EU looks to strengthen ties with Ja as it opens new offices
Published:Thursday | July 21, 2022 | 12:10 AMAinsworth Morris/Staff Reporter
A flock of birds joined those gathered to witness the opening of the newly renovated multimillion-dollar office building for the European Union (EU) Delegation to Jamaica on Tuesday.
Seconds before Prime Minister Andrew Holness took the microphone at the opening ceremony the birds flew above the attendees and one rested on the pole nearest to Holness. They looked on for a few minutes as he delivered his remarks before flying off into the sunset.
This unusual magnificence on a cool summer evening was something master of ceremonies Fae Ellington also pointed out to the prime minister before he began delivering his remarks.
The building, which is located at 8A Fairway Avenue in Kingston 5, boasts eco-friendly features, such as electronic vehicle charging ports, solar panels, rainwater harvesting and recycling options.
Holness said the new offices will make the EU more visible and accessible to Jamaicans while facilitating a further deepening of the relationship the country enjoys with the bloc.
“The decision to renovate an older structure is a welcomed contribution to the modernisation of the city of Kingston. The transition to a new permanent home also reinforces the strength and longevity of the EU’s commitment to Jamaica. The construction of these facilities not only underscores the EU’s desire to continue its investment in Jamaica, socioeconomic development, but also indicates sustained interest in the strengthening of our bilateral partnerships,” he said.
Holness credited the EU as a “solid” development partner for Jamaica.
“The EU has supported us in critical ways … . We are proud of the close to five decades of history between Jamaica and the European Union, as our partnership was initiated in 1975. when Jamaica joined the then African, Caribbean Pacific group of countries,” He said.
The prime minister also commended the EU for considering Jamaican talent to carry out the renovation, including the mural at the entrance of the building, which depicts Jamaica’s and the EU’s joint commitment to safeguard the planet and climate.
Fredrik Ekfeldt, deputy head of the Delegation of the EU to Jamaica, said the new office had a modern look and feel, adding that the Kingston Creative mural represents “the most powerful force on Earth – the human heart – on fire”.
“This new office embodies our commitment to issues we care about, chief among them climate change, environmental protection. This new office represents our intention to deepen our ties with Jamaica,” Ekfeldt said.
He added that as Jamaica celebrates its 60th anniversary of Independence next month the EU is looking forward to continuing its impactful work with the Government for the benefit of Jamaicans, as the EU has been the largest provider of grant assistance to the island.
“The EU is here to stay,” Ekfeldt said.