President of Rwanda Paul Kagame today (April 13) kicked off his three-day state visit to Jamaica with much fanfare at Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport. 

It was a red-carpet welcome fit for a king, weeks after a Royal couple visit, as members of the Jamaica Defence Force’s (JDF) 10th Battalion Jamaica Regiment paraded on the tarmac of the General Aviation Centre in anticipation of Kagame’s arrival. 

With both Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen among the many dignitaries waiting to welcome the Rwandan leader, the slightly delayed jetliner safely touched down on Jamaican soil at 3:36 pm. 

As it taxied down the tarmac, the very vessel itself was draped in the national colours of Rwanda, coming to a smooth halt four minutes later.

Celebratory explosions rang out as soldiers raised the Rwandan flag fluttering alongside Jamaica’s. At around 3:42 pm, rays of Caribbean sunshine were the first to greet President Kagame.

Almost like brothers, Holness and Kagame shook hands eagerly; both leaders sported beaming smiles in the presence of flickering cameras.

After exchanging pleasantries with Holness, Sir Patrick and JDF Chief of Defence Staff Rear Admiral Antonette Weymss Gorman, Kagame was given a royal salute by the welcoming battalion. 

Despite the strong winds billowing, the JDF battalion dutifully performed its rendition of Rwanda Nziza, the Rwandan national anthem, while Kagame’s security detail kept a watchful distance close to the president.

The Jamaican national anthem was then officially introduced to Kagame, who earlier got a small window to inspect the JDF battalion—dressed head to toe in sharp ceremonial attire.

Kagame was then introduced to several high-ranking members of Holness’ Cabinet, including ministers Olivia Grange, Desmond McKenzie, Karl Samuda, Delroy Chuck, Audley Shaw, Aubyn Hill, Kamina Johnson Smith, Nigel Clarke, Christopher Tufton, Pearnel Charles Junior, Robert Nesta Morgan, Marlene Malahoo Forte, Matthew Samuda and Floyd Green as well as Government leader Tom Tavares-Finson, Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert and Kingston Mayor Delroy Williams.

With a reverend nod to the Jamaican media gathered, Kagame was escorted to a crisp Ford Explorer as the three-day expedition—aimed at strengthening the diplomatic ties first established between the two countries in November 1998—was well under way. 

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