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Jamaica to pay $173m in membership fees to international organisations

Published:Thursday | May 5, 2016 | 12:00 AM
AP
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith addresses the United Nations special session on global drug policy, on April 20 at UN headquarters.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it has set aside some $173 million to pay membership fees that Jamaica owes to various international organisations.

Portfolio Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith made the announcement during her presentation at the standing finance committee in Parliament yesterday.

She says international organisations are of strategic importance to the country and failure to pay membership fees could negatively impact the country.

 

Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith.

Johnson Smith also explained that Jamaica is still considering withdrawing its membership from the G-15 because the country isn't reaping adequate benefits from its membership.

 

Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith.

Jamaica currently has membership in more than 40 international organisations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and the Organisation Of American States.