Jamaica: Regional Director of UNICEF LAC meets PM Holness to discuss strategies

World, Jamaica: Prime Minister of Jamaica – Andrew Holness, met with Regional Director of UNICEF in Latin America – Jean Gough, to discuss the strategies that could contribute to the reduction of the violence against children.

It was a productive discussion that witnessed conversation on education, early childhood and social protection.

The Regional Director further assured that the UNICEF in Jamaica will always stand firm and work with the Government of Jamaica.

“Education, early childhood and social protection – all strategies to reduce violence against children that I enjoyed productive discussions about with Prime Minister Andrew Holness today and for which UNICEF Jamaica stands ready to assist the Government of Jamaica,” Gough stated.

She started her trip to Jamaica on April 5, 2022 (Tuesday). On the first day of tour, she visited the Women Centre of Jamaica Foundation, where the teenage mothers’ parent skills are enhanced through some new programs.

“I started my visit in Jamaica at the women’s centre JA, where UNICEF Jamaica is supporting a new program for parents to strength teenage mothers’ parenting skills and get their education back on track,” she further stated.

Earlier, on March 31, the regional director had a tour to Suriname, where she met with President Chan Santokhi and discussed the challenges and opportunities for children’s education and mental health. I reiterated UNICEF in Guyana and Suriname’s commitment to support Suriname and ensure that no child is left behind.

During this tour, she also met with the First Lady of Suriname – Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry. Both leaders listened to the concerns of young people and talked about solutions to protect their mental health, especially after the impact of the pandemic COVID-19.

While expressing the pleasure, she wrote, “It was a pleasure to meet with the First Lady of Suriname, Mellisa Santokhi-Seenacherry.”