Waller
Barbara Ellington, Contributor
MARK WALLER, the newly-appointed Secretary, Chancery, British High Commission, is no stranger to Jamaica, having served a previous tour of duty here from 1989 to 1992.
The mid-30s career diplomat, in an exclusive interview with Outlook, said having enjoyed his time spent here previously, he made the request to return and got his wish.
"I enjoyed the friendships I formed, the cuisine, cricket and hockey and I am happy to come back and see that many local employees of the High Commission are still here," Mr. Waller said.
The official title on his business card reads 'Secretary, Chancery, British High Commission' but that translates to Press and Public Affairs Officer and in this position, Mr. Waller has already decided what his function will be.
"I will be concentrating on erasing the negative images people have of us," Waller said, noting that through the Commission's Department of International Development, millions have been spent on several organisations and institutions locally, "both inner city and rural organisations have benefited," he said. "My department will now focus on more press work; people perceive us to be a place of endless parties but that's not so, Jamaica and Britain share a history of cultural and other links." Part of Mr. Waller's focus will be to highlight what Britain is like today and he will demonstrate that there is much that is worth publicising in a positive way. These include: business links, educational links through scholarships and exchanges, sporting links and the great bond with the Commonwealth. "Our clear focus will be to accentuate the shared positives," he said.
Mr. Waller told Outlook that there is a new building currently under construction at the front of the British High Commission's Oxford Road headquarters. It will be spacious and comfortable and will accommodate persons who come to apply for UK visas.
"The present arrangement is uncomfortable for the applicants who sometimes queue up for hours."
And what have been the results since the new visa requirement for Jamaicans who wish to travel to Britain?
Mr. Waller said that a big part of the decision to introduce the requirement was that there were hundreds of children who get lost in the British system after having gone there on short vacation. These children would be received by relatives only to become untraceable later on. "Since the introduction of the visa requirements over 60 per cent of daily applicants do get a positive response," Mr. Waller said.
Career
In his relatively short career, Mr. Waller, who at one time considered journalism, is happy with his choice. He highlighted opportunities to travel and being constantly on the move. Although he has not yet lived and worked on all the continents of the world, work has taken him to Nigeria, Jamaica, Bali and Kazakhstan.
On the other hand, the constant travel takes him away from home and is a hindrance to settling down. There is the usual apprehension prior to taking up a new assignment but he says, "You find that you like it after your arrive."
He describes Abuja in Nigeria as a fascinating city. In their relatively sheltered positions, Mr. Waller said diplomats are usually insulated from the problems of the countries in which they are posted, but he enjoys getting to know each place.
Jamaica's assets
"I love the Jamaican scenery, it's stunning; the people are friendly, there is more to life than the modern amenities of First World countries; here there is always a variety of things to do and I'm glad I came back," Mr. Waller said.
During his first stint in Jamaica, Mr. Waller, who is an avid cricket fan, was actively involved in that game as well as hockey.
Coincidentally, Mr. Waller is from Kingston Upon Thames in Britain. "This is an old market town from which seven Saxon Kings were crowned and I attended the Kingston Grammar School, which was founded in 1561. It is one of the oldest schools in the UK and when I began playing hockey with the Kingston College (KC) Old Boys, this 'connection' was a good ice-breaker."
Sports take up most of his leisure hours as well as travel to the countryside. Mr. Waller particularly enjoys the ride from Buff Bay to Kingston. One of two children for parents who are still alive, members of his family have all visited the island and his sister, who was married here, returns annually.
Of Jamaica's crime problem, Mr. Waller notes the collaboration between England and Jamaica in efforts to fight the scourge. "The problem is everywhere but there is also an abundance of talent and natural resources that this island is blessed with so I will come back after this assignment is finished."
Mr. Waller studied politics and says this is an advantage if you want to become a career diplomat. "Prospective candidates should be interested in the field, have a knowledge of foreign languages and history and love meeting people."
On the downside, it can be difficult when you have to be the bearer of bad or sad news. This was the case when he was posted in Bali during the recent terrorist bombing incident. "You experience the sadness, anger and rage of the families who have lost loved ones. As the family liaison officer, I had to deal directly with victims' relatives; in such situations, you hope you will react appropriately when you have to," he said.
