Governor-General of Jamaica

| Following the Governor-General’s Diaspora Achievement Awards Ceremony and Reception, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen toured the marketplace at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, where he interacted with representatives from several participating organisations and exhibitors.

Among the booths visited were those of GGAA Legacy Sponsors, the JN Group, VM Group, and GraceKennedy Group, whose longstanding support has contributed to the continued success of the Awards programme.

Dear Media Partners,

His Excellency the Governor-General kindly requests your coverage for the 2026 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards Diaspora Ceremony.

The ceremony will be held on Monday, 15th June at 11:45 a.m. at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, St. James.

Your support in covering this event would be appreciated.

Are you ready to gain valuable experience and develop your professional skills this summer? The Office of the Governor-General is inviting applications for its 2026 Summer Internship Programme. Eligible students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment while contributing to the work of the office.

Send your application via email to: [email protected]

Take the next step in your professional journey and apply today!

On behalf of His Excellency the Governor-General, Major Dwayne Hill, Governor-General’s Secretary and Clerk to the Privy Council, welcomed a delegation from Morgan State University in the United States to King’s House during their Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programme in Jamaica.

The group, comprising students, faculty, and chaperones, participated in an engaging discussion and learned about the role and responsibilities of the Governor-General, as well as Jamaica’s constitutional framework, civic values, and national development. As part of their broader study of the African Diaspora, the visit also provided an opportunity for the delegation to tour King’s House and gain a deeper appreciation of its historical and national significance.

The engagement underscored the importance of educational diplomacy and strengthened the longstanding relationship between Jamaica and the United States, while providing students with valuable insights into Jamaica’s governance and the nation’s contribution to the history and legacy of the African Diaspora.

His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen attended a special service commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at the Andrews Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Observed under the theme, “25 Years of Serving Jamaica: Celebrating the Past, Sustaining the Future,” the Service formed part of National Environmental Awareness Week and provided an opportunity to reflect on NEPA’s contributions to environmental stewardship and sustainable national development over the past quarter century.

His Excellency delivered remarks and commended the Agency for its commitment to protecting Jamaica’s natural resources, promoting responsible environmental management, and strengthening the nation’s resilience. He also encouraged continued collaboration in safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.

The Service brought together government leaders, stakeholders, and partners in thanksgiving for the Agency’s achievements and in anticipation of its continued service to Jamaica.

His Excellency Paulo Chaves, Ambassador of the Portuguese Republic, presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen on Thursday, 4 June 2026.

Ambassador Chaves was born in Luanda, Angola, and holds a degree in International Relations and has served as a career diplomat since 1990. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held several positions within Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving both at home and abroad in a range of bilateral and multilateral assignments covering political, economic, and consular affairs.

This ceremony marked the formal commencement of Ambassador Chaves’ diplomatic mission to Jamaica and reaffirmed the cordial relations shared between Jamaica and the Portuguese Republic.

Her Excellency Lady Allen received a Courtesy Call from representatives of the Jamaica Enrolled Nurses Association (JENA) on Thursday, 28 May 2026, as part of the Association’s 53rd Anniversary celebrations.

The visit provided an opportunity for members of the delegation to be formally introduced to Her Excellency and to share insights into JENA’s ongoing work in advocating for the welfare, recognition, and professional development of enrolled nurses across Jamaica. During the engagement, the Association also presented an orchid to Her Excellency as a token of appreciation.

For more than five decades, the Association has played an important role in supporting enrolled nurses and strengthening Jamaica’s healthcare system through advocacy, professional growth, and dedicated service. The Courtesy Call highlighted the invaluable contributions of enrolled nurses, whose compassion and commitment continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless Jamaicans.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has called for strengthened regional collaboration to combat corruption in an increasingly complex global environment.

In his address, delivered by Custos of Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, at the opening of the 12th Annual Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies (CCAICAB) Conference, on June 1, at the ROK Hotel, in Kingston, the Governor-General said the participation of delegates from across the Caribbean and the wider Commonwealth, reflected a shared commitment to advancing transparency, accountability and ethical governance.