The 70th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury docks in the UK gives us a fitting opportunity to celebrate UK-Caribbean relations and the invaluable contribution the Windrush generation has made to British society ever since. The Caribbean Diaspora in the UK symbolises the indelible bonds between our two sets of islands.

There is no better example of that contribution than the dedication of people from the Caribbean, and Jamaica in particular, to the UK’s National Health Service, itself marking 70 years on July 5, 2018. Without them it would not be the institution we hold dear today; providing incredible health care, and envied across the world.

Those from the Windrush generation worked in our essential industries, including public transport, the post office, construction, and the armed forces, and are central figures in many communities. Today, their families play many diverse roles. Some are civil servants; health-care workers; business owners; professionals; and leading lights in music, sport and film. They are key to Britain’s success.

I doubt that there is a corner of Britain that has not been inspired and enriched by the Windrush generation and their descendants. Their efforts can be seen in reviving our great cities after the war, Britain’s first black Members of Parliament, campaigning for all Britons to have an equal stake in society, and the pioneering Caribbean anti-racism and social justice campaigners who pushed for legislative and social change calling for a fairer Britain.

And let’s not forget the power of our sporting and cultural heroes who, through their skill, talent and discipline, used their gifts to make an indelible mark to help create a proud, united and multicultural Britain. Brand Jamaica is thriving in Britain and making its mark on people’s lifestyles.

The British-Caribbean community has been integral to creating a Britain that is fairer, more tolerant and more at ease with itself in a changing world. An important part of Britain’s contemporary diversity can be credited to those first men, women and children who made the one-month journey from the Caribbean and disembarked at Tilbury Docks on June 22, 1948.

Life held many hardships for those who arrived, and the streets were certainly not paved with gold. Many were even returning to the UK having already served here during the war. The fortitude shown as they overcame daunting challenges and built successful lives and businesses for themselves and their families has come to represent a strength in spirit that we continue to see today. It is an experience and spirit that I personally relate to as it is reminiscent of the challenges my parents themselves faced as well as the opportunities offered by their adopted nation.

We all know that in recent months the Windrush generation has faced further challenges, with questions raised over their immigration status. It was never the intention that they should be caught up in the measures put in place to tackle illegal migration. The UK Government has taken focused action to assist anyone who may be affected to make sure that they have the documentation that they need and are able to formalise their British citizenship should they so choose. As Prime Minister Theresa May said to Caribbean representatives visiting for April’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting: “We are deeply sorry for the anxiety that was caused, and I cannot emphasise enough how much we value the enduring contributions of those who came to the UK and made Britain their home.” We are determined to put this right.

The majority of the Windrush generation came from Jamaica. The UK continues to enjoy strong relationships with Commonwealth Caribbean countries reinforced by the personal ties of the Diaspora, particularly the 800,000 people in the UK with Jamaican roots. And over 200,000 British tourists come to enjoy Jamaica’s beaches and mountains every year.

The UK is the single largest bilateral aid donor to the Caribbean. Our investments are helping to improve the lives of people across the Caribbean in a number of ways. Through the UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Fund, the UK is investing over £300 million in critical economic infrastructure across the Caribbean; increasing resilience to natural disasters and climate change, promoting growth, and creating jobs.

Jamaica is the largest beneficiary in the region, receiving a total of over $9 billion (£53.2 million) — the largest project within this — valued at $6 billion (£35.5 million) — will fund irrigation projects in areas including Essex Valley in St Elizabeth, St Catherine, and Clarendon.

Following last year’s devastating hurricanes, the UK contributed more than £196 million to help the region’s recovery. This includes £19 million, announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April, to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience across the Caribbean region. We are also supporting the Caribbean’s future development and prosperity with ongoing collaboration on regional priorities such as security and fighting crime.

As we take a moment to consider this momentous occasion, it is my honour, as minister of state for the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, to join in celebrating the achievements of the Windrush generation and the role they play in UK-Caribbean relations and making our country the incredible place it is.

Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon is UK Minister for the Caribbean.