Disappointed with outcome of citizen application, but…
Dear Editor,
So, I’m not Jamaican.
Last year I decided to submit an application for Jamaican citizenship at the age of 40 after having lived in Britain for the majority of my life. I have never been to Jamaica, but my late grandfather came to Britain from there during the Second World War and settled. Like approximately three million other people in Britain, Canada and the USA who are of Jamaican heritage, I had limited cultural, political, economic, social connections with Jamaica. Jamaicans are very good at assimilating into their adopted society, as did my family.
It has always bothered me that my grandfather did not contribute to the country of his birth and severed links with Jamaica. I would like to reconnect and contribute to the land of my paternal lineage.
I contacted the consulate in Birmingham and was supported through the application process. The application was initially rejected by the Jamaican Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), requiring that I provide a recently issued birth certificate for my grandfather from the Registrar General’s Department. I eventually did so after going through the Late Entry of Name process.
My application has now been classified by PICA as ‘Case in Doubt,’ and after waiting for more than a year it looks increasingly unlikely to be accepted. I am disappointed with the outcome but this will not stop me from visiting Jamaica and learning more about its history and politics. Hopefully I can still make a contribution.
For anyone who is in a similar position to mine and would like to reconnect with Jamaica, I would offer my encouragement. Seek advice from your local embassy, high commission or consulate and check that you have the necessary documentation.
Resident Jamaicans who are concerned about diaspora claiming citizenship should be encouraged that the process deters the majority of potential applicants as it is lengthy, complicated and expensive.
My view is that if everyone of Jamaican heritage did pursue citizenship/dual nationality, it would mean a significant boost to the Jamaican economy through increased remittances, investment, trade and travel.
Matthew Nicholls
m.d. nicholls@hotmail.co.uk
