Running up a healthier lifestyle
THE Jamaican High Commissioner made a historic visit to Wales, at the invitation of Learning Links International, to ensure he fully understands the shared history of Jamaica and Wales.
The hope is that his trip will help challenge the negativity of past approaches and to find new ways to reconcile the understanding of the many strands of history that link Jamaica and Wales.
The Mayor and councillors of Bangor teamed up with Bangor University, the National Trust and the North Wales Jamaica Society to welcome the High Commissioner, His Excellency Seth George Ramocan, and his wife, Dr Lola Ramocan, during their tour of Wales.
The Jamaican delegation was received at the University by the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Hughes, and welcomed by Pro Vice Chancellor Jerry Hunter, who has responsibility for Welsh Medium and Civic Engagement.
He also met staff from Bangor University, who are active in project work in Jamaica, before visiting the collection of Penrhyn Papers secured in Bangor University Archives.
Elen Wyn Simpson, Head of Archives and Special Collections, showed the High Commissioner a range of maps of Jamaica from the collection which covers the time when the local Pennant family managed their plantations and the enslaved African workforce in Jamaica.
His Excellency and his wife were driven to Penrhyn Castle and welcomed by Rhian Cahill, Visitor Experience Manager, and other National Trust staff and volunteers who were able to show the delegation the Pennant family portraits.
A civic reception was hosted by the Mayor of Bangor, Cllr John Wynn Jones, and the City Council in Penrhyn Hall. Local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Gwynedd, Edmund Bailey, and High Sheriff of Gwynedd, Kathryn Griffiths Ellis, received the Jamaican High Commissioner and his party.