On 13th-15th April 2022 President Paul Kagame did a state Visit to Jamaica ,He arrived on Wednesday and was welcomed by Governor General Patrick Allen and Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness at the Norman Manley International Airport.
President Paul Kagame later paid a floral tribute at the shrine of Jamaica’s first National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey at the National Heroes Park.
On the same day at 2 p.m. President Kagame was expected to make a presidential address to members of Jamaica’s bi-cameral legislature during a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament.
The President addressed Jamaica’s parliament after the Speaker of the Parliament introduced him in a complimentary manner saying, “It is indeed an honour to welcome H.E Paul Kagame president of the republic of Rwanda to the parliament of Jamaica. Your Excellency your reputation has preceded you, you are the states man who has made your country a jewel on the African continent. A man who has used his presidency to champion gender equality, to improve access to education for the children of Rwanda. A man with a vision to oversee the digital transformation of the Rwandan society.”
Later on Friday, President Kagame met with the Jamaican Prime Minister, Holness, at Jamaica House where they held bilateral talks. Holness’ statement said that President Kagame’s visit would reinforce the steady relationship between the African continent and the Caribbean member countries (Caricom) region.
President Paul Kagame was accompanied by Dr. Hon. UzzielNdagijimana, Minister for Finance and Economic Planning; Clare Akamanzi, Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board; Ambassador Claver Gatete
On Saturday Barbados Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Hon Jerome Walcott welcomed President Kagame at the Grantley Adams International Airport when he arrived shortly after 6:30 p.m. During his visit President Kagame paid a courtesy call on President Dame The Most Honourable Sandra Mason, and co-chaired a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
President Kagame and Prime Minister Mottley each planted a tree at the Barbados National Botanical Gardens which has become an international garden with trees planted by leaders from around the world.
They both stopped by the Bush Hall Community Centre where President Kagame joined in a game of road tennis. The players gifted President Kagame with two special Road Tennis racquets.
President Kagame and Prime Minister Mottley met with Barbadian cricket legends Sir Garry Sobers and Sir Wesley Hall. They discussed methods to encourage the growth and development of the sport in Rwanda, including through coaching.
Earlier in the day, both sides held bilateral talks and agreed to cooperate in sports through cricket and road tennis, agriculture and horticulture, financial services and investment, among other areas, President Kagame suggested visa waivers among other things, to make travelling more attractive to those coming on business or leisure. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mottley credited the leadership of the East African nation for being able to “turn their country around after the gravest of challenges”.
President Kagame and his delegation left the island on Sunday.
