MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE

2 Port Royal Street, Kington

MEDIA RELEASE

July 7, 2026

Foreign Minister Johnson Smith Appoints Oliver Mair as
New Consul General in New York

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has appointed Mr. Roderick Oliver Mair, current Consul-General in Miami, as Jamaica’s next Consul-General in New York.

In making the announcement, Minister Johnson Smith said Mair’s more than seven years of consular leadership, record of effective Diaspora engagement and success in mobilising partnerships and support for Jamaica have prepared him to lead the Consulate General in New York, which serves Jamaica’s largest overseas population across 33 States in the United States (US).

“New York is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Jamaican communities in the world. As Consul-General in Miami, Oliver Mair has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build relationships, inspire confidence and mobilise support for Jamaica. His record of service in Southern Florida reflects a commitment to our nationals, meaningful engagement with the Diaspora and practical partnerships that have delivered real benefits for both Jamaicans at home and abroad. I am therefore confident that he will bring the same energy, innovation and dedication to our Consulate General in New York”, said Minister Johnson Smith.

While serving as Head of Mission, he will also have concurrent accreditation to Bermuda and Puerto Rico. He assumes the post after more than seven years as Consul General in Miami, where he served a 13-state jurisdiction and led initiatives in Diaspora engagement, trade and investment promotion, health and education partnerships and consular service delivery. He has also served as Dean of the South Florida Caribbean Consular Corps since 2022 and as Deputy Dean of the South Florida Consular Corps since 2025.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Management Studies and English Literature from The University of the West Indies. He also completed the Harvard Business School General Management Programme and was awarded a Doctor of Ministry (honoris causa) from the University of Fort Lauderdale.

Among Mair’s notable achievements is the establishment of the annual Jamaica Hi-5 Reggae Run/Walk, which has become one of the South Florida Diaspora’s flagship community events, promoting healthy lifestyles while raising support for Jamaica’s healthcare sector. The initiative has played a significant role in mobilising support for the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Adopt-a-Clinic Programme, with the Southern Region becoming the programme’s largest contributor, supporting the adoption of 17 rural health facilities, including six funded directly through proceeds from the Hi-5 event.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Mair played a key coordinating role through the Consulate in Miami, working with diaspora organisations, humanitarian partners and community volunteers to support Jamaica’s relief effort. In collaboration with Food for the Poor, World Central Kitchen and Global Empowerment Mission, the Consulate helped mobilise substantial assistance, more than 4,000 volunteers and over 60 collection points across the region. He also supported major fundraising initiatives, including the Stay Strong Jamaica and One Love Jamaica Gospel concerts, while advancing investment promotion through JAMPRO roadshows and introducing new approaches to community engagement and consular service delivery.

Mair is the successor to the late Alsion Roach Wilson, CD. He is expected to assume office in the coming weeks.

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
2 Port Royal Street, Kingston

MEDIA RELEASE
November 20, 2025

Foreign Ministry Assigns
Officer-in-Charge at the Consulate General at New York

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade wishes to clarify a recent media report regarding the arrangements which have been put in place towards the continuity of business at the Consulate-General of Jamaica at New York.

The Ministry advises that Mrs Ariel Bowen, Acting Under-Secretary for Diaspora, Consular and Protocol and Consular Affairs at its Headquarters in Kingston, has been deployed to the Consulate General as Officer-in-Charge, to support continuity of operations while the Government proceeds, at the appropriate time, with the established process for appointing a new Consul-General. This action became necessary, following the recent passing of former Consul-General Mrs. Alsion Marie Wilson.

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Contact:
The Public Relations & Media Affairs Unit
Telephone: (+1) 876 676-4028-30 | E-mail: pr@mfaft.gov.jm
Web: facebook.com/mfaftja/

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
2 Port Royal Street, Kingston

MEDIA RELEASE
November 8, 2025

Foreign Minister expresses profound regret
at the passing of Consul-General Alsion Wilson

 

I am deeply saddened to announce the passing today of Mrs. Alsion Wilson, Consul-General of Jamaica at New York, at her home in New York.

Consul-General Wilson served Jamaica at the highest level of excellence during her tenure from July 2019 to present. Her accomplishments defy the time during which she served with deep commitment to country, the Foreign Service, and indeed to Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Consul-General Wilson was recently conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander by the Government of Jamaica a fitting recognition of her work and impact. Everyone who has worked with her, or simply met her, knew unequivocally that she was also a warm and generous human being who exemplified professionalism, loyalty to country, and friendship to the world.

In addition to my own personal sorrow and my own personal expressions to her family, with whom I have spoken, on behalf of the Government of Jamaica and its people, including the Diaspora in the United States, I extend deepest condolences to her husband Omar, her children Brian and Vanessa, and the rest of the family. May her ever patriotic, generous, and beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.

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Contact:
The Public Relations & Media Affairs Unit
Telephone: (+1) 876 676-4028-30  |  E-mail: pr@mfaft.gov.jm
Web: facebook.com/mfaftja/

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On Wednesday July 20^th 2022, in honor of Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence, Jazz at Lincoln Center – Dizzy’s Club, New York, hosted a Reggae-Jazz Concert. The event dubbed A Celebration of 60 years of Jamaican Independence, is the first in what is envisioned as a long-term partnership.

This specially curated musical fusion was orchestrated under the auspices of the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, in close partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center, as part of a broader effort to deepen musical ties and establish a framework for sustained cultural and artistic engagement.

Last night’s show, which was headlined by top-tier artistes such as bassist Russell Hall and The Brethren Court Band, with featured vocalist Shenel Johns and Special Guest from Jamaica Ellan Neil, was the brainchild of Consul General Alsion Wilson and Mr. Jason Olaine, Vice President of Programming at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Consul General Wilson conveyed her appreciation to the artistes for using their musical talents to promote the rich cultural heritage and legacy of Jamaica, which was well received by the many attendees.

