In 2021, Ashley Moncrieffe, a media and events specialist whose parents and sisters migrated from Stony Hill, St. Andrew, Jamaica, to the United States, identified a need among individuals wishing to reconnect with their Jamaican heritage through citizenship.
Born in Miami, Florida, and the only first-generation American in her family, Moncrieffe was inspired by a family reunion in Jamaica. This led her to create an informational web mini-series based on her own experience, aimed at helping young people in the Jamaican Diaspora take action and reconnect with their island roots.
Moncrieffe’s Web-Based Informational Series
With a background in culture and entertainment, Moncrieffe was well-positioned to combine her passion for sharing knowledge with others, producing a series of “how-to” videos detailing the process of collecting and applying for the necessary documents to be considered for “Jamaican Citizenship by Descent” and obtaining a Jamaican passport. The videos cover essential documentation, including proof of Jamaican descent.
Through this series, Moncrieffe became an advocate for others seeking to reconnect with their Jamaican heritage, advising prospective applicants to watch the videos to simplify what can be a stressful process. She also encourages parents to instil an interest in Jamaican culture in their young adult children, stating: “The time is now. Don’t just talk about it, be about it. Become the change you wish to see.”
Following the success of her mini-series, Moncrieffe launched the “Jamaican Citizenship by Descent Grant Giveaway,” a programme offering financial assistance to young second and third-generation individuals of Jamaican heritage who wish to become Jamaican citizens.
The 2024 Grant Giveaway
Now in its fourth year, the “Jamaican Citizenship by Descent Grant Giveaway” is open to individuals of Jamaican descent living in the US, with a valid PayPal account. The 2022 grant winner, ZoAnne Logan, described the programme as “an amazing opportunity to kickstart your Jamaican citizenship journey. Before winning last year, it was something I had always considered. Now, there’s someone and something to help me through what can be a tedious process.”
The application deadline is 1st October 2024 at 11:59 pm EDT, with the winner being announced via email and social media on 7th October 2024. Prizes include the $100 citizenship application fee and an original AshFiMon Diaspora Tee. Those interested can find more information and apply here.
A Jamaican Citizen at Last
Moncrieffe began her own journey towards obtaining a Jamaican passport—also known as the “Blue Book”—by discovering that she needed to first apply for Jamaican citizenship. Although she already had strong ties to her Jamaican roots through family, community work with the Diaspora, and her involvement in the cultural and entertainment sectors, it was the 2021 family reunion that spurred her to take the next step and submit her citizenship application.
On 17th February 2024, Moncrieffe was among the 290 individuals of Jamaican descent who became citizens during the virtual “Back to My Roots” ceremony, an initiative of the Office of the Consul General in Miami, led by Oliver Mair. Her successful grant programme earned her a speaker role at the event, where she addressed the new citizens.
Expressing her joy at finally having the same rights as her Jamaican-born parents and sisters, Moncrieffe said: “I always knew I was Jamaican. I may not look like someone born ‘yaad’, but to thine own self be true. It all goes back to how I was raised. Full stop.”
The Benefits of Jamaican Citizenship
Jamaican Consul General Oliver Mair has noted an increasing number of Americans of Jamaican descent applying for Jamaican citizenship. While the process may take several months, once all the required documents are submitted, applicants can expect to be considered for citizenship. T
he benefits of holding a Jamaican passport include unrestricted travel to Jamaica, access to CARICOM nations and provisions reserved for CARICOM nationals, as well as entry to countries such as Cuba and China, which grant visa waivers to Jamaican passport holders.
Additionally, Jamaican citizens enjoy concessions at Customs, access to educational institutions in Jamaica, and other benefits available to Jamaicans.
