Sierra Leone officially opens its first Honorary Consulate in Jamaica

BY PAUL JUNOR

The announcement in a press release on Wednesday, January 25^th, 2023, that Sierra Leone will officially open its first Honorary Consulate in Jamaica is a positive move. At present, there is a Sierra Leone Embassy office in Jamaica, which is an office of communication between the Sierra Leone Government and Jamaica. It operates as the official representative of Sierra Leone in Jamaica.

The deep roots between Jamaica and Sierra Leone were documented in the book, “The Maroons In Jamaica,” written by Mavis Campbell in 1988. Less than 600 Jamaican maroons from Cudjoe’s Town were deported to Nova Scotia after the Second Maroon War in 1796, and in 1800 to Sierra Leone. They settled in Freetown and the Colony of Sierra Leone in 1792 after it was established by the Sierra Leone Company.

The official launch of the honorary consulate in Jamaica took place in the midst of a week of commemorative activities from February 6^th to 11^th, 2023. Professor Rosalea Hamilton was appointed by the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Retired General Brigadier, Julius Maada Bioas as the first Honorary Consul for the Republic of Sierra Leone in Jamaica hosted the events.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Sierra Leone commends Consular Hamilton on his appointment, “I am truly honoured and incredibly excited about this opportunity to contribute to deepening cultural ties and forging stronger trade and economic relationships between the peoples of Sierra Leone and Jamaica. Professor Hamilton brings tremendous capacity that will be of immense value in forging a deeper relationship between the people of Sierra Leone and Jamaica, especially in the areas of trade.”

The official opening was held on Tuesday, February 7^th, 2023, in Red Hills, St. Andrew. In attendance were Honourable Dr. Memunatu Pratt, Sierra Leone Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and other government officials. The day was replete with Sierra Leonean music, food, and fashion.

On Wednesday, February 8^th, 2023, Dr. Memunatu Pratt rang the opening bell of the Jamaica Stock Exchange war. Later that day, there was an Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum hosted by the P.J. Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy, University of the West Indies, Mona.

On Thursday, February 9^th, 2023, there was a cultural exchange at the Institute of Jamaica, East Street, Kingston titled, “Jamaica-Sierra Leone Family Reunion: Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of my Blood.”

I interviewed Professor Hamilton on Friday, February 17^th, 2023, and she provided me with additional information about the launch. She mentioned that the honorary consul is a non-paid volunteer position, but it serves a very practical and important function. She told me of two specific cases where she was able to intervene and help Sierra Leone nationals in Jamaica. In many ways she has been referred to as the first honorary consul of the Caribbean as there is none in other islands.

Professor Hamilton describes how the role of an honorary consulate is recognized under the Geneva Conventions. She expressed excitement about the work of the honorary consulate as it explores opportunities for trade, investment and tourism with the republic.