22nd November 2013 Kingston, Jamaica
What are Embassies for Anyway?
I was very interested to see a letter last month in The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper with the above title, expressing confusion and scepticism as to the purpose of Embassies.
Given that I work in one (a High Commission is just the name for an Embassy between Commonwealth Countries), this set me thinking. I love my job and feel hugely privileged to represent my country in Jamaica. But my colleagues and I can only be successful if those outside our organisation understand what we do. This includes the many Jamaicans we work with.
It seems to me that Embassies and the people who work in them have changed a lot over the years. Nonetheless, it has struck me both here and in previous jobs, that old perceptions of out-of-touch officials can persist.
We try to spend a lot more time than in the past engaging the public, including through social media. The Gleaner letter is a good reminder that there has to be a continuous effort for Governments to be more open about how they work and to communicate to foreign audiences.
There is though one central simple point about Embassies which seems obvious to me, but perhaps not to the public, including the Gleaner correspondent. It is that any diplomat is there primarily to carry out the wishes and pursue the interests of his or her own Government. I am very conscious that it is the British taxpayer ultimately that pays my wages and those of all of my colleagues.
My colleagues at the High Commission are doing a huge range of things: yes, delivering visas (contrary to popular perception, through a fair if rigorous process), but also helping British nationals in need of assistance; helping British companies wanting to do business here; cooperating with Jamaican partners in the fight against crime affecting both countries; administering a large development programme and helping Jamaican returnees from the UK reintegrate into life back here.
As part of the senior Management team, it’s my job to help ensure that whatever we do, together we focus on promoting the interests of the United Kingdom in Jamaica, and in that context, good UK-Jamaica relations.
Similarly, I am sure that anybody who works for the Jamaican Government overseas puts Jamaica’s interests at the forefront of their activities. If I may say so, I think the Jamaican High Commission in London focussed brilliantly on this during the Olympics last year, through events that promoted Jamaica.
@ Held in Perpetual Captivity says:…..
If you are using the site to expose the horrors of your visa rip off funds; then you are on the right path.
If you need result to get your children’s visas, you’re on the wrong path.
Should need any information on your rights and how to get positive result i am more than happy to point you in the right n correct path.
I am on fb under said name, good luck.
perpetual captivity, your ordeal sounds horrific but ranting on julia’s blog is not the course of action to take. she is not responsible or @ fault in this situation.
why is it hard for us jamaicans to obtain a a uk visa even when our applications are ok.
Afternoon Miss Sutherland, I had called the number that you have given me and I spoke to a male person who said his name was Aswald. I was invited to a meeting on Thursday of this week but my problem is the location because on the website the address is totally different can you please confirm the correct one for me I’m really fed of the run around, have a nice day
Hello Tresha,
NODM’s address is Shop 19, Lyndhurst Plaza, 56 Lyndhurst Rd. Kingston. Good luck with your meeting.
Ok thank you
Tresha did you get any help? (Real help that is)
Dear miss Sutherland.
My child ran away from home and was found on the street by strangers last night, she is refusing to go home and threatening to run away again I’ve tried using the site you suggested and have reciieved a message ‘content coming’ can you pls provide me with an alternative means of contacting your facility as I urgently require assistance. Thank you
I am sorry if the visas link I gave was previously broken – it does appear to be working now.
If you or anyone else has an urgent concern about a British national in Jamaica, best to call us (at any time) on (+1 876) 936 0700. I have also asked our consular team to contact you direct.
Why are you censoring my comments? What are you still moderating? I which the world to know the consequences of your actions towards people. Let them have a qualitative view. When I volunteered for the Olympics as a chaufeer for free, you exploiters didn’t think of hiding my face. Let the world read about the impact your sadistic minded decisions have on decent peoples lives.
