Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Extends a Hearty Congratulations to the Jamaican Diaspora on Today's 60th Independence Anniversary

Washington, DC - “It is with immense honor to extend a hearty congratulations to Jamaica, its people, including the diaspora in Florida's 20th Congressional District, on today's 60th Independence Anniversary. The Jamaican diaspora contributes significantly to our district's social, political, and economic development.

“During the Summit of Americas in Los Angeles, I met with Prime Minister Andrew Holness to reaffirm the United States' commitment to strengthen bilateral and trade relations with Jamaica.

“I co-led the Opportunities in the Americas Act to bolster economic engagements and, more specifically, to:

• Improve grid and energy efficiency in the Western Hemisphere to encourage investment, enhance living conditions, and develop clean energy;

• Increase supply chain resiliency, which advances our national security;

• Grant low-interest loans to businesses already engaged in Latin America or the Caribbean to expand their operations; and

• Provide low-interest loans to businesses that relocate from the People's Republic of China to a Latin American or Caribbean country that is a party to a free trade agreement with the United States.

“This legislation plays a crucial role in strengthening the supply chains, making America less dependent on nations outside the hemisphere and stimulating job creation.

“The Opportunities in the Americas Act also represents my unwavering commitment to my constituents from Jamaica, across the region, and Latin America, many of whom frequently engage in commerce in the region and need policies that support their expansion and foster business growth. Low-interest loans are vital to promote innovation and competition and eliminate barriers that prevent businesses from developing. I will continue to fight in Congress for better domestic policies that will lead  our constituents to, better paying jobs, access to health care and affordable housing, and economic prosperity.

“I wish the Jamaican diaspora a prosperous Independence Day.”