Jamaica to close embassy in Brazil

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, has announced the closure of the Jamaican Embassy in the Federative Republic of Brazil, effective March 1, 2021.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry says the closure is as a result of the budgetary constraints, as it sharpens its review of representation overseas.

 “Having acknowledged that similar decisions have been taken by Brazil and other countries at this time, our assurance has been given to the Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil of continued support and engagement by the Government of Jamaica at the bilateral and multilateral levels,” advised Johnson Smith. 

She underscored that, “the Government remains committed to maintaining its longstanding diplomatic relations with Brazil which remains an important bilateral partner of Jamaica”.

The Minister said 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 noted that she had previously indicated to the Parliament of Jamaica and the country, 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.

According to the Ministry less than 200 Jamaicans reside in the countries under the purview of the Embassy, namely: Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.

It says it expects 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.

In that regard, they are in the process of appointing an Honorary Consul in São Paulo to undertake consular duties.

 “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,” said Johnson Smith.

Meanwhile, the public has been advised that requests for services which 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 has asssured 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.

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