Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith, today (November 10) delivered a keynote address virtually to the OACPS-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Belgium.

The Minister called for stronger cooperation, adequate development ed implementation of the Samoa Partnership Agreement to deliver tangible benefits for citizens.

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She also highlighted opportunities to advance shared priorities in trade and investment, climate action, ocean governance and international financial reform, reaffirming Jamaica’s commitment to a more effective, inclusive and people-centred partnership.

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Foreign Minister Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith has expressed profound sadness at the passing of Ambassador Donald Bancroft Rainford, a distinguished Jamaican diplomat and public servant whose contributions spanned diplomacy, public administration and the private sector.
rved as Jamaica’s Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Mission to the European Economic Community from 1976 to 1980.

“A grateful nation remembers Ambassador Rainford with deep respect and appreciation for his indelible contribution to national development. His was a life of distinguished and loyal service to Jamaica,” says Minister Johnson Smith .

The Ministry extends sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and former colleagues.

Read the full statement in the release:

Jamaica and Malta are exploring closer cooperation on challenges faced by small states including issues related to labour markets and economic growth.

Efforts to confront shared challenges framed today's bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister, Senator the Honourable 's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, the Honourable @chrisfearne. Discussions centred on cooperation in services, skills development and technical exchanges. Minister Johnson also shared the country's approach to reconstruction following Hurricane Melissa and the Government's efforts to strengthen economic resilience, productivity and sustainable growth.

Both Ministers also expressed interest in maintaining close dialogue and identifying practical opportunities to advance bilateral cooperation.

Jamaica and the United Kingdom have entered into a major four-year partnership to accelerate national reconstruction, restore critical infrastructure and strengthen the country's resilience to future disasters.

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Foreign Minister, Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith, this morning had a brief exchange with her Togolese counterpart, Professor Robert Dussey, on the margins of CHOGM in Antigua, earlier today (November 2).

The interaction comes as Commonwealth Heads of Government and ance shared priorities for sustainable growth, development and prosperity.

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We’re Hiring!

Build your career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Now accepting applications for a Maintenance Officer (Mechanical/Electrical) (SOG/ST 4) and Artisan (Plumbing/Carpentry) (SOG/ST 3).

Deadline: 06 November 2026
Send your résumé to: m

Visit mfaft.gov.jm for more information.

Take the next step in your career and apply today!

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Your next career opportunity could be with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade! 🇯🇲

The Ministry will host a Job Fair on Friday, 6 November 2026, with opportunities available in Human Resource Management and Development and Finance & Accounts.

Interested candidates are r by emailing recruitment@mfaft.gov.jm, indicating the position(s) for which they wish to apply along with their application and resume. Pre-registration closes on Tuesday, November 3.

Please bring your CV and a valid government-issued photo ID on the day.

Please see the second slide for a list of the available positions.

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Foreign Minister Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith, has reaffirmed Jamaica’s longstanding opposition to the economic embargo against Cuba and explained the Government’s decision to abstain from the recent United Nations General Assembly vote on the matter.

In a written e Minister the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson, the Foreign Minister addresses concerns about Jamaica’s voting position, its consistency with the country’s foreign policy principles and the Government’s constitutional responsibility for conducting foreign relations.

She says Jamaica’s solidarity with the Cuban people remains unchanged and calls for a broader international approach that addresses both external economic restrictions and domestic challenges affecting Cuba.

“Principle should guide policy, not prevent us from examining its effectiveness,” says the Minister.

Here’s the Foreign Minister’s full response:

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has defended Jamaica’s decision to abstain from a UN vote calling for an end to the US embargo against Cuba, rejecting former Prime Minister PJ Patterson’s description of the move as an “abominable betrayal”.
jamaicaobserver.com/2026/11/01/joh…

Foreign Minister, Senator the Honourable @kaminajsmith, is en route to Antigua and Barbuda, where she will join Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable @andrewholnessjm, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Watch as Minister Johnson Smith shares more about engagement at this important gathering.

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Flowers, song and a whole lot of love for our Permanent Secretary!

This morning, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade surprised Permanent Secretary and Head of Jamaica’s Foreign Service, Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith, with a birthday serenade in the as greeted with warm wishes and heartfelt thanks for her leadership and the care she shows every member of the team.

Happy birthday, Ambassador! Wishing you continued success, good health and happiness in the year ahead.

Staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, dressed in pink, gathered this morning for a candle-lighting ceremony in memory of those who have lost their lives to breast cancer and in solidarity with those undergoing treatment.

The ceremony was led by Permanent amaica’s Foreign Service, Ambassador Sheila Sealy Monteith, and organised by the Jamaica Foreign Service Association (JAFSA). Staff also paid tribute to breast cancer survivors and acknowledged the support of families and caregivers.

“It is my hope that the light we kindled today goes with each of us, charting a course for continued awareness, early detection and support in the months ahead, as we continue to stand in solidarity with those who need us most,” said Ambassador Sealy Monteith.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Jamaican women. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, the Ministry encourages continued awareness, timely screening and support for those affected.

Let’s keep the light burning.

Jamaica’s still does not support the embargo on Cuba. So, why did Jamaica abstain from the latest UN vote?

Listen as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. @kaminajasmith, explains the Government’s position, the call for reform and the need for broader t during an interview with Cliff Hughes on Nationwide Radio on Thursday morning.

🎥 Get the facts, understand the context and hear the position firsthand.

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So hard to believe that #HurricaneMelissa was 1 year ago. Our gratitude has never waned - We again therefore say Thank You to our international partners, friends and family !