NEWS from the
TOWNSHIP OF IRVINGTON
"It is the goal of this administration to investigate and implement any initiative that will improve life in Irvington, and to do so with all due care, commitment and concern."
MAYOR WAYNE SMITH
May 8, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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MAYOR SMITH WELCOMES
HAITIAN MAYOR TO IRVINGTON
In the latest initiative toward the globalization of Irvington’s economic development market, Mayor Wayne Smith today exchanged a letter of intent for a sister city relationship with the mayor of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s largest city and capital.
Smith and Muscadin Jean-Yves Jason signed the agreement before an assembly of municipal directors and staff, including 3 from the island nation---George St. Furcy, fire inspector; Jean Lamothe, housing inspector; and Max Orleans, social case worker.
“Pursuant to the basic principles laid down in the Communique on the Establishing of Diplomatic Relations between the United States of America and Haiti, the Township of Irvington and the City of Port-au-Prince, with a view to promoting mutual understanding and friendship as well as social and economic development and prosperity of both cities, decide to carry out wide-ranging friendly exchanges and cooperation by appropriate means, in line with the principles of friendship, equality and mutual benefit in such fields as economy and trade, science and technology, culture and education, etc.,and ultimately establish sister city relations when conditions are ripe in the future,” the agreement reads. During the ceremony, Smith presented Jason with a Key to the City.
Jason, who has held the office for 2 months, is the first elected mayor following the 9-year absence of a chief executive in the city of 1.3 million. Jason’s visit to NJ follows his appearance last week at a meeting of the National Conference of Black Mayors in Baton Rouge, LA.
Smith returned last week from a 10-day trade mission to Guang Xi, China, where he established a sister city relationship with Fuzgho. In the aftermath of that trip, Smith is meeting with several Chinese businessmen to develop property in Irvington.
In other news concerning Haiti, Irvington will host the Haiti Flag Day parade on Sunday, May 13.
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