Both countries marking 60 years of diplomatic relations together

Jamaica and the United Kingdom (UK) are moving to strengthen relations in the areas of climate change, security, and trade at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

This is being done as both countries mark 60 years of diplomatic ties. The two countries established diplomatic ties on August 2, 1962, after Jamaica gained Independence from the UK. Jamaica hosted a ceremony at its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, downtown Kingston headquarters to mark the occasion.

Senator Leslie Campbell, state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, who spoke at the ceremony, highlighted that Jamaica and the UK have a special relationship that has matured and transformed from centuries of colonial rule, to one of mutual respect and understanding.

According to him, “the UK has stood with us over these many decades, providing vital support to sectors critical for Jamaica’s sustainable growth and development,” noting that the UK has offered “invaluable assistance” to Jamaica’s security and justice infrastructure.

He cited bilateral cooperation programmes, valued at approximately £81.3 million, which include support for at-risk youth, countering serious and organised crime, and the reintegration of offenders into society.

The state minister said Jamaica has also benefited from ongoing cooperation at the regional level in areas such as health, security and disaster resilience and recovery.

“We are pleased that there are currently three regional programmes in these areas valued at approximately £7.2 million from which countries like Jamaica can benefit,” Campbell added.

The ceremony to mark the diplomatic ties between Jamaica and the UK was among a series of events attended by Jesse Norman, visiting British state minister for the Americas and the Overseas Territories in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, during a tour of the region.