jamarchSpecial ceremonies are being planned by the Jamaican High Commission in London, United Kingdom (UK), to recognise UK-born persons of Jamaican heritage, who take up Jamaican citizenship.
High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency Aloun N’dombet Assamba, said the Mission has been encouraging the second, third and fourth generation UK-born Jamaicans to recognise their “Jamaicaness”.
The ceremonies, she said, would also strengthen the bonds with the next generation of UK-born Jamaicans.
Mrs. N’dombet Assamba was speaking on Saturday, February 2, at a meeting of UK-based Jamaican community members and business leaders, at the High Commission, where activities for 2013 were outlined.
“We have also been encouraging UK-Jamaicans to apply, once they are able to prove that their parents are Jamaicans,” the High Commissioner said.
The High Commission receives up to 15 citizenship applications each week, and Mrs. N’dombet Assamba told the meeting that the proposed ceremonies will be a special recognition for those who go through the process.
“We have the certificates and I feel that although we don’t have it (the ceremony) formally as part of the process, the recognition is important. We have decided that at least twice a year, we are going to have a recognition ceremony at which those people who become citizens will be acknowledged,” she added.
Mrs. N’dombet Assamba told the meeting that other planned events include a Bob Marley Tribute in February; a series of meetings by the National Land Agency in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham in May; an Independence Church Service on August 3 at Southwark Cathedral; and a Cultural Evening in October, showcasing literary arts.
The High Commissioner also encouraged community members to nominate persons in the UK for Jamaican National Honours.
Media Writer
