Jamaica signs on for Expo 2027 Belgrade

Jamaica will use Expo 2027 Belgrade in Serbia to showcase its music, sport and culture while pursuing new opportunities in trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange.

The island has formally confirmed its participation in the international exhibition, which will run from May 15 to August 15 next year under the theme ‘Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All’. The theme celebrates the power of sport, music and play to inspire creativity, promote inclusion, strengthen communities and foster dialogue among nations.

The participation contract was signed in the Serbian capital on September 15 by Dr Kirt Henry, section commissioner of the Jamaica Pavilion; Jagoda Lazarević, Serbia’s minister of internal and foreign trade and commissioner general of Expo 2027 Belgrade; and Danilo Jerinić, director of Expo 2027 Belgrade.

Henry led a Jamaican delegation comprising David Brown, director of culture and entertainment synergies in the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES); Nicole Patrick-Shaw, deputy director of the Institute of Jamaica; and Lenford Salmon, executive director of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. Also attending were Mirko Miljus, Jamaica’s honorary consul in Serbia, and country manager Nina Platiša.

The delegation travelled to Belgrade for the official contract-signing ceremony, a site visit of the expo grounds and meetings with representatives of the Serbian government, the Expo 2027 organising committee and Jamaica’s consulate in Serbia. Jamaica is the first participating country to undertake an official site visit.

Commenting on the mission, Henry said Expo 2027 offers Jamaica an opportunity to strengthen its presence on the world stage.

“The signing of the participation contract marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Jamaica. Expo 2027 provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to present our nation to millions of visitors from around the world.

“Through our pavilion, we will tell the story of a small island whose influence in music, sport and culture has transformed lives across the globe. We look forward to welcoming the world to experience Jamaica through the spirit of ‘One Rhythm. One Track. One People’.”

Henry said the visit also highlighted opportunities beyond the exhibition itself.

“The recent mission to Belgrade also highlighted opportunities beyond the expo itself. While there is currently a relatively small Jamaican commercial presence in Serbia, the visit underscored the significant potential to strengthen bilateral relations through increased trade, investment, tourism, cultural exchange and creative industry partnerships. Expo 2027 presents an important platform through which Jamaica can deepen its engagement with Serbia and the wider southeast European region,” he said.

Jamaica’s participation is being led by the MCGES, which is coordinating preparations for the exhibition. Henry was appointed section commissioner of the Jamaica Pavilion by the government. The African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/Jamaica Memory Bank (ACIJ/JMB), where he serves as director, is a division of the Institute of Jamaica, an agency of the ministry.

As section commissioner, Henry serves as the government’s official representative to the Bureau International des Expositions and the Expo 2027 organising committee. He is responsible for the planning, development, implementation and management of the Jamaica Pavilion, including stakeholder coordination, programme development, international partnerships and promotional activities.

Henry said Jamaica’s strengths align closely with the expo’s theme.

“Jamaica’s participation aligns naturally with this vision. As the birthplace of globally influential musical genres – including ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub and dancehall – and as one of the world’s most-celebrated sporting nations, Jamaica has demonstrated how music and sport can transcend borders, unite people and inspire generations. These achievements have become defining elements of Jamaica’s national identity and global reputation.”

The Jamaica Pavilion will feature exhibitions, multimedia storytelling, digital experiences and cultural presentations showcasing the country’s contributions to music, sport, culture, creativity and innovation. The display will also promote tourism, investment opportunities and Jamaica’s creative industries.

The ministry is working with public- and private-sector stakeholders, cultural practitioners, athletes, artists, educators and industry partners to ensure Jamaica’s participation reflects the country’s creativity, innovation and cultural influence.

Expo 2027 Belgrade is expected to attract millions of visitors, providing Jamaica with a platform to strengthen international partnerships, expand its global reach and showcase the enduring influence of its music, sport and culture.

editorial@gleanerjm.com