Ambassador Alexandre Gueiros has represented his country all his professional life.

That country is Brazil, known for its fanatic love of football, samba of the Rio Carnival and beautiful beaches.

Growing up in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Ambassador Gueiros said he always wanted to stretch beyond his beloved land.

As a diplomat, he has achieved this, living in four countries before Jamaica.

At 60, he is a first-time ambassador. Fresh to the job and the island, he and his wife, Gladys, plan on travelling around Jamaica to soak up all it has to offer.

You have been here almost three months, where are some of the places you have visited?

I have never left Kingston. Very soon, I'll start visiting other cities. I hope to buy a car in the next few days so I'll be able to start travelling.

Any places you've heard of that you want to go?

Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Montego Bay and Negril.

Is there anything unique about Jamaica that has struck you?

Faith. I was very touched by the fact that the authorities recognise the faith in God. I was present at the session of Parliament and they started with a prayer. It's a good example to be followed everywhere.

Are you a religious person?

Yes, I'm a member of a Christian church. It's a kind of Pentecostal denomination that started in Brazil. It's called Maranatha. Basically, it's based in the Bible; the theory is very Evangelical or Protestant, but in practise there are some differences.

Have you been to church since being in Jamaica?

Yes, it's called the Church of the Brethren, in Mona.

Did you always want to be a diplomat?

As a teenager I decided to join the diplomatic career in my country. I joined when I was 20 years old, so I have been a diplomat my whole life. I was attracted by knowing new countries, the opportunity to learn different languages, getting to know new cultures.

What's the relationship between Jamaica and Brazil?

We have been trying to encourage more businessmen from Brazil to do business with Jamaica. For historical reasons, the potential of the relationship has not been explored and also because of some lack of knowledge about possibilities that exist in Jamaica.

We have some ventures in the area of the sugar cane industry. Some Brazilian companies export to Jamaica - shoes, sandals.

Before coming to Jamaica, what did you hear about the country?

About the sprinters and about reggae and dancehall. Tourism has been increasing more and more and that's what we most hear about Jamaica.

So, what are some of the countries that you've visited?

I have lived for eight years in the United States, eight years in Portugal, two years in Bolivia, three-and-a-half years in Ireland where I just came from.

What languages do you speak?

Besides Portuguese, my mother tongue, I speak English, Spanish and a little Russian and some knowledge of Italian.

What's the one place that I would miss the Brazilian experience if I did not visit?

I would say Salvador in Bahia because it has a lot of history. And Rio, because of it's beautiful seaside and mountains.

Are you a sports fan?

Yes, I'm a football fan. I also like basketball. I support Flamengo, it's the best football team in the world. It's a team out of Rio. I like the Chicago Bulls, I lived there when they were on top.