Russell’s Resort welcomes British high commissioner to St Thomas

A sweeping view of the Caribbean Sea, glistening beneath the midday sun, set a striking stage for diplomatic engagement as British high commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Alicia Herbert, arrived at Russell's Jamaica Resort in Yallahs Square, St Thomas--the first stop on her tour of the south-east parish.

The visit was part of a wider initiative by the high commissioner to engage communities across Jamaica, a priority she has pursued since assuming her post in September 2025.

The High Commissioner was received by local officials, including Member of Parliament for St Thomas Western, James Robertson, Member of Parliament for St Thomas Eastern, Yvonne Rosemarie Shaw, and Mayor of Morant Bay, Louis Chin.

Herbert highlighted St Thomas' historical importance in the ties between Jamaica and the UK, noting the contributions of residents who migrated to Britain during the post-World War II reconstruction period.

"St. Thomas is very special, because a disproportionate number of people from St Thomas actually responded to the call in the UK at a very critical time when we needed to rebuild after the Second World War. So it's a very, very special visit," she said.

In addition to a courtesy call at Russell's Jamaica Resort, a breathtaking property that offers accommodation and hospitality services along Jamaica's southeast coast, the high commissioner made several stops across the parish. Her tour also included the newly reopened Yallahs Market, which has resumed operations after years of closure, as well as a stop at the Roselle Waterfall, recognised as both an eco-tourism attraction and a valuable community asset.

Additional stops included a visit to Royal Air Force (RAF) veteran, Reginald James, at his home in Duhaney Pen, along with a tour of the newly opened night shelter in Morant Bay, where services supporting vulnerable residents were showcased.