PAJ Hosts Diplomats On Kingston Harbour Tour

The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) on Friday (March 14) hosted approximately 80 members of the Diplomatic Corps and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, on a tour of the Kingston Harbour aboard its Jamaica III Utility Vessel.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge who was present on the tour, told JIS News that one of the objectives of Diplomatic Week was to expose the diplomats to the key areas of growth in Jamaica, including the maritime industry.

“We recognize that Jamaica is destination, trade and investment and so in touring the seventh largest natural harbour in the world, we expose our ambassadors to Jamaica’s beauty and also our maritime capability. As we seek to be returned to Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council, we want Jamaica to be viewed as an outstanding maritime state,” Mr. Terrelonge said.

For her part, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the PAJ, Kimberley Stiff said the PAJ was asked to facilitate the tour as a part of the activities for Diplomatic Week 2025.

“The tour which began at the Historic Naval Dockyard in Port Royal highlighted the harbour’s history, beauty, and functionality and showcased its investment potential and strategic importance,” Ms. Stiff said.

She explained that the request came against the background of Jamaica’s candidature to be re-elected to Category C of the IMO Council in November 2025. “To this end, the tour of the harbour highlighted critical aspects of Jamaica’s marine environment and maritime activities and emphasized the critical role of the maritime sector in national development,” Ms. Stiff explained.

The group, which was divided in two, was taken on simultaneous tours of the Kingston Harbour and Fort Charles.

The Kingston Harbour Tour treated guests to historical background and information on the key points along the route including the Port Royal Sunken City, Fort Augusta, Kingston Freeport Terminal Ltd, Kingston Wharves Ltd. and the Old Naval Dockyard.

Diplomatic Week 2025 was observed from March 10 to 14, under the theme ‘Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development’ and it provided an opportunity for Jamaica to engage with its Heads of Missions and provide updates on the country’s political, economic, cultural and social landscape.