Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador -Designate of the French Republic to Jamaica, Mr. Olivier Guyonvarch, in a ceremony on Friday 15th October at King’s House.
In the ensuing cordial exchange, The Governor-General extended a very warm welcome to Ambassador Guyonvarch, who commenced his first Ambassadorial assignment in Jamaica.
“Congratulations on your first tour of duty as an Ambassador… I am grateful that we get you first because the freshness and excitements is there,” Sir Patrick stated.
“This augurs well because Jamaica and France have enjoyed diplomatic relations for 59 years. Next year we will celebrate 60 years of independence …It is good that you will be here with us, when France has journeyed with us for 60 years,” The Governor-General observed. He also expressed appreciation for the support Jamaica has received from France over the years and conveyed his sympathies for the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in France.
In his response, His Excellency Guyonvarch, shared that Jamaica already holds a very important place in his career and in his heart, due to it being his first posting as an ambassador. He also noted that France will continue to collaborate with Jamaica, especially in the areas of Sport, Education and Tourism Management.
The new Ambassador, who is a Law of the Sea specialist, said that he was in Jamaica in 2016 with the International Seabed Authority, and that there is much that both countries could benefit from through cooperation.
Over the years, the French Government has assisted Jamaica’s capacity- building efforts in the critical areas of education and skills training; infrastructural development, as well as Renewable Energy Development and Petroleum Distribution.