Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, GOJ

Official Twitter account for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Jamaica

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

Join us for the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, taking place June 14–18, 2026, at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

This premier gathering will bring together Jamaicans from across the globe to strengthen connections, foster collaboration, and contribute to Jamaica’s continued growth and development.

Register today and be part of the conversation, the collaboration, and the future of Jamaica.

#mfaftja #bjdc11 #jamaicadiasporaconference2026 #investinjamaica #jamaicaforward

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

Are you coming to the conference?

Register Now at https://t.co/boIRioXEoY

11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference
📍Montego Bay Convention Centre
🗓️June 14-18

#mfaftja #bjdc11 #JamaicainJune #invesitinJamaica

[Nationwide90FM @NationwideRadio]

Time is moving and so should you! ⏰🇯🇲

Spots at #BJDC11 are filling up. If attending has been on your mind, this is your sign to stop waiting and start packing. Secure your place today because Jamaica will be even more beautiful when you are in it.

Register now at https://t.co/ibk5FuXRNG

#mfaftja #BJDC11 #JamaicaDiasporaConference2026 #InvestInJamaica #JamaicaForward

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

Held under the theme, “Internal Audit: The Strategic Safety Net for the MFAFT,” the luncheon underscored the Unit’s role in promoting institutional resilience and good governance. The theme highlighted Internal Audit as a critical support mechanism, designed not to hinder progress or slow performance, but to provide the assurance and security necessary for management to act with confidence, agility and accountability.

#mfaftja

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

Globally, the month of May is observed as Internal Audit Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognising the vital role auditors play in strengthening accountability, enhancing organisational performance and supporting effective risk management.

In observance of the occasion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade hosted an Internal Audit Awareness Conference on Wednesday, May 27, to honour the significant contributions of the Ministry’s Internal Audit Unit to Jamaica’s Foreign Service. The event also provided an opportunity for the Unit to help reshape perceptions of internal auditing - moving from the traditional view of a “policing” function to that of a trusted and protective strategic partner.

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

Minister Terrelonge also paid special tribute to Honorary Consul of Guyana to Jamaica, Ms. Indera Persaud for her role in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in coordinating Guyana’s support to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. Guyana provided substantial relief supplies and technical assistance through the Guyana Defence Force, whose personnel remained in Jamaica throughout the Christmas period to support recovery efforts.

The Minister said the gesture reflected the deepening collaboration between Jamaica and Guyana across several sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, media cooperation and stock exchange development. Jamaica undertook multiple trade missions to Guyana between 2022 and 2025, underscoring the growing economic partnership between the two countries.

Minister Terrelonge reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties with Guyana for the mutual benefit and continued prosperity of both nations.

#mfaftja

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

Jamaica joined Guyana this week in commemorating Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee of Independence during a reception held at The University of the West Indies, Mona. The ceremony, hosted on Tuesday, May 26, marked the country’s 60th anniversary of independence, achieved in 1966.

Representing the Government and people of Jamaica, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Honourable Alando Terrelonge, highlighted the strong and enduring partnership between Jamaica and Guyana, built on shared history, regional solidarity and longstanding cooperation.

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

Jamaica and Ghana have signed two Agreements focused on health and defence cooperation, marking another practical step in strengthening the bilateral partnership between both countries.

The two Memoranda of Understanding were signed by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith, and Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Ablakwa.

Watch as Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Honourable @christufton, shares from Accra what this means for health cooperation between Jamaica and Ghana.

#mfaftja #ghana

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

Minister Johnson Smith also noted that Jamaica’s presence was especially fitting, given its place in the African Diaspora and the African Union’s recognised Sixth Region, and the longstanding ties between Jamaica and Ghana reflected in language, cuisine, customs, cultural practices and shared heritage.

She said the launch was meaningful as Jamaica and Ghana continue to strengthen cooperation in areas that support greater movement, exchange and connection between Africa and the Caribbean.

#mfaftja #Ghana

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

Foreign Minister, Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith, participated as Special Guest at the official launch of Ghana’s e-Visa platform in Accra, joining His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana; her counterpart Minister, His Excellency @S_OkudzetoAblak, as well as other officials for the occasion.

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

In her remarks, Minister Johnson Smith conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable @andrewholnessjm to President Mahama, the Government and people of Ghana, in commemoration of African Union Day.

She congratulated Ghana on the launch of the platform, noting it as an important innovation supported by facilitative policies and the use of Ghana-grown technology to advance President Mahama’s commitment to economic prosperity.

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

The Kingdom of Akropong welcomed home Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith, in a ceremony rich with culture, symbolism and ancestral connection.

The Royal Homecoming, hosted at the Okuapehene’s Palace in Akropong Akuapem, celebrated Minister Johnson Smith as Ohemea Abena Otwiwa Asiedu, Abode-Nsrahwe Hemea, Queen Mother of Tourism and Diaspora.

The moment marked a powerful expression of kinship between Jamaica and Ghana, rooted in shared history, cultural pride and the enduring bonds between Africa and its Diaspora.

Here are highlights from the Royal Homecoming in Akropong Akuapem.

#mfaftja #ghana

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

Fashion carries stories, and this one travelled beautifully.

Foreign Minister Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith wore a piece by Ghanaian brand Christie Brown.

It was a simple but meaningful reminder that cultural diplomacy is not only shaped in meeting rooms. It also lives in fabric, design, craft, enterprise and the creative exchanges that bring people closer.

Watch as Minister Johnson Smith reflects on this moment of style and connection between Jamaica and Ghana.

Special thanks to @lynnoseibonsuofficial for making this connection.

#mfaftja #ghana #christiebrown

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

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Debate Team has advanced to the Octo-Finals of the 2026 Public Sector Debate Competition, hosted by the Transformation Implementation Unit (TIU).

The team competed in two preliminary-round matches, securing a victory against the Jamaica Trade Board Limited, followed by a narrow loss to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). With a cumulative score of 566, the Ministry’s Debate Team has earned a place in the Octo-Finals, where they will face Maggotty High School on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

The five-member team includes (from left to right): Kevaughn-Akil Chambers, Jamille Chin, Scott Mullings, Shakinah Morgan, and Dayton Thomas.

The Ministry congratulates the team on this achievement and wishes the members continued success in the competition.

#mfaftja

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

She also conveyed gratitude, in-person, to the President for the deployment of the Ghana Engineering Corps who worked shoulder to shoulder with the Jamaica Defence Force in the reconstruction of roofs destroyed by Hurricane Melissa. These efforts have brought comfort to close to 100 families who were severely impacted by the Hurricane.

The visit demonstrates Jamaica’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Ghana, with bilateral engagements with Foreign Minister @S_OkudzetoAblak focused on advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Minister @kaminajsmith was accompanied by Jamaica’s High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Lincoln Downer and Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Ghana, Okatakyie Boakye Danquah Ababio.

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

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith, today met with His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, during a courtesy call in Accra.

Minister Johnson Smith used the occasion to convey warm greetings from Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable @andrewholnessjm, and from the Government and people of Jamaica, to the President, Government and people of Ghana. She also delivered two personal letters from Prime Minister Holness to President Mahama.