Obama hails Jamaica

KINGSTON – Barely a week after Jamaica handed over alleged drug lord Christopher “Dudus” Coke to the United States, President Barack Obama has hailed joint efforts to counter the growing threat of narcotics and weapons trafficking as the “hallmark” of the close relationship between the countries.President Obama made the statement Monday while accepting the letter of credence for newly appointed ambassador of Jamaica to the United States, Audrey Marks, at the White House in Washington DC.“The hallmark of our close collaboration has been our joint efforts to counter the growing threat poised by narcotics and weapons trafficking to the security of our citizens and our economies,” President Obama said.He noted that for the past 48 years Jamaica and the United States had shared a long history of friendship based on a mutual commitment to democracy, prosperity and security in the Caribbean region. (Jamaica Gleaner)