Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith on Thursday formally launched her candidature for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
In a statement made in London where she is currently holding a series of high level meetings, she said she has been able to get support from stakeholders on her bid to lead the 54-nation bloc
“I have been provided with the opportunity to engage with members of the Board of Governors, to listen to their views and interests, and to solicit support from stakeholders,” she said in her statement. “It has been a true privilege to share my vision and my pledge, if appointed, to lead the secretariat in re-energising the delivery of meaningful support to all our Commonwealth member states,”
Johnson Smith pointed out that she got the inspiration to vie for the top joy by the unique relationships that make up the commonwealth
“As a national and representative of a small state, I am truly inspired by the unique relationship that characterises our Commonwealth,” she wrote. “The Commonwealth Charter provides a strong framework for promoting peace and prosperity, as well as modalities for co-operation among our member states, fostering friendship, fraternal dialogue and mutual respect.”
The announcement will certainly create more tension among CARICOM member states
When Jamaica first announced that it was nominating Johnson Smith for the job, the move was criticized by Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, who said it was a “monumental error” that could divide the region.
Browne and Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit have thrown their support behind Dominican- born Patricia Scotland, who is the present Secretary-General and who is seeking a second term in office.
Skerrit had said CARICOM remained consistent in its support for Scotland
The Commonwealth group will elect a new Secretary-General when heads of government meet in Kigali, Rwanda in June.
