Happy to be in Jamaica, says Rowley

Beautiful red, black and white decorations dominated the courtyard of the High Commission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as they welcomed their Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, at a special reception on Tuesday evening.

Stepping through the gates you could feel the excitement as Caribbean beats drifted through the air.

Rowley and his wife, Sharon, were greeted with numerous hugs and kisses as Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness; former Prime Minister Bruce Golding; Minister of Finance and Public Service Audley Shaw; High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago to Jamaica Fitzgerald Jeffrey; and other distinguished guests welcomed the Trinidadian prime minister to Jamaica.

After the playing of the national anthems of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the guest of honour took to the stage.

Describing this visit as his homecoming, Rowley stressed how happy he was to be in Jamaica, and told many stories of the times he has had in Jamaica.

"I am happy to see my colleagues whom I use to roam the plains of Liguanea with. Jamaica is a pleasant place for me. I have climbed the Blue Mountains more than many Jamaicans, and had good weekends on Lime Cay as I studied at the University of the West Indies," he shared.

He also stressed the importance of CARICOM countries maintaining a strong bond. "Nobody is as strong as us when we work together, and there are no difficulties we can face that we can't conquer together. We must demonstrate togetherness and unity to show that we can get through anything together."

After the formal proceedings, guests paid a visit to the various food stations, while others gathered to meet Rowley.