High Commission of Jamaica, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Commission of Jamaica in London |
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| Location | South Kensington, London |
| Address | 1-2 Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BZ |
| Coordinates | 51°30′0.7″N 0°10′29.3″W / 51.500194°N 0.174806°W |
| High Commissioner | Alexander Williams |
The High Commission of Jamaica in London is like Jamaica's main office in the United Kingdom. It is a diplomatic mission, which means it represents Jamaica's government in another country. Its main job is to help Jamaicans living in the UK and to keep a good relationship between Jamaica and the UK. It's located in South Kensington, London. The current High Commissioner is Alexander Williams.
Contents
History of the High Commission
The High Commission started in 1962. This was right after Jamaica became independent from Britain. It was one of the first diplomatic offices Jamaica opened. The office moved a few times before settling at its current home on Prince Consort Road.
For many years, Jamaicans have traveled to England to work and study. In the 1940s, many Jamaicans helped Britain during World War II. After the war, many more Jamaicans moved to the UK. This was because Britain needed workers. The first large group arrived on a ship called the HMT Empire Windrush. It brought almost 500 Jamaicans to Britain. More Jamaicans later moved to the UK for jobs and education.
Jamaica's Diplomatic Work in London
Countries the High Commission Helps
The High Commission also works as Jamaica's Ambassador to several other countries. These include Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden. This means the High Commissioner represents Jamaica in these countries too. Honorary Consuls in these countries help the High Commission manage these relationships.
Leaders of the High Commission
Since Jamaica became independent, fourteen different people have served as the High Commissioner in London. They are:
- Sir Henry Laurence Lindo (August 1962 – December 1973)
- Arthur Wint (July 1974 – March 1978)
- Ernest Grafford Peart (September 1978 – August 1981)
- Herbert Walker (November 1981 – August 1988)
- Ellen Gray-Bogle (Sept 1989 – November 1993)
- Derick Heaven (April 1994 – May 1999)
- David Muirhead (July 1999 – August 2002)
- Maxine Roberts (September 2002 – December 2004)
- Gail Mathurin (April 2005 – September 2006)
- Burchell Whiteman (January 2007 – January 3, 2010)
- Anthony Johnson (May 2010 to May 2012)
- Aloun Ndombet-Assamba (May 2012 to May 2016)
- Seth George Ramocan (December 2016 – August 2022)
- Alexander Williams (October 2023 – present)
Staff and What They Do
The High Commission in the UK has about 20 staff members. It also has offices for the Jamaica Tourist Board. This board helps people plan trips to Jamaica. The Jamaica Information Service is also there. This service shares news and information about Jamaica. The European Regional Office of Jamaica Trade and Invest is also housed here. This office helps businesses trade with Jamaica.
The High Commission helps train Jamaican Foreign Service officers. They learn about working with other countries. They also learn about helping Jamaican citizens and communities abroad.
The High Commissioner's Role
The High Commissioner is the head of the High Commission. They work for the Government of Jamaica and also with the United Kingdom. The High Commissioner helps make and carry out plans for the mission. Their main goal is to improve cooperation between Jamaica and these countries. They also work to grow trade, business, and tourism links. They stay in touch with Jamaicans living in the UK. They do this by visiting communities and attending events.
The Deputy High Commissioner's Role
The Deputy High Commissioner helps the High Commissioner with all their duties. They also manage the office's money and daily operations. They oversee the sections that help citizens, deal with politics, and support communities.
Helping Jamaican Citizens (Consular Section)
The Consular Section helps Jamaican citizens living in the UK. It is the service part of the High Commission. People from the six countries the mission covers also get help here. They usually contact Honorary Consuls in their own countries.
This section offers many services, including:
- Helping with applications for Passports, Visas, and Citizenship.
- Giving advice on how to get Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates.
- Checking and approving documents for use in the UK and Jamaica.
- Helping Jamaican prisoners, students, and children.
- Dealing with money support orders between countries.
- Checking nationality for people facing removal orders.
- Handling matters related to estates (property after someone passes away).
- Getting police records.
The High Commission also holds special "Surgeries" (outreach events). They go to Birmingham every first Thursday of the month. They also visit Manchester every third Wednesday. This means Jamaicans do not have to travel to London for these services. Two officers attend these events. They help with Emergency Certificates, Passports, Citizenship by Descent, and document certification.
The Birmingham Surgery starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Afro-Caribbean Millennium Centre. Volunteers help check applications first. Then, the Consular Officers carefully review the applications and talk to people.
Supporting Jamaicans Abroad (Diaspora Development)
Diaspora development aims to make the relationship stronger. This is between the Jamaican government and Jamaicans living in the UK. One recent activity was working against the Air Passenger Duty. This is a tax on flights that affected travel to Jamaica.
Connecting with Communities (Community Relations)
The Community Relations Department works closely with Jamaican groups in the UK. There are over 74 Jamaican organizations listed with the High Commission. There are also 56 Caribbean groups and 36 Afro-Caribbean Service Centres.
The Community Relations Officer helps new groups form and grow. They also take part in community events. They share information about Jamaica. They give advice to Jamaicans who need help. They also help organize donations to Jamaica.
Recently, the High Commission has focused on youth groups. For example, the Young Minds Group asks for ideas from Jamaican students in the UK. These ideas help with Jamaica's national development.
Managing Money and Office Operations (Finance and Administration)
The Finance and Administration Department has two main jobs:
- To manage all the money for the High Commission. This includes money for the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).
- To handle staff matters and keep the office buildings running. They also manage the computer systems.
Images for kids
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The High Commission
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Plaque outside the High Commission
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Looking down Prince Consort Road, with the High Commission on the right
