NEW EU AMBASSADOR CALLS ON MINISTER PICKERSGILL

Minister Pickersgill (left) shares a light moment with new EU Ambassador, Mr. Marco Mazzocchi-Alemanni

New European Union Ambassador to Jamaica, HE Marco Mazzocchi-Alemanni paid a courtesy call on Minister Robert Pickersgill on Monday, February 12, 2007. The meeting was held at the Maxfield Avenue Office of Minister Pickersgill.

Minister Pickersgill used the opportunity to welcome the Ambassador to Jamaica, pointing out the strong ties which exist between Jamaica and the European Union. The Minister noted that the relationship between Jamaica and the EU is at a particularly intense period right now, what with the various programmes and projects on which the two places are collaborating. For his part, Ambassador Mazzocchi-Alemanni highlighted his pleasure at being in Jamaica. He said he was looking forward to a fruitful stay in the island.

During the Courtesy Call, Minister Pickersgill used the opportunity to discuss with the Ambassador, a number of the projects on which there is partnering between the EU and Jamaica. Some of these are Segment Three of the Northern Coastal Highway Improvement Project, the 9th EDF Budget Support for the Road Sector Master Plan, the Ocho Rios Wastewater Treatment Plant as well as the Negril Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Also present during the Courtesy Call were Dr. Alwin Hales, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ms. Maureen Webber, Chief Adviser to the Minister and Leo McEwan, Public Relations Officer in the Ministry