May 25, 2006

Dear Sirs: Mesdames:

  I am a regular reader of Beijing Review. I make particular mention of Vol 49 No 7 February 16 2006. The People & Points article entitled Chile’s Madam President to be more specific.

 Your article made reference to a trend of “women gaining power worldwide”. Since that time, on March 30, 2006 the Honourable Portia Simpson Miller became Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister.

 We are interested in discussing with you a possible feature on Jamaica in the light of the closer business, trading and cultural partnerships that are being pursued by our countries. As you are aware Jamaica has recently set up an Embassy in China to strengthen the areas of collaboration between both countries.

 Two years ago we received Preferred Trading Status from the Government of China and have the benefit of the assistance of the Chinese Government with many of our major developmental projects currently being completed here in Jamaica.

——Raymond Pryce

Special Advisor to the Honorable Aloun Ndombet Assamba

Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture