G-G Hails Friendship, Support from Int’l Community During Hurricane Recovery

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has commended the international partners for their continued friendship and support to Jamaica, particularly as the country recovers from the impact of Hurricane Melissa.

The Governor-General, who was addressing the annual Diplomatic Dinner at King’s House on Thursday (March 19), told the envoys that Jamaica has been strengthened by the strong outpouring of solidarity displayed by their countries and institutions.

“It was heartening to witness the quick and decisive responses to relief and also to the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts in Jamaica. We never felt alone,” he said.

He noted that Jamaica values the technical cooperation and capacity-building support provided by the governments, especially in areas such as agriculture, education, health, justice system, disaster risk reduction and mitigation.

The Diplomatic Dinner, under the theme ‘Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Future’, was the culmination of the annual Diplomatic Days (Diplomatic Week) from March 17 to 19, including technical and ministerial briefings for the diplomatic corps.

The Governor-General noted the significance of Diplomatic Days in illustrating the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between Jamaica and its overseas partners.

He said that the occasion provided a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm Jamaica’s commitment to international diplomacy, partnership, and sustainable development.

The Governor-General noted Jamaica’s dedication to cultivating strong, beneficial, and cooperative alliances as the nation works towards shared sustainability goals.

He told the diplomats that they have a key role to play in this regard, noting the investments and trade that they facilitate between Jamaica and their respective countries.

“Equally significant is your contribution to fostering people-to-people connections, including through cultural exchanges, educational collaboration, political consultations. These engagements deepen mutual understandings and help to build trust. Your cooperation and support give true meaning to our thinking for Diplomatic Days,” he pointed out.

The Governor-General said that Jamaica is privileged to host the diplomatic corps, which included 26 resident ambassadors and high commissioners and 15 non-resident heads of mission.

He welcomed the new resident and non-resident mission heads, who presented their credentials earlier in the week.

These are Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, His Excellency Efthymios Efthymiades; Ambassador of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Tariq Othman Al-Othman; High Commissioner of the Republic of Rwanda, His Excellency Martin Ngoga; Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, His Excellency Aytaç Yılmaz; and High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta, His Excellency George Borg.

“We honour the contributions of those who have ended their tour and we rekindle our commitment to cooperation with the newly appointed members,” the Governor-General said.

“Our gathering provides a unique opportunity to connect, to reflect and to deepen the bonds of friendship that Jamaica shares with your countries,” he added.

The Governor-General said that the role of the diplomat has become even more significant given the current complex geopolitical dynamics and urgent global challenges.

“Diplomats help to shape a world where cooperation triumphs every day over conflict. Through dialogues, partnerships and mutual respect, diplomacy creates the conditions necessary for meaningful progress. Jamaica affirms its commitment to dialogue, to cooperation and principled partnership with you. Let us continue to champion diplomacy as a force for constructive change,” he stated.