UK backs Kamina Johnson Smith for Commonwealth secretary general
The United Kingdom has thrown its support behind Jamaica’s Kamina Johnson Smith in her bid to become Commonwealth secretary general.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement in a tweet Thursday.
“With a month to go until the Commonwealth comes together in Rwanda, delighted to confirm the UK will support @kaminajsmith’s campaign to be the next Secretary General. She has the vast experience & support to unite our unique family of nations and seize the opportunities ahead,” Johnson tweeted.
Johnson Smith will challenge incumbent Dominica-born Baroness Patricia Scotland for the post, in a move which has divided Caricom.
Jamaica recently apparently scuttled any attempt by the 15-member Caricom grouping to have a consensus candidate for the position, with Kingston defending the decision to nominate its Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith for the post.
READ: OPM moves to address questions over Johnson Smith’s candidacy for Commonwealth Secretary General
In April the Caribbean leaders issued a statement indicating that they were still divided in their support for the two candidates for the position, agreeing instead to appoint a subcommittee to delve further into the matter.
