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The Jamaican High Commission London – Newsletter September 2015
JAMAICA CELEBRATES 53RD BIRTHDAY action involving commitment, responsibility, patience and sacrifice on the part of all members of our national family.”
On August 6, Jamaica celebrated its 53rd anniversary with messages from the Governor-General, His Excellency The Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, Kst.J; Prime Minister the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, ON, M.P; the Leader of Opposition, Mr Andrew Holness, M.P. and Jamaica’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, all extolling the theme: “Proud and Free… Jamaica 53!” The Governor-General encouraged Jamaicans to embrace the occasion. “We celebrate our people: the strides we have made nationally and internationally, the vision for our growth and our wellbeing, as well as the challenges which must impel us to forge sustainable solutions. We cherish our brand as a people who are creative and resilient. Once we are united in our struggles and objectives, our dreams and aspirations; with divine guidance there will be no difficulty which we cannot overcome.” Sir Patrick also called upon Jamaicans to join forces against crime and violence. “Believe that we shall prevail and overcome,” said Sir Patrick. “Let us end the culture of silence and help bring perpetrators to justice. Let us redouble our efforts to transform the lives of our people and so end the downward drift of our youth, in particular, to gangs, drugs and guns.” The Governor-General also
commemorated the declaration of the Blue and John Crow Mountains as a UNESCO world heritage site. “This is a treasure, among others, which we must preserve for future generations,” said Sir Patrick. The Prime Minister praised the resolve of Jamaicans to face the future with confidence and stand in the present with purposeful determination, strengthened by the many national successes of the past. “Since January 2012 the Government of Jamaica has embarked on a courageous and successful effort to reform the Jamaican economy, correcting once and for all, some of the structural weaknesses that have contributed to our country’s high indebtedness, low growth levels, high unemployment, and less than satisfactory investments in growthinducing infrastructure and other areas of social capital development,” said Mrs Simpson Miller. “The Economic Reform Programme is a national call to social and economic
The Prime Minister pointed out that there has been a tremendous improvement in Jamaica’s “Ease of Doing Business” ranking by the World Bank, inflation has been reduced to its lowest level in 48 years, and Jamaica’s investment in the education of the people as a share of the national budget is among the highest in the Caribbean and Latin American Region. Mr Holness said that as we celebrate and reflect on the day of our political independence, we must not use these festivities as a distraction from our realities, nor should we reflect only to engage in blame. “This is a time for learning from our history and recommitting as a nation to quickening the pace of our development and growth while avoiding the pitfalls while avoiding the pitfalls of the past,” the Leader of Opposition said. The High Commissioner observed that Jamaicans continue to excel on whatever platform and in whatever fields of endeavour they find themselves. She added that many members of the Jamaican Diaspora can recall with fondness the pride and joy of the new Jamaican flag being hoisted for the first time. “I thank the Jamaican Diaspora in the UK for their unswerving commitment to Jamaica,” said Mrs NdombetAssamba. “Despite being far away from your homeland, you continue to keep the Jamaican flag flying high and continue to support the growth and development of our beloved country. A special thank you also to our ‘Honorary’ Jamaicans who have embraced Jamaica with open arms and have never looked back.”
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DIASPORA CONFERENCE A SUCCESS The delegates who attended the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference 2015 (JDC 2015) generally agree that it was another successfully staged event.
