Spanish Government to Honour PM Golding & Mrs Golding

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, will be conferred with the Great Cross of the Order of the Civil Merit of Spain, when Spain’s King Juan Carlos 1 and Queen Sofia, visit Jamaica from February 17-18, 2009.
Approval for Prime Minister Golding to be incorporated into the Order of the Civil Merit of Spain was authorised by the Council of Ministers of Spain at its sitting on Friday, February 13.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Golding, under the signature of Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva, King Juan Carlos I, expressed appreciation for the meritorious service rendered by Mr. Golding in the interest of the relations between Spain and Jamaica. The letter noted that King Juan Carlos I wished to recognise PM Golding’s service during his upcoming state visit to Jamaica.
King Juan Carlos I has also announced the conferment of another honour – this time on the wife of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Golding. The Spanish Council of Ministers has agreed to the conferment of the Commander of Distinction on Mrs. Golding. Both Merits will be presented during the two day visit.
The Royal Couple will arrive in the island tomorrow afternoon (Feb 17) and will be met at the Norman Manley International airport by the Governor-General, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, Prime Minister Bruce Golding, and other Government officials. From the airport the Royal party will visit the Institute of Jamaica where they will be received by the Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange. Their Majesties will then travel to Gordon House where His Majesty will address Parliament.
The day’s activities will climax with the signing of bilateral agreements followed by a press conference at Jamaica House.