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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is aware of a voice note being circulated on social media accusing the Jamaica High Commission in London of calling the police on persons peacefully protesting in front of its office on Tuesday, February 4.

The Foreign Ministry has been advised that a small group entered the reception area to deliver a letter to the High Commission about the charter flight scheduled to land in Kingston on February 6th. Emotions were reportedly high, particularly among persons protesting the return of their relatives to Jamaica. At least two persons became verbally abusive to the staff of the High Commission, who felt threatened and considered it necessary to have the situation diffused by the Diplomatic police.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said, “It is possible that the person who circulated the voice note was unaware of the aggression shown to the High Commission staff inside the building and therefore misunderstood the context within which the panic button was pressed. The call was not made in respect of the approximately 30 peaceful protesters present that day exercising their lawful rights outside the High Commission.”

She said the Ministry is reassuring the public that, “Jamaican Missions overseas will continue to protect the interests of Jamaicans across the world with dedication and respect.”
She also encouraged members of the community who might have shared the voice note widely, to also share the explanation set out in this release.”

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