MIAMI -Jamaican born world-famed aviator, Captain Barrington Irving, Jr., will arrive to a hero’s welcome on Friday (Aug. 4) at the Norman Manley Airport in Kingston at the start of a four-day official visit to Jamaica.
Captain Irving recently accomplished his mission as the youngest and first Black to successfully circumnavigate the world. His mission, he said, was to inspire and uplift children of lesser fortunate circumstances in achieving their dreams and fulfill their purpose.
Captain Irving was invited to Jamaica by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, as she spoke to him by telephone on Wednesday (June 27), after his successful historic aviation voyage which took him across four continents during 97 days.
He will be met on arrival by several government dignitaries and officials from the Jamaica Tourist Board.
Mr. Irving will be the special guest in a delegation leaving the Airport for the City in an official motorcade through the streets of Kingston.
During his visit, Mr. Irving will be guest at various several events including a courtesy call with the Governor General, His Excellency, Professor Kenneth Hall at King’s House. He will also visit patients at the St. Joseph’s Hospital and residents at the Maxfield Park Children’s Home.
On Saturday, he will receive a similar hero’s welcome when he arrives in Montego Bay. In that City, he will meet with City officials, followed by a tour of the SOS Children’s Village and several landmarks in that region.
A native of Spanish Town, Captain Irving will visit his place of birth in High Field as well as the preparatory school in Friendship Meadows where he first attended school. He will also participate in a church service at the Glad Tidings Open Bible Church in that community.
Described as a mentor and role model to youth, Captain Irving will conduct a rap session with Jamaican students of the National Youth Development Council where he will share experiences encountered during his solo world mission as well talk of his pioneering work in aviation, education and volunteerism. Irving recently established an aviation learning center – Experience Aviation – at the Opa Locka Airport in Miami exposing lesser fortunate children to the aviation industry. His experience, he indicated, has taught him that there was little knowledge and encouragement to young aspiring blacks wanting to pursue professions in that industry.
On Monday (Aug. 6), Captain Irving will be guest at the Independence Day Parade at Kings House.
He will also participate in several other activities scheduled for that day as the nation celebrates its 45th anniversary of Independence.
Later that day, he will be guest of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller at the Independence Reception and Gala at Jamaica House.
During his official visit to Jamaica, Captain Irving will be accompanied by his family, his parents and two younger brothers, as well as his mentor, Jamaican national and airline pilot, Captain Gary Robinson.
