On day 5 of their Caribbean tour, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge started with a busy schedule. YEsterday the Royal couple received a ceremonial welcome in the country and met with the Governor-General before celebrating Jamaican music and sports in Trench Town in Kingston.
Today, the first stop of the day was a meeting with the Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, and his wife Juliet Holness at the Prime Minister’s office in Kingston. The discussion among the couple was said to be of varied interests ranging from “spectrum of expression” and there are “unresolved issues”.
Reportedly the Prime Minister also talked about Jamaica’s true ambitions and said, “We’re very, very happy to have you and we hope you’ve received a warm welcome from the people. Jamaica is a very free and liberal country and the people are very expressive —and I’m certain that you would have seen the spectrum of expressions yesterday. There are issues here, which as you know, are unresolved, but your presence gives us an opportunity for those issues to be placed in context, to be out front and center and to be addressed as best we can. But Jamaica is, as you would see, is a country that is proud of its history and very proud of what we have achieved. And we’re moving on and we intend to fulfill our true ambitions and destiny to become an independent, developed, prosperous country.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge signed the guest book. Prime Minister presented Prince William with a special blend of Ruby Appleton Rum created by renowned Master Blender, Joy Spence
Throughout the tour, the discussion of Jamaica being a republic has been part of the major headlines. My opinion is it will happen when it will need to happen. It’s the Jamaican people’s decision and the Royal Family will support the decision. Jamaica won’t be the first or the last one to embrace republicanism. It might be the last Royal tour of the country so let’s just enjoy it.
The next stop of the day was Shortwood Teachers College. With the visit to the college, The Duchess of Cambridge has taken her work on early years abroad for the second time this year. She visited Denmark in February early this year to learn about the country’s early years system.
Shortwood was founded in 1885 and offers four-year degree courses in either secondary, primary, or early years education. Its early year’s course is a national flagship and its graduates are said to be in huge demand. The Government college was first located in lower Barbican, but it was later removed to Camperdown, following a case of yellow fever. It remained at that location until 1887 when the government purchased part of the Shortwood Estate, the property on which the College now stands. It was at this time that the College came to be called Shortwood Teachers’ College.
The Duchess of Cambridge gave the first speech of the tour at the college and praised the teacher’s role in early years, “I truly believe we are on the cusp of one of the biggest opportunities for positive change in generations.”
The foresight Shortwood had to establish this Early Childhood Education programme was recognition that the early years is fundamental to a child’s journey through life. Decades of science and research have shown us, that our earliest experiences establish the fundamental foundations that shape and connect our future lives.
It is when we learn how to form relationships, how to connect to one another, how to manage our feelings and emotions. It is when we learn to develop a sense of identity, belonging and worthiness. And it is when we shape our values and understanding of the world we live in. By realising the extraordinary impact of early childhood and by learning more about how children grow, think and behave, I truly believe we are on the cusp of one of the biggest opportunities for positive change in generations.
And when I see the passion, commitment, and enthusiasm on display here at Shortwood, I feel optimistic about what we can all achieve together.
William and Catherine were presented with a picture of the college. About the visit, Kensington Palace said, “Supporting early childhood development is critical to societies right around the world. Here in Jamaica, it is an important priority and it was fantastic to meet the next generation of early years professionals at Shortwood Teachers College this morning.” Continuing from People’s report,
Shortly after arriving and being met by College Principal Dr. Claudette Barrett-March, the couple was taken to the John F. Kennedy Library for a discussion around early years in Jamaica and the College’s research faculty.
After their discussion, they walked to the Practising Infant and Primary School to meet children and their parents. This school adjoins the campus and provides teacher training opportunities for students and is where the research undertaken by Faculty staff is put into practice
From there, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge headed towards Spanish Town Hospital which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
At the hospital, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met with the frontline workers who went above and beyond in the last two years serving their community during the worldwide pandemic. Jamaica is still seeing on average 19 COVID-19 cases daily.
The Royal couple toured the maternity ward of the hospital, met with Doctors and nurses, and heard how the pandemic has impacted the life and health system in Jamaica. They also unveiled a plaque with the Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufon, ahead of their next engagement at Flankers, near Montego Bay, to discuss military employment and training.
Moving towards The Duchess of Cambridge style – Catherine was looking sharp and crisp in a white Alexander McQueen suit.
The Duchess was wearing Alexander McQueenGrain de poudre wool Blazer with Alexander McQueen Grain de poudre wool slim-leg Pants.
Catherine paired the suit with an orange Ridley London Alicia top.
It looks like The Duchess was wearing her white leatherJimmy Choo Romy 85 Pumps.
The Duchess of Cambridge was carrying Willow Hilson “Raffia & Beads” Vintage Bag. Thanks to Christine Ross for the id.
She wore her Maria Black Cha Cha Earrings
with Inzzpire 365 She’s Royal Bracelet
and a pearl and gold bracelet from Inzzpire 365 Happy Pearls Bracelet.
She was also wearing Amaia Kids Adult Reusable cotton face mask – Michelle.