- Welcome to Jamaica
- Jamaica in the Commonwealth
- Jamaica became a member of the Commonwealth in 1962
- Jamaica became an independent country on the 6th of August 1962
- Jamaica has been competing in the Commonwealth Games since 1934, and has won 105 medals in total
- Jamaicans hold six Commonwealth Games records and three world records
- Four Jamaican women have won Commonwealth Writers’ Prizes: Erna Brodber in 1989; Olive Senior in 1987; Alecia McKenzie in 1993; and Vanessa Spence in 1994
- Scholarships and fellowships are awarded by Jamaica to citizens of other Commonwealth countries under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- The Commonwealth Library Association has its secretariat at the Mona, Kingston, campus of the University of the West Indies
- Ransford Smith, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General 2006-
- Burchell Whiteman, Chair of the Board of Governors, Commonwealth of Learning 2008-
- Michael S Fennell, President, Commonwealth Games Federation
- Norma Y Amenu-Kpodo, Honorary Executive Secretary, Commonwealth Library Association
- Paulette Dunn-Smith, President, Association of Commonwealth Examination and Accreditation Bodies
- 1966 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Kingston
- 1974 Sixth Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers in Kingston
- 1975 CHOGM in Kingston
- 1995 Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting
- 2008 Commonwealth Law Conference – held in Jamaica in October – marking the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association
The Most Hon. Andrew Holness
Prime Minister of Jamaica
On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, let me extend a warm Jamaican welcome to you.
I take this opportunity to reaffirm Jamaica’s continued commitment to democracy, human rights, sustainable development and peace, the guiding principles and long-held values of the Commonwealth.
A firm advocate of the multilateral process, Jamaica, despite its small size, continues to play its part to make the world a better place for mankind. Through our membership in the Commonwealth, Jamaica has benefited enormously from opportunities to share experiences, best practices, skills and information aimed at advancing these objectives.
As you scroll through the web-pages devoted to our small island nation, you will experience the magic and allure of our island, which has won the hearts of those who have visited our shores. The infectious hospitality of our people, our resourcefulness, our rich culture, the allure of bewitching scenery, flora and fauna, accentuated by golden beaches and warm all year-round climate, are some of the many reasons for which Jamaica has won international acclaim.
But there is so much more. “Jamaica Means Business” – that is the maxim which foretells the exciting phase in Jamaica’s current economic development. Jamaica is today a major investment and business centre in the Caribbean, boasting superb infrastructure: state-of-the-art ports, up-to-date ICT facilities, highways and road networks. We continue to place special emphasis on promoting sustained economic growth and development of our country.
So, whether you want to do business or enjoy our diverse cultural and social offerings, make it Jamaica today. A warm Jamaican welcome awaits you.
Jamaica in the Commonwealth
did you know?
Senior Commonwealth officers
Commonwealth meetings hosted
Commonwealth Projects
Speech Therapist, School of Special Needs Education (2007/08)
A speech therapist was provided by the Commonwealth Secretariat to the School of Special Education and Community Organisations to build specialist capacity in the field of speech therapy and to determine the needs of children who require additional support and develop appropriate intervention programmes. There are very few qualified speech therapists working in the Jamaican school system and poor performance by children with special needs, and worsening levels of impairment can only be addressed if children receive appropriate support.
Strategic Plan for the Export of Jamaican Professional Services (2007/08)
The Commonwealth Secretariat provided technical assistance to support Jamaica increase the export of professional services through the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).
Economic Advisor to Support Jamaica’s Chairmanship of the G77 (2005/06)
In 2005 Jamaica was responsible for chairing the meeting of the Group 77 (G77) and China. At the same time, the United Nations was also involved in assessing progress in relation to the Millennium Development Goals. Given the significance of both of these processes, technical assistance was provided to enable Jamaica to better prepare and negotiate outcome documents. The advisor was also tasked with ensuring that the concerns of Small Island Developing States were adequately represented in negotiations and position papers.
Project Manager, Milk Marketing Project (2002)
An eighteen month extension was provided for the services of a project manager (courtesy of the Commonwealth) to the Milk Marketing Board. The advisor continued to provide assistance to the dairy farmers of Jamaica in establishing a milk procurement, processing and marketing system. A new milk processing plant, established in 2003, required technical assistance to guide the process of configuring the new processing plant and in correcting some teething problems in the new establishment. Staff training in the plant operations was also provided.
Environmental Economist/Policy Analyst (1999)
Two workshops, commissioned by the Commonwealth Secretariat, were completed on Natural Resources Policy Development to strengthen capacity of the Planning Institute in Environmental and Natural Resources Management. The consultant’s counterpart and key staff of the Institute were trained.
Jamaica
in the Commonwealth Yearbook
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