Dominican Embassy unveils mural in Kingston celebrating 60 years of Dominican–Jamaican relations

Kingston, Jamaica.- The Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Jamaica has inaugurated a vibrant mural in the heart of Kingston’s arts district, symbolizing the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two Caribbean nations. The unveiling commemorates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica and celebrates the twinning of their capitals, Santo Domingo and Kingston, signed in June 2023.

Titled “One Heartbeat. Two Nations. One Caribbean,” the mural is located at the intersection of Water Lane and Peter’s Lane and was created by internationally acclaimed Dominican artist Ángel Luis Peralta Figueroa, known as Angurria. He was joined by Dominican muralist José Doñe Berroa (Shak) and Jamaican artist Keddon Savage. The mural features symbolic representations of both nations’ cultures, blending Dominican and Jamaican elements into a shared tropical landscape at dawn, signifying unity, resilience, and shared identity.

The initiative, led by Dominican Ambassador Angie Martínez Tejera, has been one of the hallmark projects of her administration. She described the mural as a “dream come true,” born from her vision in 2021 to use art and creativity as bridges for human connection and diplomacy. “The embassy brings the best of the Dominican Republic to Kingston and leaves its mark on the land of Bob Marley,” she said during the ceremony.

The project received significant backing from the Kingston City Council, which covered 70% of the costs, and was supported by Kingston Creative, headed by Andrea Dempster Chung. Chung called the mural a powerful symbol of cultural collaboration and mutual respect between the two nations.

Kingston’s current mayor, Andrew Swaby, announced that the initiative will be reciprocated with a Jamaican mural in Santo Domingo. He praised the project’s legacy and thanked Ambassador Martínez for her leadership and energy, while also acknowledging former mayor Delroy Williams for his role in establishing the twinning partnership.

Angurria described the mural as a visual tribute to the brotherhood between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, emphasizing its role in honoring the shared Caribbean spirit. Ambassador Martínez closed the event with a message of unity, saying, “May this mural inspire, connect, and endure forever to the rhythm of two Caribbean nations that share the same sound. One love.”