Newcastle to benefit from ambassadors’ visit

Newcastle played host to the ambassadors of Panama and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela last weekend.

The two dignitaries, Marninin Morena Mérida of Venezuela, and Jacob Dominguez Castillo of Panama, arrived last Thursday. Apart from spending time with their friend, Doctor Ahmed Jamaloodeen, the ambassadors also investigated the possibility of fostering a relationship between Newcastle and their respective countries.

“The visit was to help increase Newcastle’s visibility, while trying to improve the town’s economy, especially through agriculture,” said Dr Jamaloodeen.

“My family are all farmers, so I think the possibility of looking at Newcastle for agricultural investment is a good idea,” said Ms Mérida. Mr Castillo shared her enthusiasm.

“We were taken around the city, given the opportunity to overlook plantations and we really liked what we saw. What I liked the most were the dams and available water, because Panama has a lot of dry regions; the availability of water is a great asset to farmers, especially those with cattle.”

Looking to the future, if a partnership were to be formed between Newcastle, Panama and Venezuela, the relationship could benefit all three communities, said Mr Castillo.

“Farming can ignite local economy, and bring down the unemployment rate. We are proud Dr Jamaloodeen and his family are trying their best to assist the Newcastle community.”

Ms Mérida said she intended to make an appointment with the MEC of Agriculture, Themba Mthembu. Dr Jamaloodeen and his family take Newcastle’s best interest to heart.

“If we can work together, focusing on developing the agricultural community, using the necessary contacts to empowering others, creating solutions and teaching others to care for themselves, we can create a self-sustaining economy,” he said.

“Everyone can benefit from an efficient and transparent economy,” he concluded.