This morning, the monthly meeting of the Canadian Women’s Club was held, for which I am the secretary. This is a philanthropic club and it has been around for decades. The CWC has done a lot of good in Kingston, for example, it recently provided new computer monitors to Alpha Boys School.

We received a visit from the new High Commissioner, Mr. Robert Ready, who arrived in Jamaica last fall. The Canadian High Commission allows us to hold our meetings there and the High Commissioner’s spouse is usually the honourary vice-president.

Mr. Ready spoke with us briefly. He is a charming man and indicated a willingness to work with the CWC and Canadians in Kingston in general. He also remarked upon a situation that is on a lot of people’s minds today: the looming IMF deal. IMF officials are in Kingston right now, trying to hammer out the conditions Jamaica must meet to receive a new round of funding. Jamaica is in some dire financial straits: its debt is currently 140 per cent of its GDP, something like $1.7 trillion. The Prime Minister gave an unprecedented national address last night with Finance Minister Peter Paulwell, during which she admitted that Jamaica faces a “dismal future” if the debt situation is not resolved. Apparently, the police were on high alert last night as the nation watched the address.

In terms of Canada’s role , Mr. Ready said that it will continue to be a friend and partner to Jamaica as it faces this difficult situation. He also said that while it is a pretty serious situation, he expects a deal will be reached. “That’s when the hard work really begins,” he said, adding that Canada will provide technical, moral and financial support.