New Location for Foreign Affairs Ministry

Construction of new offices in downtown Kingston is expected to get under way in short order to house the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Speaking to JIS News at the post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House in Kingston, on June 29, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, informed that the contractor and all the players involved in the process are being mobilised.

He said all the issues that were delaying the relocation process have been “ironed out”.  Mr. Vaz explained that the relocation of the Ministry is aimed at contributing to the redevelopment of downtown Kingston.

A sum of $666 million has been set aside in the 2016/17 Estimates of Expenditure to carry out the works.

The new facility will provide adequate accommodation for staff, meeting and conference rooms, and waiting areas for diplomats and other visitors.

The project is being implemented by the Ministry through funding from the Government of Jamaica and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry is currently housed in rented property in New Kingston.