President Goodluck Jonathan is to depart Abuja on Tuesday to attend the Emancipation Day of Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica’s independence anniversary.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr Reuben Abati, said in a statement in Abuja on Monday that the President would be accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Patience.
“Jonathan with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago, would review the Kambule Street Procession, the major event, on Aug. 1. ’’
The statement said that Jonathan would also present a goodwill message to the procession and pay a courtesy call on Prof. George Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago and his wife, Jean.
“The President and his wife would attend the Emancipation Day Cultural Programme at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, and be hosted to a state banquet by Richards.
“The President would also meet with members of the Nigerian community resident in Trinidad and Tobago. ’’
The statement explained that the President’s official visit to Jamaica would commence on Aug. 2, with a special commemorative session of parliament in his honour.
“He would be hosted by the Jamaican Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller. ’’
Other activities of the President in Jamaica are participation in a Mello Go Round at the National Stadium and a bilateral meeting in the Prime Minister’s office.
There would also be a meeting with the Nigerian Community and a luncheon hosted by the Governor-General of Jamaica, Patrick Allen.
The President is expected back in Abuja on Aug. 4.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Emancipation Day is celebrated to mark the end of slavery for Africans in the British Caribbean on Aug. 1, 1838.
It had been observed as a national holiday in Trinidad and Tobago since 1985.
Jamaica, on the other hand, gained independence from Great Britain in 1962. (NAN)