The Mayor of London will host a reception at City Hall to mark 50 years of independence for Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, as part of events taking place around the capital for Black History Month.
As well as the Mayor, speakers at the event on Monday 29 October will include Jamaican High Commissioner Her Excellency Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, and Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner His Excellency Garvin Nicholas. Also attending will be business leaders, community representatives and faith leaders.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'This has been a thrilling year in which we welcomed the world and celebrated many glorious milestones. For many Londoners this not only included seeing the magnificent achievements of Usain Bolt and Keshorn Walcott, but also marking 50 years since their respective countries became independent. I am proud of the strong ties that our countries have and the contribution that Londoners with family roots in the Caribbean make to London life.'
Jamaica was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to gain independence from Britain (6 August 1962), closely followed by Trinidad and Tobago almost three weeks later (31 August 1962). Members of the Royal Family visited both countries on their Jubilee Tour earlier this year.