Jamaicans in UK Pay Tribute to Former Diaspora Board Member

The United Kingdom (UK) Jamaican community has paid tribute to the late Travis Johnson, a former Jamaica Diaspora UK Advisory Board member, who died at home in Jamaica on June 8.
Mr. Johnson, who was a founding member of the Jamaica Society Leeds, served as one of the two UK representatives on the Jamaica Diaspora Advisory Board for four years. He returned to Jamaica last September after living and working in Britain for 46 years.
Jamaican High Commissioner to the UK, Burchell Whiteman, said Mr. Johnson was an honourable man who was devoted to his family.
“He was a visionary who saw the need for an organisation which would provide leadership for the Jamaican diaspora, beginning with the northern communities, and he saw his vision realised in the establishment of the Jamaica Diaspora UK as a national entity,” Mr. Whiteman said.
“He was dedicated to his community and to his homeland, but also a loyal citizen of the United Kingdom. Mr. Johnson was good for Jamaica, good for the United Kingdom and a strong pillar for the northern region,” the High Commissioner added.
Jamaica Diaspora UK hailed Mr. Johnson as an enthusiastic and staunch Jamaican who championed the cause of his community, while remaining loyal to his adopted homeland.
“He was a dedicated and caring family man, a faithful friend who was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He was compassionate and always willing to go the extra mile. Travis Johnson was committed to the development of a vibrant Diaspora movement and worked steadfastly towards this goal,” a release from the organisation said.
Mr. Johnson who moved to the United Kingdom when he was 18 years old started his working life with British Rail. He was also a bus driver and a social worker and was appointed a Magistrate in 1981. In 1994, he became a Lay Cannon in the Anglican Church.
He received recognition from the British Government for his services and was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by the Queen. Mr. Johnson’s service was recognised by the Government of Jamaica as well, and he was awarded a Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service as well as a Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation in 2002. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife Elizabeth, son Desmond, daughter Angelique and grandchildren.