Apparently, Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller is coming under some criticism for appearing to politicise President Barack Obama's visit. Her hasty announcement in Parliament on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 came prior to Opposition spokesperson on finance Audley Shaw's presentation Maybe it as aimed at watering down his impact.
A state visit is a formal visit by a head of state to a foreign country at the invitation of that country's head of state, with the latter also acting as the official host for the duration of the visit. However, in this instance it was President Obama who initiated the visit.
Since that announcement by the prime minister, US officials have said that it is primarily a working visit with Caricom leaders and that the meeting will be chaired by both President Obama and Prime Minister of The Bahamas Perry Christie, who chairs Caricom.
Some supporters, including prominent leaders of the governing People's National Party, have gone on an intense social media campaign following the PM's announcement in Parliament ridiculing the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party for its leader Andrew Holness's non-invitation to the quick meetings. It really is pathetic and terribly immature that some find politics in absolutely everything. It's also unfortunate that the governing party missed out on a grand opportunity to show unity and common purpose in these challenging times. Thankfully, US presidents tend to be cautious about state and official visits that may be politicised, especially in the context of an upcoming national election.
Delano Seiveright
delanoseiveright@yahoo.com
Sad politicising of Obama's visit
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A state visit is a formal visit by a head of state to a foreign country at the invitation of that country's head of state, with the latter also acting as the official host for the duration of the visit. However, in this instance it was President Obama who initiated the visit.
Since that announcement by the prime minister, US officials have said that it is primarily a working visit with Caricom leaders and that the meeting will be chaired by both President Obama and Prime Minister of The Bahamas Perry Christie, who chairs Caricom.
Some supporters, including prominent leaders of the governing People's National Party, have gone on an intense social media campaign following the PM's announcement in Parliament ridiculing the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party for its leader Andrew Holness's non-invitation to the quick meetings. It really is pathetic and terribly immature that some find politics in absolutely everything. It's also unfortunate that the governing party missed out on a grand opportunity to show unity and common purpose in these challenging times. Thankfully, US presidents tend to be cautious about state and official visits that may be politicised, especially in the context of an upcoming national election.
Delano Seiveright
delanoseiveright@yahoo.com
Sad politicising of Obama's visit
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