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On Friday, 5th August 2016 the Jamaican High Commission in Port of Spain welcomed guests to an Open House in celebration of Jamaica’s 54th Anniversary of Independence under the theme “Let’s Get Together and Feel Alright” in collaboration with sponsors NCB Global Finance Ltd., JMMB Group, FLOW, Grace Foods, Intercontinental Shipping Ltd., AMCO Ltd., Brydens Ltd. and Scotiabank. For the event, the grounds of the High Commission were transformed into an Olympic-themed village, in honour of Jamaica’s athletes at the Rio 2016 games.
In a spirit of togetherness and friendship, a toast to the deepening of relations between both countries, and for the peace and prosperity of Jamaica was offered by the Honourable Dennis Moses, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago. His Excellency David Prendergast, High Commissioner for Jamaica, also addressed the audience, pointing to Jamaica’s growth since independence, including its expanded reach through sport, music, art and culture, strong institutions of democratic governance and the social and economic achievements over the decades.
In speaking to the relations between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the High Commissioner noted the commonalities which existed based on shared histories, social and political, family ties and culture, music and sport. With regard to building bridges across the Caribbean, High Commissioner Prendergast referred to the recent visit of Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to Jamaica and the signing of a Joint Communiqué between both countries, setting out a framework for bilateral cooperation.
The High Commissioner also encouraged the Jamaican Diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago to remain connected while working to contribute to both their adopted home and their native land.
While rocking to the sounds of reggae music, guests indulged in traditional Jamaican fare including jerk chicken and pork, festival, ackee and saltfish, “escoveitch” fish, patties, mannish water, sweet potato pudding and an assortment of beverages, including Red Stripe beer and Appleton rum.
A major highlight of the evening was the live viewing of the Jamaican Olympic Team at the opening ceremony in Rio. Guests erupted in sheer excitement at the sight of Jamaica’s Olympians, in anticipation of the victories ahead.
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