Jamaican political leaders have expressed congratulations to US President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris, who were both sworn in during Wednesday’s (January 20) inauguration ceremony at the Capitol.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, reacting to the historic occasion, said he looks forward to continuing a sustained partnership with the US.

“On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I congratulate Joe Biden on his inauguration as the 46th President of the United States of America and Kamala Harris as the first female, first black Vice President,” he began.

“I look forward to working with President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the new Administration as we continue the vibrant partnership enjoyed between Jamaica and the United States of America,’ Holness added.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding also chimed in his congratulations to the newly sworn American leaders, singling out Harris for a ‘Jamaican style welcome’ on her return to the island.

“I join Jamaicans here and abroad in extending a hearty congratulations to Kamala Harris on being elected Vice President of the United States of America,” Golding noted.

“It is with a great sense of pride that we’ve watched her meteoric rise in several offices and now to the Vice Presidency. We look forward to her visit to Jamaica so we can congratulate and welcome her in true Jamaican style,” the opposition leader continued.

For her part, Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, hailing the US as “a key ally and a major development partner”, noted Jamaica values its close friendship with the North American superpower.

“It is a relationship that has been shaped by mutually beneficial cooperation, deep historical and cultural ties, mutual respect for the rule of law and human rights, as well as the large Jamaican Diaspora in the United States,” she said.

“The Government and people of Jamaica look forward to the further deepening of this strong and active partnership, under the Biden-Harris administration. We convey our best wishes to President Biden and his administration as the world seeks to navigate these challenging times,” Senator Johnson Smith added.