A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Buem Constituency in the Oti Region, Mr Chris Addy-Nayo, has called for a closer collaboration between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Jamaica’s opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

Mr Addy-Nayo made the call when he paid a working visit to the Leader of Jamaica’s opposition PNP, the Rt. Honorable Peter Phillips in Jamaica.

According to him there is the need for more proactive relationship between the NDC and the PNP to influence developments and policy positions within the family of the Socialist Internationals.

He noted that the PNP is NDC’s partner within the family of international Socialist Parties, the Socialist International.

Mr Addy-Nayo pointed out that some of the areas the two countries can work on are agriculture, education, youth development, etc.

He also called for collaborations between the University of West Indies and Ghanaian Universities to foster Research and Innovation in the education sectors to promote South-South cooperation and development.

On his part, the Rt. Hon. Phillips called for closer relationship between the Caribbean and Africa and to develop their common bond, culture and interests for the development of both regions.

The Jamaica’s Opposition Leader said there is the need for youth exchanges between the two political parties to share South–South experiences and best practices to understand both countries political systems, and build comradeship for the development of both countries and their regions.

He explained that at the international level, Jamaica has been a close ally of Ghana. Rt. Hon. Phillips revealed that Ghana’s first President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah took a lot of inspiration from one of Jamaica’s National heroes and foremost politician Marcus Garvey to lead the drive to independence.

Subsequently, Ghana’s shipping line the Black Stars, its insignia in the middle of the National flag and football team were all named after Marcus Garvey’s shipping line the Black Stars. Overtime politicians from both countries including PJ Paterson, Flt Lt JJ Rawlings continued to build a strong relationship with each country supporting each other’s Declarations at the United Nations. He added.

The meeting which was attended by the Secretary-General of the PNP, Mr. Julian Robinson discussed global challenges facing developing countries and Socialist Parties.

Amongst the issues discussed includes; Climate Change, International Security, worsening global Human Rights, growing debt levels of developing countries leading to pressure on Socialist interventions in developing countries to lead the masses out of poverty.

Until he (Rt. Hon. Phillips) assumed Leadership of the PNP, he was the Finance Minister of Jamaica under Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller.