I’m rooting for all Jamaicans, says Ambassador Richards
Published:Friday | September 12, 2025 | 12:13 AM
TOKYO, Japan:
Jamaica’s Ambassador to Japan, Her Excellency Shorna-Kay Richards, took the time to send her regards to Team Jamaica yesterday ahead of the World Athletics Championships, following a visit to the embassy in Tokyo, Japan.
“I can start by saying I’m looking forward to all the races with Jamaicans, all the activities in track and field that our athletes are involved in. I am supporting that,” Richards told The Gleaner.
“I’m rooting for all Jamaicans and I’m sure they are going to do well, as I’ve said to them, ‘gambatte’. Go Jamaica, go!”
Richards had invited members of Team Jamaica to the embassy where they were treated to an afternoon of food and music.
The caterer was Jamaican chef Richardo Boreland, originally from Clarendon, who now runs his own restaurant, One Love Jamaica Kitchen, in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo.
“It’s a pleasure to have you all here,” Ambassador Richards said as she addressed the team.
“We just wanted to give you all a little taste of Jamaica. You have been working so hard for the past week in Tottori and, as you start your competition this Saturday, this is just a little gift here from the Embassy of Jamaica.”
ENJOYING FESTIVITIES
Despite heavy rain throughout the afternoon, it did not wash away the team’s energy, as athletes and coaches alike were seen enjoying the festivities.
Coach Paul Francis had taken the time to thank the Jamaican ambassador for the invitation and warm welcome.
“There are a lot of us, we have verging paths. Some of us have been away from home from as far back as June. Even though coaches, therapists, managers like to say ‘focus, focus, focus’, every now and then, we cannot forget the human element, the part that reminds you of home,” he said.
“This gesture is extremely appreciated by everybody here and let’s say a big thanks to the Jamaican ambassador to Japan. We appreciate her charm, her beauty and, of course, her kindness.”
Richards also took the time to invite all Jamaicans, both those living in Japan and those travelling to Japan for the championships, to call on the Jamaican Embassy, should they need any help or assistance during their stay.
She explained that the embassy has created a pamphlet of helpful information they believe will prove helpful for Jamaicans during their time in Japan.
“I’m excited for this World Championships. We’ll have Jamaicans who are living here and Jamaicans coming in. The embassy has decided to do an initiative, which is to create a little flyer in Japanese and English,” she said.
“So, if a Jamaican loses their passport, they fall ill or injured or any incident that may happen, they can use that information to get help and to reach the embassy.”