Minister Grange Opens High Commission in South Africa

Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, formally declared open the Jamaican High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa, on Wednesday (September 23).
Minister Grange, who was participating in the 4th World Summit on Arts and Culture in Johannesburg, was also pursuing a number of bilateral initiatives during the visit. She is the first Jamaican Minister of Government to officially visit South Africa since the establishment of the High Commission in October, 2006.
Jamaican High Commissioner, H.E. Audley Rodriques, hosted a reception to mark the opening and the Minister met with members of the Jamaican Diaspora present in the region. The High Commission in South Africa is Jamaica’s second diplomatic mission on the African continent. The other is in Abuja, Nigeria.
Miss Grange noted that there was much to be done to strengthen and enhance the relationship between Jamaica and South Africa.
“Taking it from a mere emotional and historical bond, to one of practical and relevant co-operation,” she commented.
She highlighted sports and culture as key areas in which there could be immediate, tangible projects of benefit to both countries.
“My Ministry fully intends to keep the High Commission very busy,” Minister Grange promised.
During the visit, she also held bilateral meetings with her counterpart Ministers, as well as with stakeholders with interest in sports and cultural projects in Jamaica.