British High Commissioner Howard Drake and Canadian High Commissioner Stephen Hallihan recently paid a courtesy call on Minister Mike Henry. The courtesy call was made against the background of the International Air Services Negotiations (ICAN) which is being held in Jamaica between June 27 and July 2, 2010.

Minister Henry used the opportunity to give a comprehensive overview of the conference and Jamaica’s expectations. He told both visiting diplomats that he would welcome whatever support and guidance they could provide in the hosting of the conference and the wider issue of signing open skies agreements with countries which will be in attendance at ICAN.

Colonel Oscar Derby, Director General of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority also endorsed the conference and noted that one aim of the conference will be to allow for the removal of restrictions regarding air travel which will ultimately improve commerce and business among countries.

 Also at the meeting was Permanent Secretary Dr. Alwin Hales who explained aspects of the privatization process of the country’s airports. For their part, both visiting diplomats, Messrs. Hallihan and Drake expressed their delight at meeting with Minister Henry and pledged their support for the conference and other areas of Jamaica’s economic and social landscape.

Allied matters discussed included the Vernamfield Development Project, the privatization of Norman Manley International Airport and other aerodromes and the merger between Caribbean Airlines and Air Jamaica. Other persons in the meeting were Ms. Ariel Bowen, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ms. Valerie Simpson, Director of Policy, MTW and Ms. Denniesa Hinds, Acting. Policy Officer