ARTURO A Valenzuela, the United States assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere Affairs, is to visit Jamaica during a five-day trip to the Caribbean from July 25 to 30 that will also include stops in the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago.

According to a press release posted on the US State Department's website yesterday, Valenzuela will meet with senior officials to discuss issues of mutual interest, including the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, economic opportunity and competiveness, energy, environment, and health initiatives.

"While in The Bahamas, the Assistant Secretary will meet with high level government officials, Bahamian journalists, business leaders, and prominent members of academia," the release stated.

"Assistant Secretary Valenzuela will then travel to Jamaica where he will meet with senior government officials, as well as young Jamaican entrepreneurs, youth advocates, social/community-based activists, and leaders of the academic and business communities," it added.

Valenzuela, it said, will conclude his trip in Trinidad and Tobago, where he will meet with newly elected and appointed government officials. He also will meet with academics and students, local media representatives, and community leaders.

VALENZUELA... will meet with senior government officials as well as young entrepreneurs and youth advocates in Jamaica