I was pleased to congratulate Roderick “Oliver” Mair on his appointment as Jamaica’s next Consul General in New York.

Oliver has served Jamaica well during his seven and a half years as Consul General in Miami, where he worked across 13 states and built strong relationships with our Jamaican community.

In New York, he will take on responsibility for 33 states and serve the largest Jamaican diaspora community in the world.

We spoke about the important role our overseas missions play in looking after Jamaicans, especially in times of need. During COVID-19, for example, the Miami team worked with the Jamaican community to support more than 2,500 Jamaicans who were stranded and needed food, healthcare and assistance to return home.

I also thanked the many Consuls General who have served Jamaica before and acknowledged the late Alsion Roach Wilson, whose service in New York will be remembered.

I wish Oliver every success as he takes on this new responsibility. I know he will continue to put the welfare of Jamaicans overseas at the centre of his work and represent Jamaica with dedication.