On a fact-finding tour of the UK the President of Jamaica’s People’s National Party (PNP), Mark Golding, took time out to visit BME social housing provider Nehemiah Housing Association’s Plummer House Retirement scheme in Aston, Birmingham.
Since their arrival in the UK in early October, the delegation of five have so far visited London and Birmingham and met with Jamaicans from all walks of life in celebration of Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee.
During their stay, they were invited on a tour of Plummer House where they met and talked with tenants many of whom are of African Caribbean descent.
Nehemiah Housing Association Chief Executive Llewellyn Graham commented: “The delegation from the PNP has shown a keen interest in our retirement living model for BME residents and we discussed how through mutual partnership the model could be replicated in Jamaica primarily to meet the needs of returning residents.”
This tour of the UK comes on the heels of the Opposition Leader’s public commitment to more meaningful engagement with the Diaspora, including supporting their representation in Jamaica’s Senate. It believes that Jamaicans overseas are a vital part of the country’s development and will continue to meet with members of the Diaspora.
Llewellyn Graham added, “It was a real opportunity for the delegation to talk with both the residents of Plummer House and the Nehemiah team. They were also able to see how the association operates with the local community and we involve our residents in the decision-making process for the organisation.
The trip was a learning experience for the Nehemiah team too as it gave us a better insight into issues affecting African Caribbean communities both here and in Jamaica. We are keen for people to see the work we do and the fact that what we are doing could be replicated in Jamaica is a positive message, and real endorsement that Nehemiah is doing excellent work in the local communities.”
