Thursday, September 17, 2026
News

"Stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand": Jamaican envoy Matthew Hall hails bilateral ties; wishes PM Modi "Happy Blessed Earthstrong"

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend    Print this Page   COMMENT

New Delhi | September 17, 2026 8:59:36 AM IST
High Commissioner of Jamaica to India Jason Keats Matthew Hall has highlighted the longstanding ties between Jamaica and India, saying the two countries "stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand" in multilateral forums and work together to bring meaningful change within international organisations.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Hall said, "This relationship spans more than 200 years, and Jamaica and India have shared so much in common despite being vastly different in scale and size. In multilateral forums, Jamaica and India stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, speaking out against injustice and striving to bring about meaningful change within the multilateral system and international organisations. It is a particularly strong relationship."

The Jamaican High Commissioner also extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, using the Jamaican expression "Happy Blessed Earthstrong" to convey the greetings.

"In Jamaica, we do not simply say Happy Birthday; we say Happy Blessed Earthstrong because it marks the day a person came into this world. To the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, I send warm and heartfelt birthday wishes, a Happy Blessed Earthstrong from all of Jamaica, with love," he said.

The wishes come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 years old on Thursday.

Earlier in May, in Jamaica, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar undertook the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to the Caribbean nation. During the visit, Jaishankar held wide-ranging talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith.

The discussions reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral ties and focused on expanding cooperation in health, infrastructure, digitalisation, agriculture, education, tourism and capacity building.

During the visit, both sides signed three Memoranda of Understanding in the areas of health cooperation, solarisation of The Hugh Lawson Shearer Building and broadcasting.

The two sides also reviewed progress in digital transformation, culture, sports and digital payments initiatives, reflecting the broadening scope of cooperation between India and Jamaica.

India reaffirmed its support for Jamaica's recovery following Hurricane Melissa, with Jaishankar handing over 10 BHISHM emergency medical units and announcing additional assistance, including dialysis units, fishing boats, GPS equipment and livelihood support tools.

Both sides also emphasised strengthening cooperation in multilateral forums, including on climate justice, climate finance, and issues

CBSE Three-Language Policy

Supreme Court to hear pleas challenging CBSEs three-language policy for Class 9 students from the 202627 academic year.

concerning Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Jamaica also reiterated support for India's candidature for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for 2028-29. (ANI)

 
  LATEST COMMENTS ()
POST YOUR COMMENT
Comments Not Available
 
POST YOUR COMMENT
 
 
TRENDING TOPICS
 
 
CITY NEWS
MORE CITIES
 
 
 
MORE WORLD NEWS
Thimphu: EAM Jaishankar receives warm we...
Embassies of Vietnam, Netherlands, Nepal...
Several US lawmakers who opposed Russia ...
Indias farmers seed rights, rural inno...
'Your leadership has transformed India i...
Iranian missiles, drones strike US-contr...
More...
 
INDIA WORLD ASIA
Mamata vs Ritabrata: ECI likely to decid...
'Society without questions is an even gr...
US based Aviation Safety foundation alle...
MPs Tarun Chugh, Sambit Patra extend bir...
'Entire municipal workforce deployed zon...
Telangana CM pays floral tributes at 'Pr...
More...    
 
 Top Stories
Asian Games 2026 Preview: India aim... 
Mohammed Rizwan's petition against ... 
Oakwood Vacation Emerges as a New N... 
Asian Games: India's surfing coach ... 
“Congress should decide if it oppos... 
Suresh Raina, Mithun Manhas, Pragya... 
"There is always a purpose...": Har... 
Polyfix Rapid HV Glue Addresses Eve...