Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and the Most Honourable Lady Allen today received their Excellencies President Ram Nath Kovind and First Lady Mrs Savita Kovind on a Courtesy Call at King’s House this morning.
The Governor-General warmly welcomed the President and the Indian delegation and said the extent to which the Indian community has become one with the Jamaican populace is truly representative of our Motto, “Out of Many, One People”.
President Kovind expressed appreciation for the ‘warm Jamaican welcome’ and said he looked forward to a fruitful and productive visit. He arrived on Sunday, 15th May at the Norman Manley International Airport and will depart for St Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday morning.
Both countries established Diplomatic Relations in 1962. This year, India this year celebrates 75 years of independent rule.
East Indians first arrived in Jamaica in the mid-1800s and to date, their population in Jamaica extends to well over 300,000, making them the largest ethnic minority. Indians, by way of their distinctive culture and strong business acumen, have made an indelible mark on Jamaican society. Relations between the two Commonwealth countries have remained friendly and supportive.