Wed | Sep 11, 2024

New high commissioner looking to strengthen India-Jamaica connection

Published:Sunday | August 18, 2024 | 1:25 PM
Newly appointed High Commissioner of India to Jamaica, Mayank Joshi, speaking at a ceremony held on August 15 at India House, Kingston, to commemorate the 78th anniversary of India’s Independence Day. - JIS photo

The newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mayank Joshi, is looking to strengthen ties between the countries through initiatives in education, health, sports, culture, among other areas.

Speaking at the 78th India Independence Day celebration held on August 15 at India House, Kingston, he disclosed plans for an India-Jamaica Education Connect designed to build “strong bridges” between the countries.

Noting the presence of several Indian educators in the island as well as Jamaicans studying in India, he said “we need to take this to the next level.”

“If you have any ideas, if you have any suggestions, if you have any issues, or proposals regarding the education system, please come forward,” he told the gathering.

High Commissioner Joshi said there are also plans to collaborate with the Indian medical community to establish the India-Jamaica Medical and Healthcare Connect.

“We have a lot of opportunities for economic growth for mutual benefit,” he noted further.

The High Commissioner said that the Indian Diaspora in Jamaica and the friends of India play a significant role in strengthening India-Jamaica bilateral ties.

“As I start my tenure here as the Commissioner of India I look forward for your support, your cooperation in taking the ties of India and Jamaica to a higher level,” he said.

In an interview with JIS News, the High Commissioner noted that the Independence Day celebrations provided an opportunity to engage with the Indian community and friends of India.

He said that approximately 70,000 India nationals live in Jamaica, working in various sectors such as medicine, finance and Information Technology (IT).

“These are areas where India has also been progressing very rapidly and is the fifth largest economy right now,” he pointed out.

- JIS News

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.