Phillipa Lawrence

International Affairs Professional.Passion for development,diplomacy,justice,human rights,governance,women's empowerment,civility,protocol, ethical leadership.

[Embassy of Jamaica in Belgium @JaEmbBelgium]

Today, 6th May 2026, Ambassador Mills presented credentials to Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and His Excellency António Costa, President of the European Council. This formally accredits Ambassador Mills to the European Union.

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, GOJ @mfaftja]

Nearly a quarter of @myvmgroup's mortgages are held by Jamaicans 🇯🇲 living overseas.

It means that despite the distance, Jamaicans abroad are not just emotionally connected to home, they are actively building futures here. Through its network of offices overseas, the #VMGroup has made that connection practical, giving members of the Diaspora direct access to financial services that support investment, home ownership, and long-term planning in Jamaica.

As a Legacy Partner of the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, VM returns to the table with that same intent. While speaking at this week's official launch, President & CEO of VM Group, Courtney Campbell, who chaired the landmark 10th staging of the Conference, put it plainly: "Jamaica doesn't end at our borders."

The Conference brings that into focus. Business leaders, investors, professionals, and second and third generation Jamaicans will this June convene all in one room, building the partnerships that help move Jamaica forward. The room is set, the conversations are happening, and the deals will follow. Be there!

Registration is open at📲 https://t.co/PH3W7tEbdH

#JamaicaDiaspora2026 #DiasporaPartnerships #ResilientJamaica #VMGroup

[Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, GOJ @mfaftja]

🇯🇲 Every two years, Jamaica's global family comes home. This year, the stakes have never been higher.

This week, Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith officially launched the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference alongside Honourable Minister of State @terrelonge2016 and Legacy Partners: Chair of Conference @jnbanklimited ; @myvmgroup and @gracekennedygrp and its global family is already part of that story. Come and help shape what comes next!

📲 Register now. Link in bio @mfaftja

[Smile Jamaica @Smilejamtvj]

After he caught our attention by posting a video of himself baking an Easter bun from scratch, we sat down with Jamaica's newest Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Kohei Maruyama, who is taking cultural immersion to a delicious new level. He opened up about his work here in Jamaica, his growing love for local flavours, and how he's experiencing the culture. #FeelGoodFriday #SmileJamaica

[Embassy of Jamaica in Belgium @JaEmbBelgium]

On 9th April 2026, Ambassador Mills had the pleasure of meeting with Prof. Dr. Cailin Mackenzie, Director of Education, Brussels Diplomatic Academy, VUB.

They had a very productive discussion about the potential for future partnerships between the Embassy and the Academy.

[Embassy of Jamaica in Belgium @JaEmbBelgium]

On Tuesday, 7th April 2026, Ambassador Mills signed the condolence book at the Embassy of the Republic of Suriname to Belgium, following the passing of Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, former President of the Republic of Suriname, who died on 30th March 2026.

[Embassy of Jamaica in Belgium @JaEmbBelgium]

#BilateralHighlight 🇯🇲🇧🇪 Today, 23rd March 2026, Ambassador Mills met at the Embassy with Aurélie Dusausoy, Group Director of Strategy & M&A, Carmeuse - an internationally recognised manufacturer of lime, limestone and mineral-based products headquartered in Belgium.

[Embassy of Jamaica in Belgium @JaEmbBelgium]

#BilateralHighlight 🇯🇲🇧🇪 On Friday, 13th March 2026, Ambassador Mills attended the inaugural Brussels European Defence Exhibition and Conference - a key platform to present Europe's latest developments in defence innovation and expertise.

[Embajada de Jamaica en México @EmbJAMex]

The Embassy of Jamaica extends sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the former Ambassador of Mexico to Jamaica, Juan José González Mijares. His service in building and strengthening relations between Mexico and Jamaica was impactful. May his soul rest in peace.

[Shorna-Kay Richards @ShornaKayR]

It was wonderful to finally meet Lacey-Ann Bartley, Managing Director of Bartley All in Wood @Bartley_s, who was exhibiting the company’s fine craftsmanship at the Jamaica Food and Drink Festival in Kingston. Handmade. Sustainable. Jamaican.

[Embassy of Jamaica in Belgium @JaEmbBelgium]

#BilateralHighlight 🇯🇲🇬🇲 Yesterday, 3 March 2026, Ambassador Mills paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr. Pa Musa Jobarteh, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Gambia to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Union, in his capacity as the new Chair

[Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus @DrTedros]

I am grateful to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, for their generosity and compassion shown this week in Jordan to recognize the efforts of the Kingdom, and many partners, to advance universal health coverage.

Importantly, they brought attention to the need for sustained action to promote and protect the health of all people, from injured and ill children from Gaza receiving lifesaving care in Jordan, to delivering dignified mental health services to those in need, and providing health care services to Syrian refugees.

At a time of division and turbulence, I appreciate Prince Harry and Meghan's support to the World Health Organization and others, as humanitarians and philanthropists committed to improving global health and wellbeing.

[Embassy of Jamaica in Belgium @JaEmbBelgium]

During Ambassador Mills’ recent duty travel to Jamaica, she held a meeting with the University of the West Indies Mona students who are participating in the Hague Inter-University Debate Competition (in French) in The Hague, Netherlands 🇳🇱 .

[Shorna-Kay Richards @ShornaKayR]

Big thanks to the Blue Note Place Tokyo @bluenote_place for graciously hosting a farewell event in my honour.
Grateful for our collaboration in showcasing Jamaican musicians during my tenure in Japan. Love their Jerk Chicken lunch menu!🍗

Good Vibes Always🇯🇲🇯🇵
#OneLove

[Shorna-Kay Richards @ShornaKayR]

To the Group of Ambassadors of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC) in Tokyo, muchas gracias for offering me a farewell reception, hosted by the Ambassadors of Chile @RicardoGRojas & Argentina, Pro Tempore President and Vice President of GRULAC🙏

[Shorna-Kay Richards @ShornaKayR]

Welcomed the opportunity to bid farewell & convey gratitude to Ambassador Toshinori Sheigie, President of the Japan Association for the Promotion of International Cooperation.
APIC has helped to strengthen the J-J partnership through many initiatives during my tenure in 🇯🇵

[Shorna-Kay Richards @ShornaKayR]

Thank you and farewell to all the wonderful members of the Japan-Latin American and Caribbean Women’s Association for your many noteworthy activities, including the annual charity bazaar in which our Embassy actively participated🙏

[Shorna-Kay Richards @ShornaKayR]

Honoured for the opportunity to bid farewell & thank State Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Yasuyuki SAKAI for his efforts to deepen ties btw 🇯🇲 & 🇯🇵, including his visit to Jamaica in 2023 as a member of Japan-CARICOM Parliamentary Friendship League.

[Shorna-Kay Richards @ShornaKayR]

As I prepare to depart Japan, it is my privilege to thank Tottori-ken—Jamaica’s sister city—for their vibrant engagement, especially in sports
What an unexpected honour to be appointed by Governor Hirai as "Ambassador Furasato"!
Happy to continue promoting this amazing Prefecture

[Shorna-Kay Richards @ShornaKayR]

Arigatou Nihon—thanking the Japanese Association of Importers of Jamaican Coffee for their steadfast collaboration with the Embassy in expanding the reach of 🇯🇲Blue Mountain Coffee ☕️ in its No.1 market, Japan.
Wonderful farewell dinner hosted by Chairman Tatsushi Ueshima!