NEW YORK, NY: May 31, 2020:

The Consulate General of Jamaica in New York has embarked on an initiative to convey its gratitude to all essential workers of Jamaican descent in its jurisdiction, who have been making a significant impact during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Jamaica’s Consul General in New York, Mrs. Alsion Wilson, O.D., indicated that this initiative which she proposed, represents an appreciation to all Jamaican essential workers, including those in the health sector, emergency services sector, food services, sanitation, transportation, law enforcement and armed forces, among others.

The Consul General further added that this recognition serves to “thank these workers for the fantastic work done and for what they continue to do during this pandemic”.

The Consulate General of Jamaica in New York is responsible for thirty-three (33) states across the United States including the territories of Bermuda and Puerto Rico. This means that a large number of Jamaicans in these states, particularly in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut which form the Tri-State Area, are essential workers.

The healthcare sector in which many Jamaicans are employed, has been at the forefront during this COVID-19 pandemic. The Consulate General would like to express sincerest gratitude to all Jamaican Nationals in this sector in the United States who have done a remarkable job during this pandemic, as this sector represents one of several in which Jamaicans have been contributing positively.

A few Jamaicans in this sector who have played an important role in the fight against COVID-19 are highlighted below.

Dr. Robert Clarke

Dr. Robert Clarke, MD, was born and raised in the South St. Andrew community of Trench Town and attended the Trench Town High School where he was the Deputy Head Boy as well as Sergeant Major of the cadet force. He also attended Kingston Technical High School Extension. After migrating to the USA, he earned a scholarship to Seton Hall University in New Jersey where he obtained a Mathematics degree in 1993. He attained his Doctor of Medicine degree from the Ross University School of Medicine in New Jersey in 2000 and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University School of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey in 2003.

Dr. Clarke oversees a number of COVID-19 patients at the East Orange General Hospital in New Jersey where he serves as physician advisor, a position he has occupied since 2015. Dr. Clarke has a long trajectory in the medical field and wears several hats in this area. Among his many responsibilities are Clinical Instructor in Medicine at the Walden University in Minnesota, Medical Director at the Windsor Garden, Care and Rehab Center in New Jersey, and Medical Director of Internal Medicine at the East Orange Medical Practice.

Dr. Clarke also dedicates time for voluntary service to both his homeland of Jamaica, the wider Caribbean and the Diaspora. Dr. Clarke is a longstanding member of Caribbean Medical Mission that provides medical care across the Caribbean. He is also the Chief Medical Advisor of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council North East, President of the HELP Jamaica Medical Mission which he founded in 2010 with the assistance of Dr. Rudolph Willis, and is also an active member of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO). During this pandemic, he has continued to maintain a robust relationship with the Consulate by playing a critical role in securing medication for Jamaicans who have encountered shortages or have exhausted supplies, while waiting to return to Jamaica.

Dr. Clarke has received several awards and recognition for his contribution to the medical field. These include for “Outstanding Leadership in Healthcare” from the Jamaica Nurses Association of New Jersey in 2019, the Jamaica Advisory Board “Trail Blazer Award” in 2015 and the New York State Assembly award for “Contributing Excellent Service to the community through volunteerism and personal commitment” in 2015.

In November 2009, Dr. Clarke was recognized in an edition of “Top Doctors of New Jersey” for his work among Seniors in that State. Dr. Robert Clarke firmly believes “that it is in giving that one is worthy of receiving and that we are our brother’s keeper”, which is why he has dedicated his entire life in giving back to those who are less fortunate among us.

Dr. Rudolph Willis

Dr. Rudolph C. Willis, MD, was born in St. Mary, Jamaica. He attended Windsor High School in Kingston, Jamaica. In 1978, he graduated from Long Island University Brooklyn, New York, and received his medical degree from Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (Rutgers Medical School) in New Jersey in 1982. Upon graduating from medical school, Dr. Willis’ internship transition was at UMDNJ-University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey. He completed his residency in Family Practice at JFK Medical Center, Edison, New Jersey, and was board certified in 1996. Dr. Willis is currently in private practice at Irvington Emergent Care and Rehabilitation Center, LLC, in Irvington, New Jersey for over twenty (20) years. He also has a medical practice in Buffalo, New York, where he practices Addiction Medicine.

