Jamaica grants citizenship to 33 individuals

In a heartwarming ceremony held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Monday, the Jamaican government welcomed 33 individuals from 12 different countries, granting them Jamaican citizenship. 

The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) presented these men, women, and children with the documents formalizing their newfound status, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to its motto: ‘Out of Many, One People.’

A tapestry of nationalities unites as Jamaican citizens

These new Jamaican citizens originate from an array of countries, including France, Colombia, the People’s Republic of China, Haiti, India, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the United States of America, Barbados, and South Africa. 

PICA CEO Andrew Wynter extends a warm welcome

Addressing the new Jamaicans during the ceremony, Andrew Wynter, the Chief Executive Officer of PICA, emphasized the significance of their diverse backgrounds converging into a single heritage. 

He encouraged them to continue contributing to Jamaica’s growth and development, recognizing that their professions, whether in healthcare, beauty, or other fields, all played vital roles in advancing the country.

Various paths to Jamaican citizenship

Jamaican citizenship can be acquired through various means, including marriage, registration for Commonwealth citizens, naturalization for non-Commonwealth citizens, descent, citizenship in cases of doubt for those with unregistered births, and restoration for individuals who had previously renounced their Jamaican citizenship. 

Of the 33 individuals, 19 obtained their Jamaican citizenship through marriage, nine via registration, two through naturalization, and three by descent.