Diaspora Cheque Presentation
Conference records show that Eighty-Two (82) persons from the UK registered for JDC 2015. There were eighteen (18) UK presenters for the respective Conference sessions and the quality of the presentations, including the various recommendations was lauded by the audiences. The relevant follow-up work with Government Ministries and Agencies will be done by the High Commission at the earliest. There was a myriad of activities for delegates to participate in during the Conference, and UK delegates had their fill. Starting with the Marketplace activities, delegates had the chance to explore business and investment opportunities. Delegates were exposed to the many facets of Brand Jamaica and were familiarized with the various ways in which they can protect and promote the brand. Discussions were held daily on a range of issues such as tourism and entertainment; IT; agro parks & agri-business; cultural and creative industries; stocks and venture capital; integrating Diaspora skills; engaging 3rd/4th generation Diaspora members; education and health; issues impacting the Diaspora; the role of the Church; immigration and deportation; social business enterprises; housing development services; and local government/ Diaspora partnerships. Following these discussions, delegates had the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality events that were put on courtesy of the many Conference sponsors each evening/night. The feed back from most
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delegates has been generally positive. The Closing Plenary Session featured presentations from the Conference Chair Mr Richard Powell, and Conference Rapporteur, Professor Neville Ying. Minister Arnaldo Brown provided an update on the Diaspora Policy and post Conference implementation plan, while the Most Honourable P. J Patterson delivered the keynote address on the topic “Going forward Together: Jamaica and the Diaspora”. The Day of Service which was held on 18th June saw many UK delegates actively participating in mentoring and other education activities at the Spot Valley High School, the Moneague Primary School as well as the Sam Sharp Teachers’ College. The UK Health Initiative Group in collaboration with Jamaica National carried out its Day of Service on 19th20th June, at the Percy Junor Hospital in Spalding. Donations of equipment including a cooker, refrigerator and medical supplies, complemented the
physical work done – mainly painting of walls, planting of flowers and sprucing up other areas of the institution. Other tangible donations by the UK delegation included having the previously donated Mobile Blood Unit at the Conference which was in turn used to collect blood during the course of the Conference. High Commissioner Assamba also donated J$600,000.00 to be shared among the Fern Court, Merl Grove and Alpha High Schools for Sixth Form students, as part of her contribution towards a special scholarship initiative to mark her birthday celebrations in February 2015. Conference 2015 can indeed be described as a success and many delegates are already looking forward to Conference 2017 and the UK’s 5th Biennial Conference where pertinent issues are to be followed up by the Diaspora Communities. Jamaican High Commission London 27/07/2015
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JAMAICAN CHARITIES BENEFIT AND COMMUNITY STALWART HONOURED DURING UK INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS and musician Ms Harlem Ngyuem - a student of the St. Martin in the Fields Girls School and children of the staff and friends of the High Commission reciting the National Pledge. The children were dressed with hats and bow-ties Reflecting this year’s Independence fashion theme of Bandana and Denim.
The Mustard Seed Communities and the Pringle Home for Children will share more than £1,700 pounds (Ja$310,00) collected during this year’s Independence Service of Praise and Thanksgiving hosted by the Jamaican High Commission as part of the festivities in the United Kingdom to celebrate Jamaica’s 53rd anniversary of Independence. The Service, which was held at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster London on Saturday, 25th July, was attended by nearly one thousand Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica from across the United Kingdom. The sermon was preached by Professor Anthony Reddie, Professor Extraordinarius, the University of South Africa and Coordinator for Community Learning, Bristol Baptist College. It featured the Croydon Youth Choir, singer
The High Commission also used the Independence Day Reception to honour Community Stalwart and former Community Relations Officer, Mrs. Delores Cooper, OD and to present the Governor-General's Jamaica Diaspora Award for Excellence to Mrs. Gloria Leslie, founder of the Friends of the Noel Holmes Hospital and the West Haven Children's Home charity. The Independence Reception was held at the International Maritime Organisation on the Albert Embankment in London on Wednesday, 5th August and the special awards were presented by High Commissioner, Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet-Assamba. Mr. Cooper was hailed for her two decades of service to the Jamaican Diaspora. The citation described her as a deeply committed, loyal and patriotic Jamaican; “who has a great love for her country and devotion to the welfare of her compatriots. She has a history of service to the people and government of Jamaica that spans several decades and has touched the lives of countless individuals. Her dedication and determination have been a source of
Independence Cake
HC and Choir
inspiration and motivation to many. Young and old speak lovingly and glowing about the difference she has made to their quality of life”. Mrs Leslie received the Governor General’s Jamaica Diaspora Award for Excellency at this year’s Jamaica Diaspora Conference, however, she was unable to be at the conference and so the award was presented to her by the High Commissioner at the Independence Reception. In addition to being the Founder and Chair of the Friends of Noel Holmes Hospital and West Haven Children’s Home, Mrs. Leslies supports several infirmaries, churches and the Blossom Gardens Children’s Home, in St. James, providing equipment, toys and medical supplies. In addition to the awards the Independence Reception featured a special performance by the Praise Academy of Dance, who were in the UK for a series of shows, renowned Jamaican singer JC Lodge and the Freedom Band UK. Praise Academy
Audience at Church Service
Children saying the Pledge
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EVENSONG AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY The High Commissioner, H.E. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, members of staff and members of the Jamaican Community were special guests at the Evensong service at the Westminster Abbey on Tuesday 4 August which observed Jamaica’s 53rd anniversary of Independence.
