In the first ever visit by an Indian head of state, President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) from May 15 to 21.  This visit to the two countries is reflective of a commitment to Small Island Developing States and Carribean Community(CARICOM).

Giving details of the President’s schedule, Secterary(East)Ministry of External Affairs Saurabh Kumar said here on Friday, Kovind will present cricket kits to aspiring Indian cricketers during his visit to the two countries including Jamaica and St. Vincent and Grenadines (SVG).

The President will also hold discussions with his counterpart Governor-General Susan Dougan and will also meet Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Kovind will address the Parliament of SVG. Kumar said the SVG has about 7,700 people of Indian origin settled in the SVG.

As regards his itinerary in Jamaica, the President will hold delegation-level talks with his counterpart Patrick Allen, the Governor-General of Jamaica. Kovind will also meet Prime Minister Andrew Holness. He will also address the Joint Sitting of the two Houses of the Jamaican Parliament.

Jamaica and India have friendly relations. Jamaica is also one of the Girmitya countries with a 70,000 strong Indian diaspora, who acts as a living bridge with India,” the ministry said. The visit comes at a significant milestone as 2022 is the 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Jamaica, it added.

Jamaica and SVG are active members in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The first-ever Head of State visit to these countries is a continuation of India’s high-level engagement with the countries in the Caribbean region and emphasizes our continued commitment to work with Small Island developing countries, the external affairs ministry had said a few days back.