PRIME Minister Andrew Holness, who, on Tuesday officially opened the new office of the European Union Delegation (EU) to Jamaica, located on the corner of Fairway and Seymour Avenue in St Andrew, says the move to the new location will allow the EU to be more visible and accessible to the people of Jamaica and reinforces the strength and longevity of the EU’s commitment to Jamaica.

The prime minister, expressing his satisfaction with the close to five decades of partnership between the EU and Jamaica, said the EU has been a “solid development partner” in supporting Jamaica in critical ways that go beyond national security and political interests, but includes a focus on human development interests.

“I genuinely feel that you have been very excellent partners and very much interested in the development of the people of Jamaica,” Holness said.

The EU-Jamaica partnership, said Holness, is built on the principle of multilateralism and working together to solve challenges, and he expressed the hope that, as the EU embarks on a more enhanced partnership framework under the new Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)/EU Post Cotonou Partnership Agreement, the partnership will be strengthened even further.

“We anticipate an even deeper and closer level of collaboration based on the principles of partnership, equity, and accountability on both sides. Jamaica looks forward to and stands ready to join with the EU and other members of the OACPS in advancing towards this new era of our political relationship,” he said.EU Ambassador Marianne Van Steen, in remarks delivered by Deputy Head of Delegation Fredrik Ekfeldt, said it is the EU’s wish to strengthen its relationship with Jamaica.

“These new offices represent our intention to deepen our ties with Jamaica. We are now closer to the Office of the Prime Minister, to government ministries and agencies, to international development partners, and to the central business district. Simply put, the EU is here to stay. As the nation celebrates its 60th anniversary of Independence, we look forward to continuing our impactful work with the Government for the betterment of the people of Jamaica,” she stated.

In addition to the modern look and feel, the new office embodies the EU’s commitment to issues that the EU values, chief among them, climate change, environmental protection and inclusivity. The property has a range of eco-friendly amenities – electric vehicle chargers, rainwater harvesting, photovoltaic (solar) panels, and many green spaces. It also boasts an environment-themed mural done in collaboration with Kingston Creative.

The EU says it hopes that the mural will inspire passers-by to take action to fight climate change and noted that emphasis was placed on accessibility to persons with physical disabilities.