Jamaica’s Kamina Johnson Smith launches candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, formally launched Jamaica’s candidature for Secretary-General of the Commonwealth at the Jamaica High Commission in London on 21 April, 2022. She has been doing some serious lobbying and met with some other High Commissioners in London, including those from Ghana, South Africa, Australia, Kenya, and Mauritius, perhaps more – all Commonwealth members, of course. She has her own website now, which looks rather beautiful. You can read her full Candidature Statement there, also.

She was accompanied by the supportive Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange – who also went to the new Bob Marley musical, “Get Up, Stand Up” in London’s West End, and who can blame her!

Kamina Johnson Smith (left) with Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange at the official launch of Senator Johnson Smith’s candidature for Commonwealth Secretary-General. (Photo: Minister Grange/Twitter)

More details from the Ministry here:

“I welcome this opportunity to launch and to lobby for our candidature in London as it is the seat of the Commonwealth. I have been provided with the opportunity to engage with members of the Board of Governors, to listen to their views and interests and to solicit support from stakeholders. It has been a true privilege to share my vision and my pledge, if appointed, to lead the Secretariat in re-energizing the delivery of meaningful support to all our Commonwealth member states. I was pleased to share my profile and candidature statement with the membership in bilateral meetings in the days prior, and will continue to do so,” said Minister Johnson Smith.

The Minister noted that, “To date, we have made outreach to member states at the highest level, to colleagues in capitals in which Jamaica maintains diplomatic missions, as well as directly with the capitals of Commonwealth countries. Lobbying efforts are being supported by a dedicated website and of course, social media. In the conduct of these activities, I have had the full support of my Ministry and of the Office of the Prime Minister.”

Following the conclusion of her activities in London on Friday, April 22, Minister Johnson Smith heads to New York to participate in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Forum on Financing for Development Follow-up, where she will deliver Jamaica’s national statement and also use the opportunity to lobby for the candidature.

Johnson Smith shared, “As a national and representative of a small state, I am truly inspired by the unique relationship that characterizes our Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Charter provides a strong framework for promoting peace and prosperity, as well as modalities for co-operation among our member states, fostering friendship, fraternal dialogue and mutual respect.”

A decision on the appointment of a Secretary-General is to be made during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda from June 20-25, 2022.