The Ministry’s story is closely tied to Jamaica’s path to independence and the development of its diplomatic and trade relationships.
- 1961
The Ministry traces its beginnings to the establishment of the Department of External Affairs in the Office of the Premier. It was one of three government departments identified as essential for independent Jamaica.
- 1962
At Independence, Jamaica’s foreign service began with three overseas missions: the United States, Great Britain and Canada.
- 1970s
The Foreign Trade portfolio was merged with External Affairs, bringing the country’s foreign relations and trade work together in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
- Today
The Ministry continues to manage Jamaica’s international relations, promote the country’s interests overseas and support the welfare of Jamaicans abroad.
- 2023
The Ministry’s permanent headquarters at 2 Port Royal Street, Downtown Kingston, in the Hugh Lawson Shearer Building, was officially opened on January 19, 2023.
Sources: MFAFT: The Foreign Ministry Marks 55th Anniversary; MFAFT: Foreign Trade – A Background; MFAFT Citizen’s Charter.