He was an attending Physician for over 20 years at several Hospitals including Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, East Orange General Hospital, and Irvington General Hospital in New Jersey.

Dr. Willis is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, North Jersey Medical Society, American Medical Association, Medical Society of New Jersey, and Essex County Medical Society.

Dr. Willis has researched Immunology – Cellular Immunity. This research looked at the growth medium for lymphocytes, the reaction of lymphocytes on foreign tissues, and the suppression of lymphocytes reaction to foreign tissue.

Dr. Willis is passionate about improving the health care system in Jamaica. In 1996, he co-founded the Caribbean Medical Mission, an organization that provides free medical care to the disadvantaged in Jamaica. The Caribbean Medical Mission subsequently helps other Caribbean countries. Dr. Willis served as President from 1996 to 2002 and from 2006 to 2010. He also co-founded HELP Jamaica Medical Mission in 2010; which provides free medical services to the disadvantaged in Jamaica and New Jersey. HELP Jamaica Medical Mission also offers surgical procedures to persons who cannot afford those procedures. Dr. Willis served as President from 2010 to 2016.

Dr. Willis is a preceptor for Medical Students, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants. He enjoys teaching students the art of medicine. Dr. Willis also works closely with the Consulate in receiving referrals for Jamaican Nationals who encounter challenges obtaining medication or any other medical issues while waiting to return to Jamaica.

Dr. Willis has received several Congressional Proclamations and Citations, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, several Certificates of Appreciation and Recognition together with other Accolades.

In his spare time, Dr. Willis is an avid golfer and dominoes player.

Keith Grant

Mr. Keith Grant, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CIC., was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica and attended the Manning’s School in the parish of his birth, where he was a member of the school’s Dacosta Cup soccer team. Shortly after graduating high school, he worked with Air Jamaica. He migrated to the United States at the age of nineteen (19) and undertook several courses in network engineering due to his passion for computers.

Mr. Grant completed the Air Force Aerospace Medical Technician School in 2005 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Southern Connecticut State University in 2010. In 2012, he completed leadership and flight nurse courses while serving in the United States Air Force. In 2018, Mr. Grant obtained a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Southern Connecticut State University as well as the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certifications.

Mr. Grant became a member of the US Air Force in 2004 where he now serves as a reserve in the field of flight medicine. He has held several posts in the Air Force to include Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Infection Control, Flight Nurse, and Air Force Medical Provider. He has been deployed and has travelled to several countries around the world including Germany, Afghanistan, Iraq and Djibouti.

Mr. Grant now serves as Senior System Director of Hartford Healthcare’s Infection Prevention Program in Connecticut and has developed several programs and protocols on infection prevention and infectious diseases, including the protocols established as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. He appears frequently on major television networks such as NBC and Fox.

Mr. Grant has received several military and civilian awards, namely the Connecticut Healthcare Heroes Award, Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing, Air Force Achievement Medal and Humanitarian Medal.
Mr. Grant has a strong motivation to assist others, as many persons assisted him throughout his life. He is an avid lover of cars and enjoys watching soccer and spending quality time with his wife and two children.

Other Jamaicans in the Essential Services

Jamaican doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals continue to play a leading role in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States. The various Jamaican Nurses’ and Healthcare Associations across the thirty-three (33) states under the jurisdiction of the Consulate, have continued to be a strong support mechanism for its members, particularly during this time of overbearing workload and trauma. The Consulate General truly values the significant commitments and sacrifices made by all our healthcare workers.

