The British High Commission represents the totality of the British Government in its relations with the Government of Jamaica and promotes British interests in Jamaica. We are also responsible for maintaining the UK’s relationship with The Bahamas.

Our mission statement is "to advance UK interests by working, through a joined-up approach, to encourage and support Jamaica’s vision of a sustainable, secure, just and equitable society."

The High Commission in Kingston is one of the largest British diplomatic missions in the Americas. The roles of the component parts of the mission are briefly outlined below:

 

The Political Section supports Jamaica’s efforts to establish and sustain the rule of law and an effective judicial system within a human rights framework, in order to reduce the negative impact of drugs and international crime on the UK and to help promote Jamaican development.

The section is also responsible for the effective presentation of UK policies, images and values, as part of our work to promote UK interests, and for management of the High Commission’s website.

It also manages several bilateral  programme budgets  and has overall responsibility for the Chevening Scholarship programme in Jamaica.

 

The Defence Adviser is responsible for all aspects of the defence relationship between the UK and Jamaica.

 

The Department for International Development (DfID) is responsible for implementing the UK's development assistance programme. Its priority is to work with the Government of Jamaica towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

 

The UKBA section is responsible for providing visa and entry clearance services for those wanting to travel to the UK. The section aims to provide a fair and efficient service to Jamaican visa applicants.

 

The Vice Consul and his team are responsible for issuing passports and providing consular assistance and protection for British citizens.

 

The pensions section provides a service to those entitled to British state pensions now living in Jamaica; and detects and deters pension fraud.

 

The UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) team is the High Commission's trade and investment promotion vehicle. UKTI works proactively to facilitate UK exports through the provision of support services to UK companies interested in exporting goods and services to Jamaica.

 

The British Council works to assist with the Jamaican education reform agenda and to foster closer links between British and Jamaican educational establishments. The Council is also responsible for managing the Chevening Scholarship scheme in Jamaica.

 

The Management Section is responsible for human and financial resource managment and provides support to all front-line department.