Jamaican High Commissioner at SADACCA

Story: Nasar Raoof

The Jamaican High Commissioner addressed the Sheffield’s black community on Thursday 30th April.

Following visits to local businesses and lunch with the Lord Mayor, he came to SADACCA where almost 100 people from the black community congregated to meet His Excellency the Honourable Burchell Whiteman, OJ, Jamaican High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Formally introduced by Carmelita Duncan, the High Commissioner said, “The Sheffield black community is a blueprint for other communities in the UK.” He went on to talk about the Jamaican economy in the current recession and indicated it was not too troubled by the banking crisis. He assured people that budgets for education, agriculture and welfare were still being upheld. “We need to protect our future,” he said, as he spoke of plans for the post-recession period.

Questions were put to Mr Whiteman about the economy and fears of day-today life in Jamaica. People raised concerns about not wanting to go back home in the current financial climate. In response to questions about hospitals charging for what was supposed to be free, Mr Whiteman asked for the particulars so it could be addressed when he returned to the Commission in London.

Mr Whiteman assured people that the issue of prisoners being sent back to Jamaica is being looked into and cases have been reduced. Throughout the event, questions were asked about jobs being created back home for those wanting to go back to Jamaica to work in teaching and other jobs. The High Commissioner said, given the current financial climate, there is a “slow phase” but also said he encouraged private entrepreneurship to create jobs abroad.

Residents from Carwood, Pitsmoor and Burngreave commented,

“The evening has been great: it's great to see authoritative figures take an interest in our community.”

Malcolm, a Burngreave resident, added,

“I'm proud of where I come from but even happier when we come together so we can express how we feel.”