Red Carpet Welcome for King and Queen of Spain

Their Majesties, King Juan Carlos 1 and Queen Sofia of Spain, were given a red carpet welcome, today(February 17), when they arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport, in Kingston, for a two-day State visit.
On their arrival, they were met by Their Excellencies, the Most Hon. Professor Sir Kenneth Hall and Lady Hall, and the Spanish Ambassador, Jesus Silva.
The Governor-General then presented Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Mrs. Golding; Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Stewart Saunders, and Commissioner of Police, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, to Their Majesties.
The King and Queen received a Royal Salute from members of the Jamaica Defence Force, after which the national anthem of Spain was played. His Majesty then inspected a Guard of Honour, after which the national anthem of Jamaica was played.

His Majesty, King Juan Carlos 1, of Spain (right), inspects the Guard of Honour mounted by members of the Jamaica Defence Force, when he and Queen Sofia arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport, today (February 17), for a two-day State visit. At left is the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Stewart Saunders.

Their Majesties were escorted to the presentation area, where the Prime Minister introduced Members of his Cabinet, the Leader of the Opposition, the Mayor of Kingston and St. Andrew, and other officials.After leaving the airport, Their Majesties visited the Institute of Jamaica, after which they travelled to Gordon House, where His Majesty addressed a Joint Sitting of the Houses of Parliament.
On Wednesday, February 18, Her Majesty will visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, where she will be received by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kingston, the Most Revd. Donald Reece and presented to Bishop Father Ken Richards; Minister of Education, Andrew Holness, and Mayor of Kingston, Senator Desmond McKenzie.
Meanwhile, His Majesty will hold private audience with Leader of the Opposition, Portia Simpson Miller.Their Majesties will then visit the Spanish Town Historical Square, where they will be greeted by Mayor of Spanish Town, Dr. Andrew Wheatley. The Mayor will read a Citation and present the Key to the City. Their Majesties will unveil a Jamaica Heritage Trail signboard and then unveil a plaque, commemorating their visit.
They will also visit the Spanish Town Hospital, where Their Majesties will officially open a refurbished wing at the Spanish Town Hospital, financed by Spanish aid.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding (second right), welcomes His Majesty, King Juan Carlos 1, of Spain, when he and Queen Sofia arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport, today (February 17), for a two-day State visit. Also in the welcoming party (from left) are: Governor-General, His Excellency the Most. Hon. Professor Sir Kenneth Hall; Lady Hall, and wife of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Lorna Golding.

Later in the day, Their Majesties will depart Kingston for Montego Bay. On their arrival they will be met by the Governor-General. There will be an official ceremony at the Sangster International Airport.
Their Majesties will attend a luncheon at the Iberostar Grand Hotel, at Rose Hall, with the Governor-General and Lady Hall, and the Prime Minister and Mrs. Golding.
Later in the evening, Their Majesties will attend a reception at the Grand Palladium Hotel, hosted by the Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett.
Their Majesties will then depart the Sangster International Airport for Florida, in the United States.