Ministry of Youth, Sport & Culture

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Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, presents a copy of the book, 'Rough Guide to Reggae Music', to the Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Hiroshi Yamaguchi, when the Ambassador called on her at the Ministry, recently.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Hon. Olivia Grange, and the new Japanese Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Hiroshi Yamaguchi, have pledged to work closely to deepen cultural and sporting ties between both countries.

This commitment was given recently, when the new Ambassador called on the Minister at her offices in Kingston.

Ms. Grange is the second Minister, after Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Dr. Ken Baugh, to meet with Ambassador Yamaguchi, since he presented his credentials to the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, at the start of the month.

The Minister said she was pleased that Ambassador Yamaguchi had put co-operation in culture and sports at the top of his agenda, since "the eyes of the world were turned on Jamaica, thanks to the outstanding performance of our athletes and the excellent reputation of our creative people."

Ambassador Yamaguchi also has strong personal interest in culture and sports, and told Minister Grange that they would have "a very special relationship" during his tenure.

The Japanese people have a strong appreciation of elements of Jamaican culture, particularly reggae music. There is a special focus on sports in Tokyo at the moment, as the city is bidding to host the Olympic Games of 2016. Ambassador Yamaguchi said Jamaica's assistance in sports, particularly the sprints, would be welcomed.

Minister Grange and Ambassador Yamaguchi pledged to explore, in subsequent meetings, how Japan and Jamaica could assist each other in cultural and sports development.

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