Birdsong, bananas and Calabash

WESTERN BUREAU:

As she prepares to leave Kingston after four years, British High Commissioner Judith Slater says she will miss Jamaica’s golden light, early-morning birdsong, and the sweetness of bananas, but most of all, the people.

For Slater, who became the first woman to serve as British high commissioner to Jamaica in October 2021, the island’s mornings have been unforgettable.

“The weather, especially in the early mornings, cool but with sunshine, is what I’ll miss most,” she during a recent sit-down with The Gleaner. “I do a lot of sport in the mornings, and the birdsong, even in central Kingston, is just beautiful. On the high commission compound, we have over 20 bird species. That’s something I’ll carry with me.”

If she could pack a suitcase of memories, it would be filled with fruits.

“A lifetime supply of avocados or bananas,” she said with a laugh. “Bananas here taste completely different, the flavour just bursts. Your avocados are enormous and delicious. Of course, I can buy them in London, but the taste profile is completely different.”

Among her fondest experiences were two of Jamaica’s signature events, Boys and Girls’ Champs and the Calabash Literary Festival.

“On the sporting side, I loved Champs. On the cultural side, Calabash was the highlight,” Slater recalled.

The Treasure Beach-based literary festival left an indelible impression.

“The setting is second to none – the sea right behind, the friendliness of it, and the fact that it’s free. Writers are approachable, the scale is intimate, and the calibre of the talent is incredible,” she explained. “It really underscores the strength of the British-Jamaican diaspora and how creativity flows between the two cultures.”

While the festivals captured her imagination, Jamaica’s young people touched her heart most deeply.

She recounted a moving visit to Hampton School, where a girls’ choir performed after she had missed their earlier show due to official duties.

“They played the steel drums, they sang for me. It was just absolutely wonderful,” she said warmly.

At Munro College, she was struck by the quality of questions from students, which she described as “out of this world”. She also recalled time spent in more challenged schools, such as Denham Town and Kingston High, where she saw potential shining through adversity.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE

“Those experiences with the young people of Jamaica have probably been the most memorable,” she said. “When you meet youngsters like that, you realise the glass is definitely half-full. It makes you optimistic about the future.”

She praised young activists, especially those engaged in climate advocacy before COP26 in Glasgow.

“They were really impressive. At such a young age, they understood how essential climate action is for Jamaica,” she noted. “And I’ve also been impressed by young politicians on both sides of the aisle. The future looks bright.”

After four years, Slater admits Jamaica has rubbed off on her.

“I think so, yes,” she said with a smile. “I say things are ‘irie’. And I support Jamaica in sports, unless they’re competing against the UK. If there is a 100-metre race and no Brits in it, I’ll support the Jamaicans. That’s always a good sign.”

She relished following the Reggae Girlz’ historic World Cup journey and even offered punditry during matches. She also cheered the Reggae Boyz during their recent Unity Cup run in London.

“I’m really looking forward to Jamaica making it to the World Cup,” she said, hopeful for both squads’ continued rise.

With Jamaica heading into the September 3 general election, Slater said she was eager to witness the vibrancy of democracy.

“The number of countries with genuine democracies is diminishing around the world. Jamaica is definitely one [which still has a genuine democracy],” she emphasised during the interview conducted soon after the announcement of the election date. “I’m looking forward to seeing that in action; the colours, the excitement, and the debates. It’s really something to celebrate.”

Looking back on her tenure, she points to her work around the National Stadium as a highlight.

“I believe I’ve been instrumental in getting it to where it is now. That would be a wonderful thing to be associated with,” she said. “More broadly, I hope I’ve helped take the relationship between the UK and Jamaica to another level, building trust, being frank and honest, and leaving it in a better place than when I arrived.”

Slater’s next step will take her back to London, where she will work on the UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum later this year. But she insists her connection to Jamaica will never end.

“It’s lifetime, forever,” she said. “I’ll be back for Calabash, for Champs, maybe to play golf at White Witch. Jamaica will always be part of me.”

Her Jamaican chapter closes another milestone in a distinguished diplomatic career. Before Kingston, she served as British consul general in Istanbul and trade commissioner for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, covering 14 markets. She was deputy high commissioner in Singapore, Pretoria, and consul general in Houston, with earlier postings in New Delhi and Canberra. In London, she worked on Asia relations and nuclear non-proliferation policy.

Asked to describe Jamaica in three words, Slater, a graduate of St John’s College, Cambridge, paused before answering: “Vibrant. Unique. Beautiful.”

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com