HC makes first visit to Watford

LONDON:

The Jamaican flag was proudly hoisted outside the Watford Borough Council offices in the town centre recently when Jamaica’s High Commissioner Alexander Williams visited the south west Hertfordshire town, as a guest of Civic Mayor Councillor Dawn Allen-Williamson.

It was the High Commissioner’s first visit to Watford and along with his wife, Carol, was entertained at the Council offices with a day of activities which included meetings with representatives and organisations with connections to Jamaica, the ceremonial flag-raising event followed by a lavish Caribbean-themed luncheon.

The event was organised by Councillor Allen-Williamson, the Jamaica-born chairwoman of Watford Borough Council, who carries the honour of being the first black woman to hold the position in the town’s history.

Other special guests included the Mayor of Watford Councillor Peter Taylor, Luther Blissett OBE DL, former trailblazing footballer who represented England and Watford FC, Clive Saunders OBE, chairman of the Watford African Caribbean Association (WACA) and Yeta Odusanya, mother of British heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, who is a Watford legend.

Before the formalities got under way, High Commissioner Williams was greeted by students of Beechfield School who also assisted with raising the Jamaican flag.

As the flag was raised, Councillor Allen-Williamson said: “Being of Jamaican descent and the first black chairwoman for the Council, I am especially proud to host the High Commissioner. His visit is a great opportunity to celebrate the heritage and important contributions of the Jamaican and Caribbean community here in Watford.”

Later on at lunch, Mayor Peter Taylor gave the official welcome and made special mention of the presence of Luther Blissett, the Jamaica-born footballer who is Watford’s all time goal scorer and the first black player to score for England.

Taylor said, “is a very diverse town and we all celebrate each other with a real sense of community and we are proud of our Jamaican links through Councillor Allen-Williams who has done an amazing job as chairwoman of the Council in the past 11 months of her one-year term.”

Williams expressed appreciation for the warm welcome, praising Councillor Allen-Williamson. “It is particularly significant and inspiring that she is not only Jamaica-born but also the first black woman to hold this distinguished position, a testament to her groundbreaking leadership and remarkable contributions,” he said.

Williams recalled that his father was a former Mayor of Spanish Town in St Catherine in the 1980s and during his term was able to twin Spanish Town with Lambeth Council in London. He saw the opportunity for Watford to explore twinning with a Jamaican parish council.

He said: “Our discussions underscored the enduring bonds between Jamaica and the United Kingdom, emphasising our shared commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect. I am particularly interested in the initiatives under way in Watford aimed at fostering community development and enhancing social cohesion.”

After lunch, which featured Caribbean cuisine by local firm Nyammings Catering, a number of presentations were made to High Commissioner Williams, including a signed Watford Football Club shirt, while Councillor Allen-Williams presented a bouquet to Mrs Williams.