Jamaica and the Republic of Costa Rica will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations on 21st July 2021. The relations between both countries are underpinned by a long history of people-to-people connections, including the temporary residency in Limón of the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, first National Hero of Jamaica, from 1910 to 1911. Currently, over 64,000 persons of Jamaican descent call Costa Rica their home, making it the largest diaspora of Jamaicans in Central America.
The significance of the occasion has been lauded by the leaders of both countries, as well as the Ministers of Foreign Affairs. For their part, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, and His Excellency Rodolfo Solano Quirós, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, have reiterated the very positive and vibrant partnership that exists between the countries at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. These sentiments were underscored by the Ministers during the Inaugural Political Consultations between the Foreign Ministries held virtually on 12th May 2021. The Ministers reiterated their firm interest in deepening and strengthening these relations, particularly in agriculture, trade, investment, culture, education and sustainable tourism. Engagement around the green and blue economies, climate change, security and capacity-building was also stressed.
Jamaica and Costa Rica consider that it is fitting that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations complements the International Decade for People of African Descent, 2015–2024, celebrated under the theme “recognition, justice and development.” In that regard, commemorative activities will include a virtual celebration, which will highlight the cultural contributions of the Jamaican diaspora in Costa Rica. The event will be co-hosted from Limón, Costa Rica by Vice President Epsy Campbell Barr- herself of Jamaican descent – and Mr. Rodolfo Solano Quirós, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica, and by Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica. The Honourable Olivia Grange, CD, MP, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Jamaica, will also participate.
The Costa Rican mail service will commemorate the occasion with a post mark. Further activities to mark the occasion will be celebrated throughout the year with a view to continue fostering cultural connections and engagement.
