Hosted by EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Dr. Erja Askola, the event was attended by several Ministers of Government, including Delroy Chuck, Minister of Justice; the Hon. Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness; Senator Aubyn Hill, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce; Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information; and Alando Terrelonge, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. 

The event also welcomed other distinguished guests from the government, diplomatic corps, international development agencies, civil society and the private sector.

“This evening is not only about Europe. It is about Jamaica and the European Union together,” said Ambassador Askola in her remarks to the gathering. 

“Half a century ago, our relationship began with shared aspirations for development, fairness and human dignity. Today, we stand as like-minded, reliable partners in a deeply rooted partnership of equals.”

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She outlined that over the past fifty years, EU’s transformational cooperation has played a pivotal role in supporting Jamaica’s development through grant funding. From roads and schools to police stations, health centres, water systems, and community facilities - EU support has delivered tangible benefits to the Jamaican society. 

The partnership has evolved to include support for green and digital transitions and improved connectivity under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.

Ambassador Askola also underscored the strength of the EU-Jamaica trade relations, noting that in 2024, the EU was the second largest export destination for Jamaican goods, receiving 16 per cent of Jamaica’s total exports—second only to the United States. 

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“There are no tariffs and there will be no tariffs on any Jamaican exports entering the EU market!  — No tariffs now and no tariffs in the future. Our Agreement will hold,” she declared.

State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Hon. Alando Terrelonge, commended the EU for its unwavering commitment, noting that “the EU has been pivotal in Jamaica’s development through various frameworks such as the Lomé Conventions, the Cotonou Agreement and now, the Samoa Agreement.”

“We applaud the EU’s commitment to Jamaica’s national priorities through instruments such as the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, which supports critical infrastructure and sustainable economic growth”. 

He noted that projects under the Global Gateway — such as the transformation of Kingston Harbour into a decarbonized logistics hub — “are already bearing fruit and aligning with our strategic vision.”

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He also highlighted the EU’s sustained contributions to international peace and development, noting that, “its proactive diplomacy, vital development assistance, and advocacy for multilateralism have made a tangible difference in countries like Jamaica and across the Global South.” 

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The event also showcased the vibrancy of the EU-Jamaica partnership, featuring performances by Jamaican and European artistes, including singer and upright bassist, Jamila Falak and keyboardist and singer, David and Stella Grace de Gues. A mini photographic exhibition highlighted key moments from the five decades of EU-Jamaica cooperation.

END