President Medina Arrives for State Visit

President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Danilo Medina Sánchez, arrived in the island at approximately 10:15 a.m. on Monday (November 27) for a one-day State Visit.

His arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston was greeted with a symbolic 21-gun salute from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

President Medina was met at the steps of the aircraft by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who led him to the dais for the Royal Salute and inspection of the Guard of Honour formed by the JDF.

The Governor-General then presented the Dominican Republic President to Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.

The Prime Minister, in turn, introduced President Medina to members of the Cabinet, including Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda; Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith; Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Hon. Audley Shaw; Minister of National Security, Hon. Robert Montague; and Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange.

Also on hand to greet the President were Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Dr. José Tomás Ares Germán; Opposition Spokesman on Foreign Affairs, Lisa Hanna, who represented Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Peter Phillips; Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Rocky Meade; Commissioner of Police, George Quallo;

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Pearnel Charles; President of the Senate, Tom Tavares-Finson; Mayor of Kingston and St. Andrew, Senator Councillor Delroy Williams; Cabinet Secretary, Douglas Saunders; Chief Justice, Zaila McCalla; and Chief of State Protocol, Ambassador Elinor Felix.

The official party then travelled to National Heroes Park for a floral tribute at the Cenotaph in honour of those who died in the world wars.

Later today, he will have discussions with the Government, led by Prime Minister Holness, on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. The meeting is aimed at forging deeper ties between both countries.

President Medina will also attend a State Luncheon hosted by the Governor-General at King’s House.

Danilo Medina Sánchez is the Dominican Republic’s 53rd President. He has been in office since 2012.

At the end of the State Visit, President Medina will depart Kingston for Montego Bay where he will participate in the United Nations World Tourism Organization conference from November 27-29 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.