KINGSTON, Jamaica — Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, will this week convene Diplomatic Days 2026, bringing together resident and non-resident members of the diplomatic corps for a series of engagements with senior government officials.

In a release on Monday, the ministry said the three-day programme will provide ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Jamaica with opportunities to advance cooperation, expand economic opportunities and strengthen climate resilience, particularly as the country continues rebuilding following damage caused by Hurricane Melissa last year.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28, 2025 causing widespread destruction to much of the western region of Jamaica.

“In today’s international environment, Jamaica continues to pursue a pragmatic and principled approach to diplomacy which requires both sustained dialogue and continuous efforts to ensure the best possible understanding of partner countries’ priorities. Diplomatic Days 2026 therefore provides an important opportunity to engage directly, particularly as Jamaica continues to rebuild following Hurricane Melissa,” Johnson Smith said.

“These engagements also allow us to express, in person, our deep appreciation for the solidarity many of our friends have shown, and for the ongoing support that continues to translate into real assistance for families and communities across Jamaica, as we work to strengthen resilience,” she added.

A key activity during the programme will be a policy briefing to the diplomatic corps led by Johnson Smith. She will be joined by Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, who recently assumed the presidency of the United Nations Environment Assembly, the world’s highest decision-making body on environmental matters.

Jamaica will also welcome ambassadors-designate from the Hellenic Republic of Greece, Ireland, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Panama, the State of Qatar and Türkiye, along with high commissioners-designate from the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of Rwanda.

The programme will begin with the presentation of their copy letters of credence and recall to Johnson Smith at the ministry, followed by the formal presentation of credentials to the governor-general at King’s House.

Members of the diplomatic corps will also participate in bilateral meetings and a visit to the National Gallery of Jamaica. The activities will conclude with the annual diplomatic dinner hosted by the Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen.

Diplomatic Days 2026 will run from March 17 to March 19 and forms part of the ministry’s broader engagement with the international community while strengthening Jamaica’s bilateral and multilateral partnerships.