights but cautious about opening new embassy

Published in the Jamaica Gleaner: Wednesday | August 15, 2007

The Opposition is welcoming an agreement signed between the Jamaican Government and Brazil for the introduction of direct flights between the two countries, but is expressing caution about plans to open an embassy in the South American nation.

Last week, during a two-day working visit to Jamaica, Brazil President Luis Ignacio Lula Da Silva and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller announced that an air services agreement signed with the Latin American country in 2006, would see both countries exploring code sharing alliances to destinations beyond Jamaica and Brazil.

On Monday, Mike Henry, Op-position spokesman on Transport, said the Jamaica Labour Party welcomed any opportunity that would open Jamaica to Brazil.

Enhance exposure

"It is important that this kind of channel be opened up because in light too of my proposed position on Vernamfield, you need to have a service provided to the Southern Hemisphere," he pointed out. "And, therefore, flights to Brazil are going to enhance the exposure and the delivery of cargo and personnel."

He also noted that Brazil was also very advanced in aeronautics, which he said Jamaica could capitalise on.

But Karl Samuda, Opposition spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, was more cautious in his blessings on plans by the Government to establish a resident embassy in Brazil.

"I would view that with cautious optimism because, quite frankly, it is something that we would have to examine to determine the effect on our budget and whether or not Brazil could be best served in having an embassy there," Mr. Samuda told The Gleaner.

He pointed out that Jamaica already has embassies in Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago, but was quick to add that if Brazil were to engage Jamaica in major bilateral trade and assistance, then it would be a good move.