Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, welcomed and congratulated Natalie Campbell-Rodriques on her appointment as Jamaica’s new High Commissioner to Barbados.
Mr. Symmonds welcomed the diplomat during a courtesy call at his Ministry’s Culloden Road, St. Michael location, on Wednesday, following her presentation of credentials to the President of Barbados, Her Excellency, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, at State House. The focus of discussion between the two officials centred on the importance of regional cooperation, and the need for better representation in international forums.
Minister Symmonds and High Commissioner Campbell-Rodriques, who is based in Trinidad and Tobago, also discussed the situation in Haiti; the effects of migration within the Caribbean due to conflict; upcoming meetings of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and finalising a Memorandum of Understanding for sports between Barbados and Jamaica. The cultural and creative sectors, the importance of diaspora engagement, the inaugural CARIFTA Artistic Gymnastics Championships to be held in Jamaica from November, 29-30, 2024, and next year’s CARIFESTA, also featured in the discussions.
Also present at the courtesy call were the Ministry’s Director General, Donna Forde; Director of Foreign Trade, Paula Byer; Senior Foreign Service Officer, Sandra Gittens; and Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Barbados, Ella Hoyos. Barbados established diplomatic relations with Jamaica on November 30, 1966.
