British High Commissioner to Jamaica Judith Slater walks alongside principal of Prospect College Gregory Wint during a visit to the all-boys' school in St Mary on Wednesday. (Photo: Akera Davis)
Slater’s swansong
Outgoing high commissioner says UK to maintain strong relationship with Jamaica no matter the system of Government
BRITISH High Commissioner to Jamaica Judith Slater has underscored that the United Kingdom (UK) Government has no position on Jamaica’s push to ditch the monarchy and become a republic.
“The United Kingdom is completely neutral on the topic of whether Jamaica decides to become a republic or not. It is entirely up to Jamaica to do what it chooses, and the UK doesn’t want to interfere with that,” said Slater during a visit to the all-boys’ Prospect College in St Mary on Wednesday.
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According to Slater, the aim is for the United Kingdom and Jamaica to maintain their strong bond that currently exists, despite the form of Government adopted by the island.
“We want to continue our deep, broad relationship — and very close relationship — with Jamaica. We will continue to be there — whether or not Jamaica becomes a republic,” said Slater.
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“Barbados did this [transitioned from a parliamentary constitutional monarchy to a parliamentary republic] a couple years ago [on November 30, 2021] and our bilateral relationship is equally as good as it was before they decided to take that step,” added Slater.
The UK supports Jamaica’s development through a number of initiatives, including a masters scholarship programme whereby 15 Jamaicans are afforded the opportunity to study in various fields of their choice. Slater encouraged the Prospect College boys to take advantage of the initiative in the near future.
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“We do a lot of things, like Chevening scholarships. This is a thing for you boys to be aware of so, maybe in another like 10 years, you can get a chance to study in the UK,” said Slater as she pointed out that under the Chevening programme, once the students are accepted at universities in the UK, boarding is provided in addition to a stipend for the duration of their study.
“We do this so they can enjoy their time in the UK — so that is something for you boys to think about,” encouraged Slater.
She pointed out that in addition to its support for education, the UK donates heavily towards Jamaica’s fight against crime and violence.
“We do a lot of work in the violence prevention, corruption sphere. With millions of pounds we support Jamaica’s efforts to control corruption such as gang violence,” said Slater.
“Jamaica is a very vibrant democracy, and we should be proud of that, so this is another thing we do to try, from our end, to maintain our relationship,” added Slater as she pointed out that the UK Government also donates heavily to Jamaica’s efforts to deal with the challenges caused by climate change.
The British high commissioner concluded her address with a declaration of her pleasure in getting the opportunity to visit St Mary, and in particular Prospect College.
“I have been her for three and a half years now, [and] I’m heading towards the end of my time, but I will definitely tell my colleague who is coming after me — which is another woman — about this beautiful place,” said Slater.
The Government recently took a major step toward removing King Charles as Jamaica’s head of State by tabling a a Bill in Parliament to abolish the constitutional monarchy and transition the country to a republic.
The legislation is now being reviewed by a joint select committee of Parliament.
