Proud I am that the only UN body that is headquartered in a developing country is in Jamaica. It is a big deal. Other UN organs, such as the WHO and the ILO, are based in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a relatively small country with a 9.1 million population. Importantly, it is a neutral country, which right through the global wars and the cold war stayed peaceful. Although it has healthy relations with the American-led NATO, it is not a member and has maintained this for decades.

Not being involved in wars, Geneva, although not the capital, is a ‘Mecca’ of peace and, therefore, an ideal place for real international relations.

Jamaica and the Anglophone Caribbean, on the whole, comprise a zone of peace. We are special and privileged that there are no hostilities among us. We welcome many, are not in war with any, and, therefore, present a wonderful template for the hosting of international events and entities. Certainly, though, it is if we can afford to.