DHC HC NAJ and Kiwanis
The High Commissioner read the New Testament lesson, and the Abbey community prayed for the people of Jamaica, the leaders, Jamaicans living in the United Kingdom and for the work of that High Commission in London. Each year, the High Commissioners of Commonwealth countries are invited by the Dean of Westminster Abbey to evensong on or close to their national day. The National Flag is flown on the day when the High Commission is represented at Evensong. Photo Show: High Commissioner Ndombet-Assamba and Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Diedre Mills with members of the Kiwanis Club and the Nurses Association of Jamaica UK outside Westminster Abbey.
DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER AND JAMAICAN WINNERS - OF QUEEN’S YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD DHC and Queens Youth Leaders
MEDICAL student Nicole Nation and 25 year old Jerome Cowans pose with Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Diedre Mills at the reception for young people who received the inaugural Queen's Young Leaders Awards from Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace on Monday, on June 22. Twenty-two-year old Nicole is a disability ambassador, and was recognised for raising funds for projects to assist the disabled community, including a school for the hearing impaired. She provides online content for the Jamaica Observer's All Woman magazine. Jerome has been recognised for cofounding Leaders Endeavouring for Adolescent Development. The project provides personal development opportunities for young people so they will go on to better futures.
Both Nicole and Jerome were among five young people from the Caribbean, and 60 from across the Commonwealth, who received the honour “for taking the lead in transforming the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities”, the Queen's Young Leaders secretariat said. The Queen's Young Leaders Programme recognises young people aged between 18 and 29 who are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including; education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality. 4
CARICOM DAY CELEBRATION CARICOM High Commissioners, High Commission staff and members of the wider CARICOM family joined the congregation of the St. Anne's Lutheran Church for the official celebration of CARICOM Day at a Church Service held on Sunday, 5th July at the St. Mary-at-Hill Church in London.
Caricom High Commissioners
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HIGH COMMISSION HOSTS SECOND LITERARY EVENT The Jamaican High Commission hosted its second literary afternoon at the Waterlow Park in Camden on May 30, featuring four UK-based writers of Jamaican heritage. It was Deanne Heron's second appearance at the event, reading entertaining excerpts from Pardner Money Stories. Born in Jamaica, she came to live in England in 1967 and trained as a counsellor and foster care. Her fictional stories take a whimsical look at the interactions of four generations of the extended Jamaican family in Britain. One of the newcomers was Jamaicanborn Necola Hall, who served in the British army for more than nine years and is a veteran of the Second Gulf War. I Was a Soldier is the story of one woman's lifechanging journey from poverty to triumph over illness, and to the service of Queen
and country. Norma Gregory, the other author, was born in Nottingham in 1969, and has written about Jamaicans in Nottingham, a unique collection of personal and reflective interviews and articles that present narratives of life in that city, from individuals of Jamaican heritage who have contributed to the spirit and life of the city and its surrounding areas from the 1940s to the present. Dave Neita is the author of The Ultimate Love Collection of Love Poems PURE, the sizzling spoken word album and Manuscript of a Scripture Man. He also runs a project that employs poetry as a vehicle for expression for users and carers within mental health services. High Commissioner Aloun NdombetAssamba said the event was organised to showcase the rich diversity of the
HIGH COMMISSIONER OPENS HEALTH AWARENESS FORUM HC and the Friends of the Caribbean Team
Audience at Literary Event
Jamaican culture and the country's rich tradition in literature and the spoken word. The literary event is described as a miniCalabash, in reference to the international literary festival that is held biennially in St Elizabeth, Jamaica. The event also featured an open mic section for budding writers, poets and singers to showcase their talent. The event was sponsored by National Baking Company Distribution Ltd, Hansib Publications, Sackville Travel and the Jamaica Tourist Board.
