Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, has announced the closure of the Jamaican Embassy in Brazil, effective March 1, as COVID-related budgetary constraints sharpen the Ministry’s review of its representation overseas. Mrs. Johnson Smith also underscored that the Government remains committed to maintaining its longstanding diplomatic relations with Brazil which remains an important bilateral partner of Jamaica.
The Ministry says the decision to close the Mission was reached after careful consideration of factors including its exponential operational costs, which are difficult to justify, particularly at this time, in light of the minimal consular services requested of it. Minister Johnson Smith further reminded that she has previously indicated to the Parliament that the Ministry has been undertaking an organizational review which includes that of its representation overseas to ensure the most effective allocation of its resources.
Fewer than 200 Jamaicans reside in the countries under the purview of the Embassy, namely: Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Requests for consular services are projected to decline further with the current provision of online passport applications.
In light of the Embassy’s closure, the Minister has informed of arrangements to continue services as they become necessary. It’s in the process of appointing an Honorary Consul in São Paulo to undertake consular duties. She added that new appointees in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Montevideo will be engaged to assist with the maintenance of representational duties in the region until further decisions are taken about diplomatic and consular representation in South America.
The public is advised that requests for services that would have been provided by the Embassy in Brasilia can also be referred to the Headquarters of the Jamaican Foreign Ministry at consular@mfaft.gov.jm.
Minister Johnson Smith is assuring Jamaicans that the Ministry remains committed to reviewing the number of embassies and consulates abroad to maintain optimal diplomatic and consular representation, and will continue to keep the people of Jamaica apprised of such decisions.