The dynamics of sports and Jamaica National Building Society's strong ties to Jamaicans in the United Kingdom have paved the way for a unique alliance between the society and the City Council of Birmingham.

In August, the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) signed an agreement for the city of Birmingham to host the Jamaican athletics team's training camp, prior to the London 2012 Olympics.

Against that background, Mike Whitby, the city council's leader, and his delegation were recently on a four-day tour of Jamaica to "develop the relationship between Birmingham and Jamaica which goes beyond the Olympic training camp agreement".

Earl Jarrett, general manager of Jamaica National, welcomed the City Council leader along with the heads of several Jamaican agencies, as the JN Group solidified its relationship with the council during a dinner at the Jade Garden Restaurant, St Andrew, on October 1.

"This is an opportunity for us to explore business projects of mutual interest in Birmingham and Jamaica, as well as to examine the social and economic status of the more than 64,000 Jamaicans who reside in Birmingham," Jarrett said.

Council leader Whitby said Birmingham ranked highly among European cities with international communities, and articulated the desire to forge tourism, educational and investment links with Jamaica.

Strong bond

"There is already a strong bond with the number of Jamaicans who reside in Birmingham," Whitby said, "And we have resolved to build meaningful partnerships with Jamaica."

Chairman of Jamaica National, Oliver Clarke, guided the wide-ranging discussions, which examined opportunities for educational linkages with the University of the West Indies tourism initiatives, investment prospects for Jamaica Trade & Invest and sports.

From a sports development perspective, Howard Aris, president of the JAAA, noted that "While the team from Birmingham is interested in our track and field performance, we are clearly interested in their facilities management and infrastructure development."