In solidarity...

The September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States represented a total disregard for democratic values and human rights. This assault on humanity struck at the heart of a very close and valued friend.

Jamaica and the United States have had strong historic links spanning several decades. These include co-operation in areas which impact on the economic, social and political development of the country, an indication that the two are heavily integrated.

In the area of business, much of our imports come from the US and some 70 per cent of our tourists is from that country. American Airlines is a key player in the tourism sector with its daily flights to Jamaica. The US is also a significant investor in the sector, Jamaica's primary foreign exchange earner.

America has been the favourite destination for Jamaicans, indeed in the region of three million people with Jamaican roots now live in the Superpower. Many are making important contributions to the economic and social advancement of their adopted homeland in vital sectors. Their remittances are also important to the economy of Jamaica.

It is a most stressful time in the history of America and mankind. The loss of and damage to property is horrendous; more than 6,000 people, including 11 Jamaicans, are still missing following the attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Fifty thousand people and their families have been dislocated. A sharp and reverberating shock to the world economy will occur.

But it is a time for us to unite as democratic societies to fight international terrorism. This is essential for security, essential for peace and essential for the stability of the world. We must tirelessly defend justice and democracy.

The world community must co-operate, unite in this fight. After all, these terrible terrorist attacks are also directed against us all, against open, democratic, multicultural and tolerant societies. Jamaica, through Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, has already signalled its intension to join the struggle against terrorist acts.

This is a special Gleaner supplement, a show of support and solidarity for the Government and people of the United States in their time of grief. We feel their horror and we share in their sorrow.