You did not give my daughter and mother the opportunity or curtesy of an interview last week. You gave them a letter stating that my child’s mother did not consent to her visiting me or provided proof of ties to ensure her return to Jamaica. Plus her mother eho took my daughter. A minor to the consulate. Also brought along her passport which she signed there and then. You’ve argued that you have no proof she’s the mother. Why was she allowed to sign her own passport then. Why wasn’t they given a chance at interview if these were genuine concerns. Where in the application guidance notes is it said specifically that this letter is to be provided? We all thought that a interview was mandatory. Wasn’t that what you did with her older sister. And on the subject of her elder sister. I thought that all cases was judged on its own merit. If this is so, why was she rejected on information you received in 2004? Do you think I am going to let this rest. If I die tonight as I almost did on October 4 2004 without the world knowing of your unfair and unjust system you’ve for another thing coming. I’d like you to answer these questions here. You’ve got my permission.
I refuse to use your complaints procedure. I need a public answer and debate. Can you please answer my questions here. I will not be subjected to your automated replys. You started this blog. I’m at the point of being depressed. If I were to kill myself I would love the whole entire world to know the reason. I will publish my name, which I am sure you are aware of. Those of my children. All the letters and correspondence you’ve sent to me. You started this public blog to justify the reason there is an embassy or consulate in Jamaica. Answer my question please as this has gone far way beyond complaints.
I firmly believe that the British Consulate in Jamaica is a money making apparatus designed to generate income from its former colony. It is designed to rubber stamp DECLINED on all applications without properly assessing the merits of each application. How can you claim that the Consulate grants visas in a fair and unbiased way? That claim is preposterous. I am a British citizen with two daughters in Jamaica of whom I’ve applied to have them visit me here thrice. Each time they’ve been turned down with paltry reasons such as : “although you’ve submitted all the required documents and satisfied us that you can financially support your children, your child’s permission to travel letter from her mother was not dated?” Or. As the most recent rejection letter states. My daughter, a minor who was accompanied by her mother to your facility. “Did not have permission from said mother, even though said mother gave a signed copy of her own passport and was present at the handing in of all documents”? I am reminded of the scene in the film Django where the main characters wife is held captive by the plantation owner and he bangs the table and shouts “SOLD!!! To the unremarkable nigger!!! ” this is exactly what you’ve been doing to me and my children for the last 14 years. I’ve been bidding with my hard earned monies to see my own flesh and blood to no avail. To the sadistic satisfaction of my former slavers. I’ve had to bear my 17 year old daughter been raped and traumatised by her stepfather. Only to be told by you that she’s survived there for so many years, she can survive more. What kind of monsters are you. No. Don’t answer that. You are overseers of the
Plantation. The embassy is the great house and you are taking extreme pride and pleasure returning to the good ole days.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
The following link includes details of how to complain about visa applications or the service in Jamaica.
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/jamaica/contact/complaints?langname=UK%20English
If you write to the e-mail or postal address given with details of the case, my colleagues dealing with visa matters will be happy to provide a reply.
I am a deportee who return home in 2003 I got caught up with a man who was involved in drugs and. I was sent to prison with him . However while I was on lock down I did all I could where education is concern I came home with22 certificate, one diploma and a highly commended certificate for my short story writing I would say that I was well taken care of whilst inside . Since I came back home Im. Having a hard time with all that I have learnt I still could not get a job because of my police record I know that there are policies and rule. That link country to country but I don’t think that it is fair to me. Do my time inside and still doing it here now a lot of opportunities has pass me by because yet I have never ever thought for one moment to do anything illegal everyone is different some reoffend some kill themselves and some end up on the streets. I know that the uk is doing somethings to help us but I don’t have all the details can you please give me some information on that
Thanks Tresha for sharing.
I recommend you contact the National Organisation of Deported Migrants (NODM) http://www.nodm.org.jm / tel 356 1126/ e-mail info@nodm.org.jm. They are a dedicated organisation who we support. They are staffed by deported migrants and help other men and women reintegrate back into Jamaican society after deportation.
You and others may also like to know that NODM is completing a survey on the experience of reintegration amongst the deported population, the key success factors and barriers. They would be interested in hearing from deportees, and I understand can pay costs for those participating in the survey.
Best wishes!
Thank you Miss Sutherland I was at a point where I almost gave up