PM Holness to address Delaware State University graduation
Published:Thursday | May 9, 2024 | 4:30 PM
Prime Minister Andrew Holness will on Friday deliver the commencement address at Delaware State University in the United States.
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, Allen welcomed 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 US.
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 Holness will be delivering the school's commencement address as 38 students from Jamaica will also be among the graduates of the institution.
Allen pointed out that Jamaica was the anchor within the school's international portfolio which he described as extremely diverse.
Holness thanked the university for the warm hospitality and welcome that he received.
He said he 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,” Holness said.
He added that based on the interactions he had with students today, the relationship between universities in Jamaica and Delaware State University is a meaningful one and adds value.
On Thursday evening, the Governor of Delaware John McCarney and Allen will host Holness at a State dinner in his honour.
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