Prime Minister Andrew Holness flew into London from Brussels, where he had been meeting EU leaders on July 19 for a four-day private, unofficial visit. The main purpose of the trip was to meet up with Jamaica’s newly appointed Ambassador for Arts and Culture and Special Investment Envoy Theresa Roberts. Ambassador Roberts hosted the visit and organised a varied schedule of meetings and receptions with UK politicians,members of the diaspora, and potential investors.

Highlights included a welcome reception and dinner at the House of Lords, a reception at Jamaica Patty Company in Covent Garden, and a birthday dinner at Annabel’s private members’ club.

Lord Woolley of Woodford graciously hosted the prime minister at the House of Lords on July 19, giving him a tour of the House, as well as introducing him to many of his colleagues in the upper chamber. The prime minister was particularly pleased to recognise Lord Bailey of Paddington, who is of Jamaican heritage. Lord Bailey was spending only his second day in the House following his elevation to the peerage. The party sat down to dinner in the house. Guests included businessman Neville Williams and Roberts’ husband Andrew.

The next afternoon, the PM attended Jamaica Patty Company in Covent Garden, one of Roberts central London Jamaican patty shops. He was enthusiastically greeted by a large crowd comprised mainly of diaspora members but also including representatives from the UK press. Amongst the guests were ex-world champion boxer Chris Eubank, soul singer Mica Paris, ex-Premier League footballer Mark Bright, Lord Bailey of Paddington, and DJ YNG CPN (Young Captain). There was a fantastic atmosphere at the event, with the PM finding time to greet and talk to all the assembled crowd as well as make himself available for the all-important selfies.

On the evening of July 22, Roberts’ hosted a private dinner for Holness at the exclusive members’ club Annabel’s in Berkeley Square. Attendees included investor John C Head III, marketing entrepreneur Jennifer Mills, and Ambassador Audrey Marks. The evening concluded with a birthday cake delivered by Mica Paris as she serenaded Holness with a rendition of the Happy Birthday song.