Ambassador Dr. Richard L. Bernal O.J., Pro-Vice Chancellor, Global Affairs is now the President of the Royal Commonwealth Society, Jamaica Branch. He was elected at the annual general meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2020. He succeeds the late Sir Edward Zacca, former Chief Justice of Jamaica. 

The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) is an education charity promoting international understanding, particularly among young people through a range of events and projects.

One of the Caribbean’s most experienced diplomats, Dr. Bernal was Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States of America and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), for the period May 6, 1991 to August 31, 2001. Later he served for eight years as Director-General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM) during which time he had responsibility for trade negotiations for CARICOM. 

Mrs. Indera Persaud, was reelected as Chairperson and Mrs. Shirley Reeson as Secretary. Among those attending the meeting were Major David Clarke CVO, Regional Director (Americas) of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation.

In March, Royal Commonwealth Society celebrated Commonwealth Day at an official ceremony held at King's House where Queen Elizabeth's message was read by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen. In attendance were diplomatic representatives of Commonwealth countries.