For USAID 53rd Anniversary

On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I am delighted to offer sincere congratulations to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Team on the significant achievement of 53 years of outstanding service to helping to improve the lives of people around the world. The 53 years of service in the areas of health, education, trade, agriculture and food security, poverty eradication, nutrition support, water and sanitation, climate change, democracy, governance and human rights, conflict resolution and peace building among others, translates into millions of lives saved, and enormous amounts of human and financial resources invested in the provision of vital development assistance.

The world is undoubtedly a better place today as a result of the active developmental engagement of USAID even in situations of raging conflict. I commend the countless men and women who brave adverse social, economic, environmental and political conflict to deliver these vital services. It is safe to say that USAID’s excellent track record of delivering so generously, aid on behalf of the people of the United States of America, is built on the sacrifices, bravery and selflessness of its staff and volunteers.

Jamaica has been a grateful recipient of USAID interventions and contributions for 52 years. Over these years, the bonds of cooperation and friendship between our governments and people have grown significantly. The United States remains a vital development partner for Jamaica and a trusted ally of our people.

Whether it has been in the field of improving education infrastructure and delivery, reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, promoting economic prosperity, reducing vulnerability to climate change, capacity building for civil society groups, or promoting good governance practices, USAID has been a consistent and reliable force for positive global and local change. Jamaica has, over the years, been the thankful beneficiary of several helpful programmes under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, the President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS and the Global Climate Change Initiative.

As we continue to collaborate in a framework of mutual respect, Jamaica commits to being a dependable ally as we work together with governments and agencies like USAID to improve the standard of living of our people.

Please accept my very warm regards and best wishes for many more years of quality life-changing service to the countries and peoples of the world.

Portia Simpson Miller ON, MP
Prime Minister

October 15, 2014