Jamaica’s foreign affairs minister Kamina Johnson-Smith has received the support of the United Kingdom to serve as the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. 

On Thursday,  British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Ms Johnson Smith has the vast experience and support to unite the Commonwealth family of nations.  

“With a month to go until the Commonwealth comes together in Rwanda, delighted to confirm the UK will support @kaminajsmith’s campaign to be the next Secretary-General,” Mr Johnson said on Twitter. “She has the vast experience & support to unite our unique family of nations and seize the opportunities ahead.”

On April 21, Ms Johnson-Smith declared her interest in running for the post of Commonwealth secretary-general. Her interest in the position drew backlash, as the members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), had agreed to “the tradition of at least two terms for a secretary-general and to the principle of rotation between regions.”

The position in dispute is currently held by Dominican-born, UK-bred barrister Patricia Scotland, who heads the Commonwealth Secretariat for the 54-member organisation of former British colonies.

The final selection for the position will be decided during the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Kigali, Rwanda, slated for June 20 to June 25.