ANNUAL WREATH LAYING CEREMONY FOR MARY SEACOLE, OJ Mrs. Glenda Forde, the Chair of the Mary Seacole Memorial Association, led the annual wreath laying ceremony at the grave of Mary Seacole on May 9. The service was held in the Chapel in St Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Harrow Road, Kensal Green. The sermon was preached by the Reverend Rudolph Gordon. The Mary Seacole Memorial Association was established by Connie Mark, Shirley Graham-Paul and Vie Lawrence. Since 1981 it has commemorated Mary Seacole’s life and legacy with an annual wreath-laying memorial service, luncheon and lecture on the second Saturday of May.
The High Commissioner, H.E. Mrs. Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, officially opened the Health Awareness Forum hosted by Friends of the Caribbean – a local Milton Keynes charity on May 16. The Forum was convened against the backdrop of reports confirming that persons of African or Caribbean descent in the UK are more at risk for certain health conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes and prostate cancer. Experts are not sure why these conditions are more common in people of African and African Caribbean origin, but they think it may be linked to diet and other lifestyle factors. Persons who attended the Forum were, therefore, able to get advice and information on a range of health issues. 5
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HIGH COMMISSIONER NDOMBET – ASSAMBA SPECIAL GUEST AT THE LAUNCH OF THE NHS ONE LOVE BLOOD DRIVE engage the Jamaican and Caribbean Community. The “One Love” donor recruitment campaign will build on the relationships with service users from Caribbean communities. HC at Blood Drive Launch
Synopsis of the High Commissioner’s Speech: Dr. Ian Trenholm, Chief Executive NHS Blood and Transplant Service, other members of the team, members of the Bristol Jamaican and Caribbean community, members of the Kiwanis Club, Mr. Rudi Paige of RAFFA, supporters of this Project, Ladies and Gentlemen. I am very pleased to be here this morning to be a part of this very important campaign to recruit some seven thousand donors from Jamaican and Caribbean communities across the United Kingdom by 2020. I am delighted that the NHS Blood and Transplant Service have recognised the importance of a recruitment drive specially designed to
The NHS Blood and Transplant’s partnership with RAFFA has benefitted Jamaica’s own blood drive. Over the years, it has provided Jamaica’s National Blood Transfusion Services with important equipment, including the mobile blood collection unit. This unit was used as the centrepiece for Jamaica’s 2015 donor recruitment drive. I hope that this partnership will continue for many years to come. I will speak to other Caricom High Commissioners to encourage them to join with the campaign. We need a Caribbeanwide alliance to get our Diaspora groups involved in the “One Love” donor recruitment drive. Once again thank you for inviting me to be a part of this very important event. It is my hope that we can continue this level of collaboration in the years to come.
DEPUTY HIGH COMMISSIONER ATTENDS FAREWELL EVENT FOR COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARS Deputy High Commissioner, Mrs. Diedre Mills, (left) joined Mr. Richard Middleton (centre), Chair of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, along with Jamaican Graduate Students at the 2015 Farewell Event for Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on July 9. The students from left to right are Mr. Karl McKenzie Chin, Ms. Terry-Ann Nicole Dennison and Mr. Kevon Stephenson.
DHC and Commonwealth Scholars
JAMAICAN BORN BRITISH CORPORAL SAYS THANK YOU Jamaican-born Corporal Jermaine Shaw paid a courtesy call on the High Commission to present a special plaque to say Thank You for the High Commission’s support with the Jamaican exhibition at an International Day event at the Swindon Barracks where he is stationed as part of the 22 Engineer Regiment. 6
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS The last quarter of the calendar year promises to be a busy one for the Jamaican High Commission in the multilateral arena. This year, Jamaica is once again seeking reelection to the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the period 2016-2017 The IMO is the United Nations specialised agency that sets the standards for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping and creates the regulatory framework that governs the international shipping industry. Jamaica has been a member of the IMO since 1976 and first served on the Council in 2007. Since then, Jamaica has served 3 consecutive 2-year terms (2010-2011; 2012-2013 and 2014-2015). Through its participation on the Council, and more broadly its membership in of the IMO, Jamaica has been able to contribute to the development and promotion of international maritime standards and regulations worldwide. The Council elections will be held during the 29th Session of the IMO Assembly to be held in London from 23 November to 2 December 2015. The Commonwealth, of which Jamaica has been an active member since its independence 53 years ago, will convene its biennial Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta from 27 to 29 November 2015. CHOGM will be preceded by a meeting of Commonwealth Foreign Ministers as well as a number of Fora which will bring together people of diverse backgrounds from across the Commonwealth to discuss matters relating to young people, business and women’s affairs, as well as issues of interest to civil society organizations. The Agenda for CHOGM is expected to cover the social, political and economic spheres and a Communiqué summarising the outcome of the discussions will be published upon the conclusion of the meeting. Another Commonwealth-connected event, this time with a social-welfare outlook, in which the High Commission will be actively involved is the Commonwealth Countries League’s Commonwealth Fair scheduled for 11:306:00pm on 7 November 2015 at the Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, London, W8 7NX. This annual event raises funds for the sponsorship of the secondary school education of girls throughout the Commonwealth. More than 20 female secondary school students in Jamaica are beneficiaries of this programme. The Jamaican High Commission is renowned for having one of the most popular stalls at the Fair and being the premier fundraiser. This success could not be achieved without the continued involvement of the Jamaican community. We look forward to your continued support this year.