The presence of Jamaicans on the forefront also extends beyond the healthcare sector to include military personnel. The Consulate would like to briefly recognize the dedication of some of our Nationals in the Armed Forces who have been instrumental in managing the COVID-19 outbreak in New York. Lieutenant Commander Frederick Yarid, Lieutenant Commander Rowan Lindsay, HN Stephan Sewell, Lieutenant Yohan Garel, and HM2 Cary Williams are all Jamaicans serving in the US Navy who were assigned to the Javits Center in New York City to serve as medical personnel. HM2 Williams, during a conversation with Consul General Wilson, indicated that it was a proud moment for him and his fellow Jamaicans to contribute to efforts in battling the COVID-19 pandemic as they “represented Jamaica well”. Consul General Wilson expressed gratitude to HM2 Williams and his countrymen for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19.

"Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work." - Mother Teresa

The post Jamaican Essential Workers in the United States Making a Positive Impact during the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.

As the GraceKennedy Group plays its part through its businesses worldwide in the COVID-19 response, GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC has teamed up with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Jamaica Consul General Alison Roach-Wilson to provide assistance with food to over 5,000 persons in need.

“We know that it is a difficult time, and that food insecurity is an issue for many, so we’re working with the offices of member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing New York’s 9th congressional district, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, and Consul General Alison Roach-Wilson, to alleviate some of that pressure,” said Derrick Reckord, President & CEO, GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC.

The programme started on May 2, with donations made to 12 churches in the New York Metro area. “We are providing food to those in need in the community, including stranded Jamaicans who cannot get home as a result of the COVID-19. The donations will be made every other week for the next two to three months, and during that time, we expect to serve over 5,000 people,”  Mr Reckord revealed.

 Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who was out with the team delivering packages to several churches including Beulah Church of Nazarene and Calvary Community Church, thanked Grace Foods for “their selfless donations.”

According to Mr Reckord, “Over the years, we have been able to form great partnerships with the Congresswoman and her team, as well as the Consul General and her team. We are proud to have their support yet again, as we work together to help individuals and families get through this challenging time,” Mr Reckord said.

Grace Foods’ donation to the communities is in addition to assistance being given to first responders, and further work being done in the South East, with the Jamaican Consulate in Florida.

We’re All In This Together  Their hands are not  joined (due to social distancing), however this group is definitely working together to help provide relief from COVID-19 to those in need.  From left are Shelton Rose, Business Development Manager- National Division, GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC; US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Anita Taylor, Brooklyn District Director; and Cecil Henry, Pastor of the Calvary Community Church. The occasion was a delivery of Grace and La Fe food product which was donated by GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC to 12 churches last weekend, including Calvary Community Church, in the New York Metro area. As part of its COVID-19 response, GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC has teamed up with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Jamaica Consul General Alison Roach-Wilson to provide food to over 5,000 persons in need.

Mr Reckord advised that over the last two weeks, GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC had sent gift cards to assist at least 50 Caribbean students across the US who had been displaced when their colleges closed, but they were unable to make it back home.

In addition to its efforts in the United States, the GraceKennedy Group has been rolling out COVID-19 response initiatives in Jamaica, Latin America & the Caribbean, Canada, and the UK.

“We are a Jamaican company but our reach is wide. We take our ‘we care’ responsibility very seriously, wherever in the world we operate. As such, we are doing what we can to try to make a positive impact in people’s lives, in what we know is a difficult time,” Mr Reckord said.

The post Grace Foods (USA) LLC to Provide Assistance with Food to over 5,000 persons Over the Next Three Months appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.

The post Do you want to extend your stay in the United States appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.

In light of the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the need to introduce appropriate precautionary measures to protect persons from the spread of the virus, by virtue of the congregation of a large number of persons in a small space, please be advised that the Consulate General of Jamaica in New York will be closed to the public for one week, for the period 16th to 20th March 2020. During that period the situation will be assessed to determine any further adjustments that may become desirable.

Persons applying for the renewal of Jamaican passports are therefore encouraged to utilize the online application system available at www.pica.gov.jm. All persons who received an adult passport after September 2001 can renew their passport online, providing that the passport has expired or will expire in less than 1 years’ time.

