Diplomats enjoy short visit to Cayman

(CNS): The Deputy Governor’s office said recent diplomatic visits were to facilitate the development of good working relationships between the countries. Over the past month, Cayman hosted visits by the newly-appointed United States Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Pamela Bridgewater; as well as a visit by Cuban Ambassador Mr. Yuri Gala-Lopez.Both of these officials are based in Jamaica and have regional consular jurisdiction for their respective countries.  These familiarisation trips are commonly made by new appointees (as Ambassador Bridgewater is), and routinely, to bolster relations generally, officials said. 

“These meetings are especially important if there are pressing issues involving nationals of the respective countries, and have led to the development of treaties and memoranda of understanding in the past,” said Franz Manderson.

Whilst in Grand Cayman the American ambassador and local U.S. Honorary Consul, Gary Montemayor were treated to a luncheon by Governor Duncan Taylor, and made courtesy calls on Premier McKeeva Bush, the deputy governor. The visitors also met with the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, immigration officials; and held a town hall meeting with American citizens resident in here.

On his visit, the Cuban ambassador was accompanied by Minister Counsellor of the Cuban Embassy in Jamaica, Micaela Ramirez. They too met with local officials, including the Acting Governor, Franz Manderson, and other officials. Bernie Bush of the Pirates Week Office hosted a luncheon for the ambassador. 

The ambassador attended meetings with officials from the Department of Immigration, Passport & Corporate Services Office, the Customs Department, Cayman Airways and the Office of the Deputy Governor. Gala-Lopez was also guest of honour at a luncheon hosted by Bush.

 “Visits of this nature help to maintain the excellent relationships we enjoy with our neighbours,” said Taylor. “To increase the visiting officials’ understanding of why some of their nationals choose to live here; and, more generally, to promote the Cayman Islands as a destination for tourism, business and investment.”