Complaint
The programme contained a number of references to Jamaica and its citizens, and their historic relationships with the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.  A viewer complained that these gave an inaccurate and misleading impression of why the author’s parents had been able to emigrate to Britain, and of Jamaica’s status at the time.  The complainant also objected to the use of the phrase “Commonwealth Kid†as she believed this was based on the same false premise.
Outcome
The programme was a personal account reflecting the author’s own perception of his background and identity while growing up.  As such it was reasonable for him to describe himself as a Commonwealth kid.  It was inaccurate however to claim that membership of the Commonwealth had enabled his parents to come to Britain, as that was not a relevant factor. It was also inaccurate to suggest or imply at various points that Jamaica was part of the Commonwealth in the 1950s, when in fact Jamaica only joined the organisation in 1962.
Partly upheld
Further action
The programme will be amended before any future repeats.