Ram Nath Kovind the first-ever Indian President to visit Jamaica. He is accompanied by his wife first lady Savita Kovind, daughter Swati Kovind, Union Minister Pankaj Chowdhary, Lok Sabha MP Rama Devi, Satish Kumar Gautam, and Secretary-Level Officers. On arrival at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston where he received a rousing welcome from the Jamaicans and the Indian diaspora.
President Kovind was accorded a ceremonial welcome, a Guard of Honour, and a 21-gun-salute, in the first-ever visit by an Indian President. The President of India was escorted by the Chief Defence Staff to Jamaica. From the Jamaican leadership of the host Patrick Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, members of the cabinet, Chief of Defence Staff and commissioner of police were present. The Indian side represented by, Masakui Rungsung, High Commissioner of India to Jamaica and his wife Zingcharwon Rungsung were present. Upon his arrival at Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, Jamaicans and the Indian diaspora extended a warm welcome to President Ram Nath Kovind.
During the President’s visit to Jamaica, he will pay a floral tribute at the shrine of the Rt. Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey. He will visit the Governor-General and PM house where he will meet the Governor-General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen and Prime Minister Andrew Holness. A signing ceremony (MOU agreement) will also be held at PM house. President Kovind will inaugurate “Ambedkar avenue,” a road named after Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, he will also inaugurate the Jamaica-India friendship garden.
The programme will conclude with a diaspora community event. India is committed to strengthening linkages with the Jamaican Diaspora and encouraging their participation in the process of national development. India and Jamaica have traditionally enjoyed cordial relations based on democratic values, common linkages of history, a Parliamentary democratic system, membership in the Commonwealth, use of the English language and the love for cricket.
