A visit to remember

Italian Ambassador to the United States of America Marco Peronaci had long wished to visit Jamaica. Speaking with Sunday Lifestyle during his first visit to The Rock, he spoke of his deep affinity for the island.

As a student of international law, Peronaci grew fascinated by the practices and legal frameworks governing the sea. His research included Jamaica’s second city, Montego Bay. “When I was 21 or 22 years old, I heard about this fantastic place. This was probably why I became a diplomat. Little did I know that I would be here, going to Montego Bay, to find this city. And this is, of course, an island of wonderful history and beauty,” Peronaci shared during his address at the official welcome ceremony held in his honour at J. Wray & Nephew’s corporate head office on Dominica Drive in New Kingston.

Very solid relations

According to the ambassador, Italy was one of the first countries to recognise and establish relations with Jamaica. “Italians have a fascination with Jamaica and its culture,” said Peronaci. “Beyond that, there is a spirit in Jamaica that we cherish, one which is about lifestyle, friendship, music, culture and conviviality,” he said, adding, “the fact that one of our most famous and successful brands, Campari, is here investing is evidence of these very solid relations.”

These aspects of the island’s spirit, he believes, can play a key role in attracting even more international investors and entrepreneurs. “We will certainly be working on that. And I’m sure that this will create many opportunities. Relations and alliances are important. And Italy is a nation that believes very much in friendship and international cooperation. There is a great potential to improve these relations and do things together,” he added.

Peronaci, who is from Rome, Italy, has been resident in Washington, DC, in the United States for a year. He visited Jamaica to present his credentials and his letters of credence to the governor general. “The welcome ceremony was very impressive. I’m very happy to be here. I also had the pleasure of meeting other distinguished members of the government and many friends from Jamaica and from Italy here. I am thrilled by the opportunity to discover this fantastic island,” he shared.

During the visit, Peronaci held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, who welcomed him to the island at the private reception. He was also able to meet with Aubyn Hill, minister of industry, investment and commerce. “I had a very positive meeting with Minister Hill, who has actually been working in my country,” he said, extending an invitation to both ministers to organise a presentation in Italy.

Grateful for this first visit, he aims to make the right connections so that he can advance the initiatives he mentioned as early as next month. On a wider scale, he hopes to further establish and strengthen the bilateral relations between Italy and Jamaica. “The political dialogue between our two countries is very important. There is climate resilience and food matters, and these issues require a deeper understanding in how we deal in each respective country. I hope more Jamaicans will come to Italy for training and studying. Our culture and approach to life are similar. When the Italian community is here, they really love it. They absolutely somehow find this like a new home. They don’t want to come back to Italy,” he said with a laugh.

When asked about his drink of choice, Ambassador Peronaci answered, without hesitation, Campari. “Campari has a very special taste. It is something that is quite unique and intriguing because it has a bit of a bittersweet taste. I would encourage you to try it. When I offer Campari at my place, there is a bit of shock at the beginning. But then once guests taste it, they love it. All it requires is a bit of introduction,” said Peronaci.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com