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The 28 New Jamaicans: 7 Surprising Facts About The Island’s Latest Citizenship Ceremony

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The vibrant spirit of Jamaica continues to draw people from across the globe, a fact powerfully underscored by the most recent citizenship ceremony. Just last June 6, 28 individuals hailing from 15 different countries officially took the Oath of Allegiance, formalizing their commitment to the island nation in a deeply meaningful event that highlights Jamaica's diverse and welcoming ethos. The ceremony, managed by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), is not just a bureaucratic formality but a profound symbolic embrace of new members into the Jamaican family, reinforcing the country's position as a global cultural melting pot in the Caribbean.

This latest cohort of new Jamaicans, ranging from a three-year-old child to long-term residents, represents a powerful narrative of integration, love, and dedication. As of this December 22, 2025, the stories of these 28 individuals continue to resonate, demonstrating the various pathways—from marriage to naturalization—that lead to becoming a citizen of the land of ‘Out of Many, One People.’ The following details reveal the significance and surprising facts about this particular swearing-in event held at the Police Officers Club in St. Andrew.

The Newest Citizens: A Snapshot of Global Diversity

The 28 individuals granted Jamaican citizenship on this recent occasion brought with them a rich tapestry of international backgrounds. Their presence at the Police Officers Club in St. Andrew underscored the global reach and appeal of the Jamaican lifestyle and culture. The list of countries represented in this single ceremony is a testament to the island's international connections, encompassing nations from North America to the Middle East.

  • Total New Citizens: 28 Persons
  • Total Countries Represented: 15 Nations
  • Key Government Official: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang
  • Host Agency: Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA)
  • Ceremony Location: Police Officers Club, St. Andrew
  • Notable New Citizen: Aye Mi San (presented with her certificate by Dr. Chang)
  • Age Range: Included a 3-year-old minor

The diverse origins of this group—including the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, Haiti, Poland, Belize, and Cuba—demonstrate that the desire to become a Jamaican citizen is truly boundless. Each individual has a unique story, whether it’s a professional who has invested years into the local economy or a spouse who found love on the island.

The Seven Surprising Facts About This Citizenship Event

While citizenship ceremonies are routine for PICA, the specifics of this particular gathering of 28 new Jamaicans revealed several compelling and unique details that highlight the modern face of Jamaican immigration and naturalization.

1. The Remarkable Age Range of the New Citizens

One of the most heartwarming details from the ceremony was the presence of a 3-year-old among the new citizens. The inclusion of minors, often granted citizenship through the registration process (Registration by Minor) after their parents have been naturalized, shows that the commitment to Jamaica is a multi-generational affair. This young citizen, along with others in the group, will now grow up with the full rights and privileges of a Jamaican, a truly significant life event.

2. Representation from the Middle East and Eastern Europe

The list of 15 countries included jurisdictions not traditionally associated with mass migration to the Caribbean. The presence of citizens from the United Arab Emirates and Poland underscores the changing global demographics of Jamaica's resident population. These individuals likely represent professionals or entrepreneurs who have chosen to make Jamaica their permanent home, contributing to the island's growing international business and tourism sectors.

3. The Role of Dr. Horace Chang in the Ceremony

The attendance and address by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, elevated the ceremony's importance. Dr. Chang emphasized the significance of the oath, stating that Jamaica is a country that celebrates a diverse heritage. He reminded the new citizens that they were not just gaining a passport but becoming part of a rich cultural legacy, urging them to embrace the responsibilities of their new status.

4. Naturalization: The Primary Pathway to Citizenship

While Jamaican citizenship can be acquired through several routes—including Descent (for those with Jamaican parents), Marriage (to a Jamaican spouse), and Registration (for Commonwealth citizens)—the majority of the 28 new citizens were likely granted status through Naturalization. This category requires applicants to have been ordinarily resident in Jamaica for a minimum of five years immediately preceding the application, demonstrating a long-term, tangible commitment to the nation.

5. The Symbolic Importance of the Oath of Allegiance

The swearing-in ceremony is the final and most crucial step in the process. The new citizens stood together to recite the Oath of Allegiance, a solemn promise to be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his heirs and successors, and to uphold the Constitution of Jamaica. This act is a powerful cultural and legal transition, officially severing their non-national status and welcoming them into full citizenship.

6. The Economic and Cultural Contribution of the New Cohort

PICA officials often highlight that new citizens are selected because they have already made significant contributions to Jamaican society. This group of 28, coming from varied professional backgrounds, is expected to further enrich the country's economy, cultural landscape, and intellectual capital. Their investment, skills, and unique global perspectives are considered vital assets to the nation's development agenda, often referred to as Vision 2030.

7. The Continuing Appeal of the Jamaican Identity

The recurring nature of these ceremonies, facilitated by the diligent work of the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), demonstrates the enduring global appeal of the Jamaican brand. The new citizens from countries like Nigeria and Haiti often represent individuals seeking a cultural and social environment that feels like home, while those from the United Kingdom and United States are frequently members of the vast Jamaican diaspora or individuals drawn by the island's unparalleled quality of life.

The Path Forward for Jamaica's Newest Citizens

For the 28 new Jamaicans, receiving their certificates at the Police Officers Club in St. Andrew marks the end of a rigorous application process and the beginning of a new life. They now possess the right to a Jamaican passport, the right to vote in local and national elections, and the ability to fully participate in the nation's political and economic life without the restrictions faced by permanent residents or non-nationals.

The ceremony was a vibrant celebration of the nation’s motto: "Out of Many, One People." As Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Horace Chang stated, the new citizens are expected to become ambassadors for the country, embodying the best of the Jamaican spirit and contributing to the island's future success. The inclusion of individuals like Aye Mi San and the 3-year-old minor ensures that this spirit of diversity and welcome will continue to thrive for generations to come, solidifying Jamaica's place as a truly global nation.

The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) continues to process applications from thousands of people worldwide, a clear indicator that the stories of these 28 new citizens are just the latest chapter in Jamaica's ongoing narrative of welcoming the world.

The 28 New Jamaicans: 7 Surprising Facts About The Island’s Latest Citizenship Ceremony
jamaican citizenship granted to 28
jamaican citizenship granted to 28

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