President of India in Jamaica
The President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind,
landed at the Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston, Jamaica in the
evening of May 15, 2022, where he was received by Governor General of Jamaica,
H.E. The Most Hon Sir Patrick Allen, Prime Minister of Jamaica, H.E. Andrew
Holness and other dignitaries. The President was accorded a guard of honour on
his arrival.
This is the first ever visit of an Indian
President to Jamaica which is taking place in the 60th anniversary year of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
President’s
engagements
Yesterday (May 16, 2022), the President
commenced his engagements by visiting the National Heroes Park in Kingston to
pay his tributes to Marcus Garvey. Subsequently, he visited King’s House- the
official residence of the Governor General of Jamaica - to meet Governor
General Sir Patrick Allen. During the discussion, the President thanked the
Governor General for the warm welcome and hospitality. The two leaders
discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of IT and related services,
medical and pharma sector, sports and education, tourism and hospitality
industry and development partnership.
The President noted that there is steady
growth in bilateral trade and economic and commercial interactions between
India and Jamaica despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The concept of
South-South Cooperation
Speaking about development partnership
and education between the two countries, the President said that India remains
steadfast in its commitment to share its experience, knowledge and skills
acquired in its development journey, with fellow developing countries such as
Jamaica. Our development partnership activities are firmly rooted in the
concept of South-South Cooperation and based on the principles of voluntary
partnership in line with national priorities of our partners… India is happy to
offer an increase in ITEC slots from 30 to 50.
The President said that there is huge
potential for collaboration in the service sector and knowledge economy between
the two countries. He was happy to note Jamaica’s interest in collaboration in
the field of education, especially among educational institutions. He said that
India welcomes Jamaica’s interest in hosting a branch of an Indian educational
institution in one of its universities.
Exchange of MoU in
the presence of the President and PM Holness
Following the meeting, the President and
Prime Minister Holness witnessed the signing and exchange of anMoU between
Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSFSI) and Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica on cooperation in the field of diplomatic
training. This MoU will also facilitate close academic and training exchange
for Foreign Service officers of Jamaica in the SSFSI.
Subsequently,
the President visited Downtown Kingston where he inaugurated Ambedkar Avenue...the
President said that Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar introduced progressive ideals for the
social and economic empowerment of the depressed classes in the Constitution.
He educated and inspired the people for the goal of removing inequality.
In the final engagement of the day, the
President attended the Indian Community and friends of India Reception hosted
by Shri Masakui Rungsung, High Commissioner of India to Jamaica.
We are very proud
of the achievements of the Indian community in Jamaica.
