Sirah Abraham, a UK Malayalee and a Criminal Justice Advisor with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), has been honored with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the Overseas and International New Year Honours list. The recognition highlights her significant contributions to combating serious and organised crime across the Caribbean region.
Tackling Crime in the Caribbean
Sirah Abraham’s work focuses on addressing critical issues such as drug trafficking, firearms smuggling, and money laundering in Caribbean nations. Leveraging her expertise as a former criminal barrister, she collaborates with leaders in the Caribbean, the UK, and the US to implement impactful legal reforms and strategies that strengthen the rule of law.
“My work aims to reduce the impact of organized crime on the UK,” she said, adding that the Caribbean is a key drug trafficking route impacting the UK and beyond. Her role includes advising governments, drafting legislation, handling extraditions, and creating criminal justice strategies to enhance public safety.
Sirah, a 47-year-old mother of two, described herself as “passionate about justice.” Reflecting on the honor, she said, “I was absolutely shocked and very humbled. Ensuring justice for all has been my vocation in life, and this recognition is truly extraordinary.”
Her achievements include facilitating the first-ever extradition from the UK to the eastern Caribbean, creating sentencing guidelines for nine countries, and establishing the first criminal justice boards in the region. Sirah has contributed to drafting thousands of sections of legislation, modernising legal systems across the Caribbean.
Born and raised in Harlow, Sirah now resides in Bishop’s Stortford with her husband Rob and their two sons, Oliver (13) and Alexander (12). She attended Herts & Essex High School before pursuing law at Birmingham University and beginning her career at the Bar in London. Her extensive experience includes working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) before joining the FCDO, where she has served for over a decade.
Last month, Sirah gave an inspiring lecture at Bishop’s Stortford College, encouraging students to consider a career in law. Described as a dedicated professional, she frequently travels to the Caribbean, applying her expertise to reduce crime and strengthen justice systems.
Sirah is the daughter of Harlow-based consultant pediatrician Dr. G.P. Abraham and Laila Abraham (Lal and Laila). She credits her family’s values and support as instrumental in shaping her career and commitment to justice.
Despite the honour, Sirah remains focused on her work, emphasising that “crime affects everybody and really impacts them.” She and her family plan to celebrate the accolade soon, but her primary dedication is to continue helping victims and strengthening legal systems in the Caribbean.
For the UK Malayalee community, Sirah Abraham’s achievement is a moment of pride, showcasing the impact of determination, expertise, and a passion for justice.
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