UK in Jamaica
A blog about the work of the British High Commission in Jamaica
About this blog
19th August 2013
Kingston, Jamaica
I was struck by these words in the Independence Day message of the Governor General of Jamaica , Sir Patrick Allen. I had the honour of calling on Sir Patrick a few days later and asked him about this. He told me about the many examples of untapped excellence, skill, enthusiasm and goodwill which he […]
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9th August 2013
Kingston, Jamaica
Jamaica, though having some bright moments, has been dogged by slow economic development for as long as I can remember. Jamaica’s potential for greatness still exists as the country is characterized as having big dreamers, an entrepreneurial spirit, having tremendous cultural influence and an abundance of natural resources. One of those big dreams is manifesting […]
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1st August 2013
British High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica
Britain and Jamaica are long time friends, who partner on very visible technical and operational matters. But should you ask a random Jamaican about the function of the British High Commission in Kingston; the response will undoubtedly be something to do with visas. It has not gone unnoticed that since inception in 2003, visas to […]
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25th July 2013
Kingston, Jamaica
I’m very lucky to be High Commissioner in Jamaica – that’s my over-riding first impression. When I think of the many other places I could have been posted to, this one is hard to beat. I arrived five weeks ago, so “first” impressions are no longer quite correct. I’ve had a bit of time to […]
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15th July 2013
Kingston, Jamaica
Deportation is a topic that evokes a great deal of emotion particularly in Jamaica. A common perception amongst the Jamaican population is that the UK deports large numbers back to the island. Many feel their deportation was not fair or justified. Although Jamaicans constitute the second highest number of foreign national offenders, Jamaicans do not feature in our […]
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2nd July 2013
Kingston, Jamaica
I’ve always liked the word ‘diaspora’, which comes from Greek and means scattering or dispersion. Before I came to Jamaica I thought of the Diaspora as referring mainly to the worldwide Jewish community. And indeed, that community is represented here, with its roots in the immigration from Europe of those forced to convert to Christianity […]
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25th June 2013
Kingston, Jamaica
Living in a country with almost constant sunshine has a myriad of advantages. Having the opportunity to go to the beach all year round, with the temperature never dropping below 60 degrees, offers lots of positives. Another one that immediately jumps at me is the harnessing of the sun to produce energy. Jamaica is in […]
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11th June 2013
British High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica
Mr David Fitton CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Jamaica in succession to Mr Howard Drake, who was transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Fitton will take up his appointment during June 2013. Mr Fitton joined the FCO in 1980 and was , until recently , Deputy Head of mission at the […]
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5th June 2013
Kingston, Jamaica
Listening is not one of the first things that comes to mind when we think of social media, most of us view it as a tool to connect with people we know, or to meet new people. The concept of listening via social media has evolved over time. When used correctly information can be garnered in […]
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29th May 2013
Kingston, Jamaica
Although I have yet to see the man in action, I have heard that Courtney Walsh has ‘probably bowled faster, for longer than any man in history’. His track record is clearly impressive, achieving 519 Test wickets and over 30,000 balls, and his role as an Ambassador for sport in Jamaica is highly deserved. Despite […]
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