Persons who are not eligible to apply online, that is minors, persons who wish to have a name change in the passport, and persons who are replacing lost passports will be able to apply at the Consulate by way of our newly instituted appointment system.

As of Monday, 16th March 2020, please go to https://cgny.youcanbook.me/ and select a date and time for an appointment.

As we continue to monitor events associated with COVID-19, all are encouraged to note the official advisories from the relevant authorities to limit travel overseas to emergencies only. In this regard, please note that the Government of Jamaica has instituted travel restrictions for persons travelling to Jamaica from the following countries:

The health and safety of our country and community are our top priorities. Please continue to take all necessary precautions including avoiding large public gatherings and non-essential social events. We will continue to monitor the situation closely for any developments and will provide updates on our social media platforms as the situation warrants.

Real-time updates in New York are available by texting COVID to 692-692 or visiting nyc.gov/coronavirus.
You may also sign up for Notify NYC by calling 311 or visiting NYC.gov/NotifyNYC.

Kindly note that the outreaches by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), The Registrar General’s Department (RGD) and the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) which were scheduled from 17th to 19th April in Hartford, Connecticut has been postponed until further notice.

Please keep you and your family safe and best wishes.

Yours sincerely
Mrs. Alsion Wilson, OD
Consul General

The post Jamaican Consulate General, New York Public Notice – COVID-19 appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.

In celebration of Reggae Month, Jamaica’s Consulate General in New York in collaboration with VP Records, will host pop-up exhibition entitled “A Reggae Music Journey” at the consulate from the first of February to the 21st, during Reggae Month.

The Exhibition, ‘A Reggae Music Journey’ is a historical display documenting the history of the Jamaican musical genre, and will feature artifacts including historic vinyl records from Van Pelt’s collection, and a platinum sales award for Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock LP presented to company President Randy Chin.

A Reggae Music Journey was created to document the legacy of Reggae music and the role that the Chin family, through Randy’s Record Mart in Jamaica and later, VP Records have contributed to the development of the genre.

An eight-panel display tells the label’s history dating to its origins as Vincent and Patricia Chin’s Randy’s Record Mart in Kingston in the late 1950s, extending to the present and featuring its 40-year run in Jamaica, Queens. The story of the company’s global impact and sustained relevance is woven into the story of Reggae itself.

Some of the genre’s most admired artists, including Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, Barrington Levy, Garnett Silk, Lady Saw, and Freddie McGregor – who either had key releases distributed by VP Records or were signed to VP Records – are featured in the exhibit as well. The exhibit includes the work of photographers David Corio, Anders Jones, Wonder Knack, Jonathan Mannion, Martei Korley and others.

Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Mrs. Alsion Wilson said the Consulate was very pleased to join with Jamaica and the rest of the world in celebration of Reggae Month. She said the staging of this exhibition will give Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica an opportunity to view this important exhibition.

Mrs. Wilson pointed out that Reggae Month is of great significance as Jamaican music has been an important part of our culture, a source of Jamaican recognition on the world stage.

She said on February 6, the birthday of Reggae icon, Bob Marley, the consulate will live stream the birthday celebrations from the Bob Marley museum on Hope Road.

In 2018, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, added Reggae to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as a cultural institution worthy of protection and preservation.

In a statement on its website, UNESCO said of Reggae: “Its contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual. The basic social functions of the music – as a vehicle for social commentary, a cathartic practice, and a means of praising God – have not changed, and the music continues to act as a voice for all.”

In 2008, the government of Jamaica declared February as Reggae Month, to highlight and celebrate the impact of the musical genre on the country’ socio-economic development.

At the launch event on Friday 31st January, VP Records plans to live stream its weekly music “Happy Hour” from 5pm – 6pm and provide a DJ from 6pm – 8pm for the reception.

