Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley is hoping members of the independent benches will support the amendments to the Strategic Services Agency bill. Addressing students at the Medgar Evers College in New York on Saturday, Prime Minister Rowley took the opportunity to bring the diaspora up-to-date on his government’s stewardship since taking office over 8 months ago.

He told the students about government’s attempts to increase the country’s crime detection rate by expanding the powers of the Strategic Services Agency. He said while the bill was passed in the Lower House, he is hoping the independent senators will give their support in the Upper House.

Meanwhile, Dr. Rowley believes certification must not be the main goal of education, but rather a means of self development. While noting the importance of education in the development of society’s greatest resource, Dr. Rowley told the students learning is a life long journey.

Before arriving in New York, Prime Miniser Rowley and a delegation met with U.S. Vice president Joe Biden. They discussed a number of issues including bilateral trade, climate change, terrorism and falling energy prices. Dr. Rowley said these discussions will continue.