Jamaica Gets Assurance of Spanish Investment from King Juan Carlos I

Spain’s King Juan Carlos I has assured Jamaica that Spanish investments are here to stay, as he made a historic two-day visit to the island that also included the signing of an agreement facilitating air services between the two countries.

“You can rely on Spain’s friendly support in the ambitious projects you’ve set in motion. Our businesses have come to Jamaica to stay,” he said in a historic speech to a joint meeting of the Jamaican Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday, the day of his arrival.

During that meeting Prime Minister Golding revealed that in recognition of the close collaboration between Jamaica and Spain, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Jamaican Embassy in Spain. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is making necessary arrangements for that to be completed soon.

King Carlos welcomed the Cabinet’s decision, and described it as a reflection of the “importance and depth” of the relationship between the two countries.

“In recent times we have been building, on this common basis, a space of co-operation to foster mutual prosperity founded on friendship, economic growth and greater understanding,” he said.

He also reiterated Spain’s commitment to Jamaica’s sustainable development and tourism, and assured that Spanish companies here would display a generous policy of corporate social responsibility.

During his trip, King Carlos also signed bilateral agreements with the Jamaica government facilitating air services between both countries, and allowing dependents of staff of either country’s embassy to seek employment on a mutual basis.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Kenneth Baugh said the Air Services Agreement was first proposed for signing by Jamaica in 2005, as a result of “substantial Spanish investment in Jamaica’s tourism, in particular the hotel industry”.

The agreement will facilitate any number of airlines and flights, to transport passengers between both countries, thereby enabling greater movement of travelers.

“This should contribute to the continued increase of Spanish visitors to Jamaica, who will be able to enjoy the hospitality at the many new hotels and resorts that have been developed on the North Coast over the last few years,” Dr Baugh said.

He added that upwards of 17,000 Spanish visitors traveled to Jamaica in 2007, more than doubling the figure of the previous year. Spain currently accounts for the third highest number of tourists out of Europe coming to the island.

Regarding the Agreement on the Remunerated Employment for Dependents of Diplomatic, Consular, Administrative and Technical Personnel of Diplomatic and Consular Missions, Dr Baugh said this will enable the dependents of staff members at Missions, on both sides to seek employment.

Although Jamaica was Spanish ruled for 160 years, this week’s visit was the first ever by the Crown of Spain. King Carlos was accompanied on his trip by Queen Sofia and Spanish Ambassador to Jamaica, Jesus Silva.