Kingston to Host Delegation From Lecce, Italy

A delegation from Lecce, Italy, will be visiting Kingston as part of discussions aimed at formalising areas of cooperation between Jamaica and Italy.

This was announced by Kingston Mayor, Councillor Andrew Swaby, during the recent monthly meeting of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC).

He said the KSAMC had previously signed a framework for cooperation between Kingston and St. Andrew and Lecce, covering areas of mutual interest.

The Mayor noted that these areas include culture and the creative industries, education, tourism, commerce and enterprise, local government, and shared historical heritage, noting that “this framework now gives those areas… an institutional foundation”.

Councillor Swaby indicated that the cooperation has the potential to generate significant commercial opportunities.

“This partnership has considerable scope for Kingston and St. Andrew to benefit from relationships, knowledge and opportunity. This is what international partnership is about – opening the doors for our people, creating opportunities for businesses and young people, and allowing Kingston to share its strength with the world while learning from others,” he emphasised.

Councillor Swaby informed that a delegation from the KSAMC recently visited Lecce.

“During the visit, I engaged several businesses and institutions, including a coffee roaster that [has expressed interest in importing] Jamaican coffee. These engagements create opportunities to engage Jamaican businesses, entrepreneurs, students and creatives beyond culture. Our next step is to welcome a delegation from Lecce to Kingston as we continue discussions towards a full arrangement,” he said.