The Reggae Music Journey exhibit will go from the consulate to the newly refurbished VP Records retail store in Jamaica Queens.

The post Jamaican Consulate in NY to Stage Reggae Music Exhibition appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.

Couretsy of:  The Jamaica Gleaner

The Global Jamaica Youth Group, which will soon be ratified as an official council, on Thursday hosted a series of synchronized youth engagements in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The events, dubbed Jamaica Youth Connect, were organised as a follow up to the 8th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in June, where the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council by the majority of delegates in attendance.

“We are redefining what it means to be a Jamaican millennial in the Diaspora, as more and more youth across the globe are becoming energised about engaging with their ancestral homeland. The aim of the event was to inform them about the opportunities that are available and how they can develop and move on their ideas,” said Tanesha Westcarr, youth ambassador and leader on Jamaica’s Diaspora Advisory Board.

Senior Jamaican diplomats were present at all events and pledged support for the movement. Jamaica Youth Connect featured presentations and discussions on how to leverage the power of the Diaspora, deepen cultural identity, become a Jamaican citizen, invest in Jamaica and start a business and network for personal and professional development.

Aisha Morgan, event coordinator of the Global Jamaica Youth Group, who is based in the UK, said: “This event forms part of a wider push to fill a knowledge and experiential gap among the third, fourth and fifth generations of Jamaicans living abroad. As we continue to raise awareness, we want to move our youth into action, so they can contribute to Jamaica’s development, however they see fit.”

Victoria Mutual Group was the main sponsor for all three events, with GraceKennedy and NoirBnB as supporting sponsors.

The post Jamaican Diaspora Youth Stage Synchronised Meetings In US, Canada And UK appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.

On September 26, 2019 in the margins of the UN General Assembly High Level Week, Jamaica became the sixth signatory to the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters, also known as the “Escazu Agreement.”

The Agreement was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith during a Treaty Ceremony in which several other countries participated. Minister Johnson Smith said, “Jamaica was an active participant in the negotiation of the Agreement which was finalized in April of this year in Escazu, Costa Rica, the location from which the Treaty now takes its name. We are therefore pleased that Cabinet gave its approval for our early signature during UN High Level Week.”

In light of certain technical errors which led to the announcement of Jamaica’s ratification of the Treaty, the Foreign Minister also advised that the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation which has portfolio responsibility for the implementation of the Treaty, has indicated that it is looking forward to engaging stakeholders and commencing the processes needed to ensure that Jamaica is in a position to comply with the provisions of the Treaty, and accordingly in due course, to ratify.

Minister Johnson Smith added that she sincerely regrets the disappointment caused to stakeholders by the incorrect announcement of Jamaica’s ratification, and explained that the Ministry is working with the UN to ensure that the technical error regarding the ratification process itself is corrected in accordance with their standard procedures. She indicated that this will in due course include the publication of a corrected record of countries which have in fact ratified the Treaty.

The post Jamaica’s Signature of the Escazu Agreement appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.

“We have had substantial opportunity to have rehearsals and practice in response to disasters in the form of tropical storms and hurricanes,” said JDF Lieutenant Colonel M Matthews during the joint earthquake table-top exercise outbrief on May 17. “Earthquakes, we believe, were a constantly looming threat, and one that we do tend to put in the back of our minds having not experienced a recent significant earthquake.”

For this exercise, DCNG, JDF, and ODPEM staff worked alongside each other to develop a plan to contend with all real-time issues should an earthquake occur. The plan carefully details the steps and resources that would need to be mobilized to mitigate the disastrous effects of an earthquake on Jamaica’s populace and infrastructure. Experts from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) a also monitored the exercise, noting strengths and gaps in disaster response to inform the design of upcoming resilience projects worth $9 million.

“There is no level of brilliance, no level of operational resources that can replace planning, preparation, and practice, said JDF Lieutenant General Rocky Meade, stressing the critical nature of the exercise.

The Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Eric Khant, lauded the exchange, describing it as “a critical partnership for disaster readiness.” He also asserted that “this activity will underly future planning and identify ways where the United States can continue supporting Jamaica’s preparation for a natural disaster, including humanitarian assistance.”

This activity forms part of the DCNG’s State Partnership Program (SPP). This is a joint program of the United States Department of Defense (DoD), the U.S. State Department, District of Columbia, and individual states or territories, including Jamaica. The SPP has been successfully building relationships for over 20 years with 79 nations around the globe.

The post U.S. Embassy Supports DC National Guard Engagement on Jamaica’s National Disaster Action Plan appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.

The school visit was coordinated by U.S. Embassy Kingston, and was the last stop on her five-day visit to Jamaica, which she used to learn more about the country for upcoming girls’ education projects.

Oduwole’s rise to prominence started at age of 9, when she entered a History Channel competition with a documentary film about Africa titled “The Ghana Revolution.” For the film, she traveled to Ghana to interview then-president Jerry Rawlings. While there, she learned that many girls in Ghana and other African countries did not have access to education, and as her interest in filmmaking grew, so did her desire to serve as a voice for girls in Africa, including because of her Nigerian-Mauritius roots.

At 12, she became recognized as the world’s youngest filmmaker to have a self-produced and self-edited work, after her film “A Promising Africa” showed in two movie chains and then went on to screen in Ghana, England, South Africa, and Japan. Since then, she has produced seven films and visited 17 countries for her girls’ education projects. The activist-filmmaker leverages her notoriety to raise awareness about societal challenges that hinder girls from reaching their full potential.

“It is astonishing that she accomplished all that at such a young age,” said 11-year-old Alissen Bowley. “It shows the sky is the limit and you can do anything you put your mind to.”

During her talk, Oduwole shared her experiences as a young filmmaker and encouraged the girls to set and achieve high goals. In turn, the girls eagerly shared their aspirations.

“You all are the future of this country,” Oduwole told the girls. “So it is up to you to make sure that whatever it is you want to do in life, you accomplish it. Because whether you want to become a doctor, lawyer, pilot, or even prime minister, whatever it is you’re going to do is going to help others. So you have to stay driven and stay focused.”

Mona Heights Primary School Principal Fabian Mahabeer was pleased that his students were able to meet the 16-year-old powerhouse.

“It was phenomenal given that Zuriel could connect with the audience because she is not much older than they are,” Mahabeer said. “Her message is contemporary. It speaks to a lot of what is going on, especially gender-based violence and the care for children. “

U.S. Embassy Kingston is honored to engage with students within its community and sphere of influence. This activity forms part of the Mission’s wider effort to promote democracy, security, and economic prosperity through cultural and educational exchange.

The post Girls’ education advocate and U.S. Embassy partner to inspire Mona Heights Primary students appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.

Through his dedication to his faith, Joseph Sandiford Atwell exemplified the unyielding spirit of Caribbean Americans.  Born in Barbados in 1831, Atwell moved to the United States in 1863 and attended the Philadelphia Divinity School.  Following the Civil War, he went to spread God’s message of hope and love to the emancipated slaves in the South.  Due to the strength of his ministry, he became the first black Episcopal deacon ordained in the Diocese of Kentucky and went on to become the first black Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Virginia.

Earlier this year, I met with the leaders of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, the Republic of Haiti, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia to reaffirm our partnership with the Caribbean.  We discussed how we can bring greater prosperity to this important region, including potential opportunities for energy investment and enhanced trade partnerships.  We made tremendous progress, and we will build on these discussions to strengthen further the relationship we share with our Caribbean neighbors.

This month, we recognize the vibrant culture and patriotism of Caribbean Americans that continue to bolster our country and enrich our lives, and we pay tribute to the strong friendship between the United States and the countries of the Caribbean.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2019 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.  I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third.

DONALD J. TRUMP

The post Presidential Proclamation on National Caribbean-American Heritage Month appeared first on Consulate General of Jamaica - New York.