President Ram Nath Kovind will gift cricket kits to budding cricketers in Jamaica and St. Vincent and Grenadines (SVG) during his upcoming visit to the two Caribbean nations, Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a media briefing on Friday. Kovind will be embarking on a seven-day visit to Jamaica and SVG beginning May 15, in the first-ever tour to the two Caribbean nations by an Indian head of state.
Both the countries are a part of the West Indies, which is among the most prominent cricket teams in the world, having won multiple ODI AND T20 World Cups.
Kumar said the visit will highlight India’s commitment to the development, partnership, and sharing of experience, knowledge and skills with smaller island developing states. “The visit also underlines the importance we attach to our relations with the Caribbean Community," Kumar said at the briefing.
“As a mark of our common love for cricket, he would hand over cricket kits for aspiring young cricketers to the president of the Jamaican Cricket Association," Kumar said.
The secretary also added the President will be in Jamaica from May 15 to 18 for the first leg of his visit. During his visit to Jamaica, a road in Kingston, which is the capital city of the country, will be named after Dr. BR Ambedkar to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, he will visit SVG from May 18 to 21.
The President will also inaugurate the India-Jamaica Friendship garden by planting a Sandalwood sapling there, and will also interact with members of the Jamaican society.
In SVG, the President would preside over a function to rename a road to India Drive. The President will also hand over cricket kits to aspiring Indian cricketers under the framework of the Cricket Association of SVG. During the visit to SVG, Kovind will hold discussions with Governor-General Susan Dougan. He will also meet Prime Minister Ralph E Gonsalves as well as other dignitaries.
The President is also scheduled to address the House of Assembly, according to the MEA.
