JAMAICA | Prime Minister Andrew Holness to address DSU Graduation -Will Receive Hon Doctorate

DOVER, Delaware, United States, May 9, 2024 - Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness will on Friday May May 10 deliver the commencement address at Delaware State University in the United States and receive an honorary doctorate from that University.

President of the University Dr. Tony Allen said this was the first time in the university’s 132 year history that a sitting head of government will be addressing a graduation ceremony.

Speaking at a luncheon held by the university in the prime minister's honour on the school’s campus, Dr. Allen welcomed PM Holness, pointing out that this was a historic occasion for the university,  which is a leading institution in the 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the United States.

He said it was also a significant occasion because of the relationship that the university shares with Jamaica and The University of the West Indies.

The President said he was delighted that Prime Minister Holness will be delivering the school’s commencement address as 38 students from Jamaica will also be among the graduates of the institution.

Dr Allen pointed out that Jamaica was the anchor within the school’s international portfolio which he has described as extremely diverse.

In responding to the welcome, Prime Minister Andrew Holness thanked Delaware State University for the warm hospitality and welcome that he has received.

He said he has had the chance to see the university at work to see its research and to interact with faculty and students.

“I was already convinced but now it's confirmed, based on my tour earlier today, that this is a great institution. You're doing meaningful work to improve the lives of your citizens as well as globally. And Jamaica is indeed very grateful to have partnerships with your institution and indeed we see the benefits from it”, PM Holness said.

Prime Minister Holness added that based on the interactions he has had with students today, the relationship between the universities in Jamaica and Delaware State University is a meaningful one and adds value.

On Thursday Evening the Democratic Governor of Delaware Mr. John Carney and the President of Delaware State University Dr. Tony Allen will host Prime Minister Holness at a State dinner in his honour.

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