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NOT JUST ABOUT MONETARY COMPENSATION, SAYS HIGH COMMISSIONER With interest in reparation advocacy for Caribbean states increasing in the United Kingdom, High Commissioner, Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, has made it clear that the resolution of the issue transcends monetary compensation.
settlement of a minimum of £7.5 trillion, monetary compensation is only one possible dimension of the argument.
“It is important that a focus on reparations should not be lost in suggestions confined to monetary compensation, the computation of this figure, and how it will be assigned,” Mrs. Ndombet-Assamba declared during a debate at the prestigious Oxford Union on May 29.
The High Commissioner argued that the issue of reparations brings to the fore questions related to ensuring that those countries that benefited from and established their economic prowess and global dominance through the reliance and preservation of a system of subjugation of generations of persons of African descent lend active and consistent support to the development of former colonies.
She was engaged in the debate with senior British politicians and UK-based academics on the merits of reparations for Caribbean states, emerging out of a colonial past. The High Commissioner posited that although the work done by scholars like Robert Beckford in his Channel 4 documentary, The Empire Pays Back, speaks to financial
“For us, the argument is far deeper,” said Mrs Ndombet-Assamba. “For us, it speaks to social and economic development.”
The Jamaican High Commissioner was invited by the Oxford Union to be one four speakers in support of the motion: “This House Believes Britain Owes Reparations to her Former Colonies.”
BLUE MOUNTAINS NAMED WORLD HERITAGE SITE On July 3, the world we received the exciting news that Jamaica, through a delegation led by Hon. Lisa Hanna, Minister of Youth & Culture, had been successful in its bid to have the Blue and John Crow Mountains placed on the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. “At the moment, it hasn't quite sunk in yet. It all seems very surreal. This has just been such a long time in coming’” said Dr Susan Otuokon, Executive Director of the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust (JCDT). In a first for the Caribbean country, Jamaica's beautiful Blue and John Crow Mountains were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site during the World Heritage Committee's 39th annual meeting in Bonn, Germany.
WOMEN IN DIPLOMATIC SERVICE GROUP The Annual General Meeting of the Women in Diplomatic Service Group was held at the High Commission on 16 June. The Special Guest Speaker was Mrs. Kim Simpliss Barrow, Special Envoy for Women and Children’s Affairs, Belize and wife of the Prime Minister (pictured on the right) with the Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Diedre Mills (centre), the High Commissioner for Lesoto Mrs. Felleng Makeka and the High Commissioner for Belize, H.E. Perla Perdomo.
Blue Mountain is known as the home of the Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee, which is among the most exquisite and expensive coffees around the world, while John Crow Mountain is famous for the anti-colonialism history of its Maroon resistance movement. The mountains are part of a national park in eastern Jamaica and boast the island’s highest peak. “The Blue and John Crow Mountains in Jamaica is [the] a jewel of the Caribbean displaying exceptionally pristine nature,” says Tim Badman, director of the World Heritage Programme with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, IUCN, which is responsible for evaluating the natural values of candidate sites. “We are delighted that a site so valuable in the eyes of the local communities has been recognized for its importance to the whole humanity,” said Badman. “This inscription also helps to build a World Heritage list which can represent the world’s regions in a more balanced way.” 7
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