Heads of Missions to Get Updates on New Developments During Diplomatic Week

Diplomatic Week presents an opportunity for Jamaica to engage with its Heads of Missions and provide updates on the country’s political, economic, cultural and social landscape, says Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith. 

She was providing details on activities for the week during a recent JIS Think Tank. 

Diplomatic Week 2025 will be observed from March 10 to 14, under the theme ‘Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development’. 

Minister Johnson Smith said the annual observance remains relevant, providing for outreach and engagement with traditional and non-traditional partners.  

“Each year is important because there is a rotation of Heads of Missions. Every year there are new developments nationally and internationally and the aim is to be able to update, primarily, our nonresident diplomatic partners and our nonresident Heads of Missions,” she pointed out. 

She noted that during Diplomatic Week, the Heads of Missions not only receive ministerial briefings but also have the opportunity to meet with Cabinet ministers to discuss matters of importance.  

In addition, the diplomats will get updates from the Bank of Jamaica, the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Tax Administration Jamaica and Jamaica Customs Agency. 

Minister Johnson Smith highlighted the importance of addressing technical issues that developing countries face, as well as broader areas of development.  

She said that achieving development goals is grounded in partnerships, particularly with countries already committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)   

“Coming to a place like Jamaica, being on the ground and experiencing some of what we are going through or contextualising some of the information that they may receive formally is actually a really critical part of diplomatic engagement,” she added.