By naming the new headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, located in downtown Kingston in honour of late former Prime Minister Hugh Shearer, the Government of Jamaica on Wednesday (January 19) demonstrated reverence to the deceased statesman and leader.

The naming of the new headquarters in Mr Shearer’s honour was approved by Cabinet. Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement during the official opening ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters yesterday.

Shearer served as Prime Minister from 1967 to 1972 and served simultaneously as Minister of Defence and Foreign Affairs. In 1980, he was appointed deputy prime minister and again as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Shearer was the country’s longest-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Holness was joined by Shearer’s widow, Professor Denise Eldemire Shearer; Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator  Kamina Johnson Smith and Minister of State in the Ministry, Senator Leslie Campbell, in unveiling the commemorative plaque.

Shearer lauded for principled foreign policy posture

In his address, Holness lauded Shearer for his principled and forthright foreign policy posture, which has served Jamaica well noting his admirable personal and professional attributes made him an exemplar in the conduct of Jamaica’s foreign policy and relations. He highlighted one of the most acclaimed initiatives presented in the very first policy statement to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1962 was delivered by Shearer.

That policy initiative was the proposal for the declaration of an international year of human rights, which was ultimately observed in 1968. According to Holness, “it was a demonstration of boldness and foresight that only a person of his sensitivity and awareness of the importance of the subject would convey.”

The Prime Minister recalled some of Shearer’s exploits at the UN in New York, which were matched only by his outstanding representation of the interests of Jamaica and developing countries in relation to global trade issues.

According to Holness, “His (Shearer) presence at meetings of the group of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries and the then European community, in the context of the Lomé negotiations, facilitated the significant role which Jamaica played then and continues to play in advocating for a level playing field for equitable trading arrangements for our vulnerable and less-developed countries.”

Expression of thanks to China

The Prime Minister said Mr Shearer’s management of his portfolio at the Foreign Affairs Ministry was imbued with his conviction of the inextricable link between domestic and foreign policy. In her remarks, Minister Johnson Smith expressed thanks to the People’s Republic of China and all the stakeholders who were integral to the project’s execution.

She said the ministry has now become a part of the downtown Kingston family, as the Government continues its push for the redevelopment of the area. Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Tian Qi, said the building represents a new landmark in Kingston and a new symbol of the friendship between China and Jamaica.

The 11-storey building will accommodate approximately 280 members of staff spanning 17 departments. The complex, which was built by Jiangsu Jiangdu Construction Group Company Limited, based in China, comprises a two-storey annexe building, a generator room, boundary wall, and parking area, among other features.