Caribbean News
Jamaica Reaffirms Strong Partnership with Japan at Expo 2025
Osaka, Japan, August 7, 2025 – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, has reaffirmed the deep and multifaceted partnership between Jamaica and Japan, highlighting decades of cooperation built on shared values, mutual respect and active engagement across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the official ceremony to mark Jamaica’s National Day, at Expo 2025 in Japan on August 6, Senator Johnson Smith described the relationship between the two countries as more than cooperation.
She argued that as constructive members of the international community, Jamaica and Japan have shared values as they relate to commitment to democracy, the rule of law, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and multilateralism
“I am proud to say that the relationship between Jamaica and Japan, which spans over six decades, is a friendship. It is a partnership. It is cooperation based not only on interest but also on these values,” said Senator Johnson Smith.
She further noted that despite the vast geographical distance separating the two island nations, both countries enjoy a close and active relationship.
“As two maritime nations with similar characteristics and challenges, we have forged a ‘J-J partnership’ that is multidimensional, spanning
engagements at the political, economic and people-to-people levels,” the Minister said. Senator Johnson Smith pointed out that her visit to Japan is the third in 18 months, underscoring the importance Jamaica places on the dynamic relationship, which has fostered cooperation across trade, education, health, security, defence and agriculture.
“We are especially grateful for Japan’s recent contribution to the improvement of Jamaica’s emergency communication system, which forms part of our national disaster preparedness and response infrastructure, as well as the more recent donation of a marine research vessel to boost our fisheries and research capabilities as we further develop our blue economy,” she said.
“We are also grateful for Japan’s important collaboration in the area of national security, including through the Koban system, which has strengthened our ability to achieve significant reductions in crime and a more peaceful society,” she continued.
Senator Johnson Smith also pointed out that people-to-people connections remain a vital pillar of the J-J partnership.
“We welcome the recent selection of Jamaican Olympian and World Champion, Christine Day as a Sport Exchange Advisor under the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme. As of this month, Christine will be based in Tottori Prefecture, the sister city of Jamaica’s parish of Westmoreland,” she said.
The Minister informed that Tottori will host the pre-Games training camp of Jamaica’s athletes participating in the 2025 World Athletics Championships, which will be held in September in TokyoSenator Johnson Smith also pointed out that Japan is the number-one market for Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee.
“I also wonder how many people know that Jamaica is also the sole supplier of the world’s finest cotton – West Indian Sea Island Cotton – to the Japanese market,” she said.
Jamaica is among the 158 countries that are currently participating in Expo 2025 in Japan, under the theme ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’.
However, Jamaica is featured in the ‘Connecting Lives’ sub-theme with its Pavilion titled, ‘Out of Many, One People: Let’s Link Up’.
CONTACT: SHANNA K. SALMON
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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