Jamaica has welcomed the endorsement, by United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, of Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, for appointment as Commonwealth Secretary General.

Responding to the announcement of the UK’s support, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said it signalled confidence in Johnson Smith’s capabilities and competence.

“The support of the United Kingdom, along with those of other member statesm, indicates that Minister Johnson Smith is increasingly enjoying confidence in her ability to positively transform the Commonwealth in keeping with the hopes and aspirations of its members,” Holness said.

Johnson Smith, in the meantime, has welcomed the UK’s endorsement and the confidence expressed in her abilities.

Johnson Smith has been campaignig across the Commonwealth to succeed Baroness Patricia Scotland, the incumbent secretary-general.

Scotland, who has been nominated by Jamaica’s fellow Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nation, Dominica, will be vying for a second term, leading to division within the region the region over which nominee CARICOM nations will support.

Johnson Smith recently wrapped up a tour of several African countries and was today in Guyana where she continued to meet and share her vision for the Commonwealth with CARICOM Heads of State and Government.

The decision on an appointee as Commonwealth Secretary General will culminate in Kigali, Rwanda in June, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.