In reflecting on the success of the occasion, the Consul General stated that “as we move closer to our highly anticipated Jamaica 60^th Anniversary of Independence, I, along with my team at the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, am deeply grateful to our partners and friends at the Jazz at Lincoln Center for this celebration of our music fused with Jazz – a truly international language that continues to unify and reignite”.

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    In recognition of the significance of Jamaica’s 60^th Anniversary of Independence, The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, is proud to announce that the New York State Assembly has recently passed the first resolution that will recognize August 6, 2022, as “Jamaica Flag Day” in the State of New York.

Jamaica Flag Day will seek to raise awareness and understanding about the rich culture and legacy of Jamaica and its people, as well as celebrate the significant contribution of the Jamaican Diaspora to the growth and development of New York.

The Consulate, conveys its deepest gratitude to the Office of Assembly Member Brian Cunningham, including Special Assistant Anthony Beckford of Assembly District 43, Brooklyn, New York, for their diligent efforts in having this historic resolution passed

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To kick-off this important launch, Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Honorable Andrew Holness, led a high-level delegation from Jamaica to participate in the events, which culminated with a grand reception at the Hyatt Regency JFK on 1^st May

Prime Minister Holness’ working visit commenced in Philadelphia, where he was invited by the University of Pennsylvania to attend the 126^th staging of the Annual Penn Relays Carnival, as part of the University’s recognition of Jamaica’s 60^th Anniversary of Independence. This was his first time attending the event.

 The Prime Minister participated in a number of activities which engaged various business leaders, civil society groups, members of the Jamaican Diaspora and friends of Jamaica. He was joined in these activities by Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Honorable Aubyn Hill, and the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, the Honorable Olivia Grange. Coming out of these engagements were important partnerships within the fields of education, ICTs, energy, and capacity building.

The two-part launch event in New York commenced with a church service held at the New Life Tabernacle United Pentecostal Church in Brooklyn, which was led  The highly spirited service was led by Bishop Micheal Mitchell, Senior Pastor of the Church, who challenged all Jamaicans to “come back to a consciousness of who we are as a great people”.

Prime Minister Holness delivered the keynote message of “Re-igniting a Nation for Greatness”, the theme of Jamaica 60. In so doing, Prime Minister Holness spoke of the need to celebrate and to “cerebrate”. He stated that “as a people we should celebrate the many achievements we have made over the past 60 years. However, we should also cerebrate, in giving thought to the things we have not done well. Given the two elements we should go through a process of recommittal for the next 60 years as Jamaicans to make Jamaica the greatest country on earth”.

The launch reception was also addressed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams who committed to working with the Government of Jamaica to help stem the flow of illicit guns into the island. He also stressed the importance of Jamaicans to New York City, given that the largest single population of Jamaicans outside of Jamaica lives in the region.

Also speaking at the event was US Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer, who shared his fondness for Jamaica and his strong relationship with the Community over the years. He also used the opportunity to present his friend and US Ambassador to Jamaica Nick Perry. Perry is the first person born in Jamaica to serve in that role in Jamaica.

Also in attendance was US Representative Yvette Clarke also of Jamaican descent. There were also in attendance representatives of other diplomatic missions, including Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Switzerland and South Africa.

The full list of activities for Jamaica 60 in New York, will be available on the Consulate General’s website www.congenjamaica-ny.org.

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Welcoming the development, Minister Johnson Smith said “Continuity and certainty are key to our business community and for our government. Given that the United Kingdom is our largest trading partner within the EU, it has been important for the Government of Jamaica, since the Brexit referendum in 2016, to work within CARIFORUM to preserve our existing preferential trade terms notwithstanding uncertainties regarding the Brexit process. The signature of this Agreement safeguards the uninterrupted continuation of trade between our region and the UK, and is consistent with the Government‟s vision that trade should be an engine of growth.”

The Minister explained that the CARIFORUM / UK Economic Partnership Agreement would „roll-over‟ the terms of the CARIFORUM /EU Economic Partnership Agreement and would therefore cover trade in goods, trade in services and trade-related issues such as Intellectual Property Rights.

The signing took place during the Twenty-Fifth Meeting of the CARIFORUM Council of Ministers in Castries, St. Lucia, from March 21-22, which engaged in trade policy discussions as well as preparations for the next phase of ACP / EU Post- Cotonou arrangements.

The countries who signed were: Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Other countries committed to completing their domestic procedures in short order.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, said “As we have previously stated publicly, we have been monitoring circumstances related to the Embassy, not only in the wider context of our review of our representation globally, but also in respect of the particular considerations relating to developments in Caracas. The Ministry, along with its Embassy, have been experiencing significant challenges in its operations and we have therefore determined that temporary closure is now the practical solution.”

The Foreign Minister reminded that over the past two years, the Ministry has been reviewing its resident diplomatic and consular presence overseas, due to the ever changing global environment and the emergence of new patterns of trade and investment as well as technical and economic cooperation.
Minister Johnson Smith noted, “This is only our first announcement this year regarding Jamaica’s overseas diplomatic representation. There will however be additional announcements, including openings where we believe our presence will be mutually beneficial to us and our host country”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade further advised that the temporary closure should not be confused with any rupture in diplomatic relations with Venezuela and that during the period of closure of the Embassy in Caracas, the management of Jamaica’s relations with Venezuela will be undertaken from the Ministry’s Headquarters in Kingston, as has obtained for some time.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith in making the announcement, said “The Ministry is excited to welcome 33 non-resident Heads of Mission, the highest number since the inception of Diplomatic Week, who will join with our 27 highly- valued resident Heads of Mission for this year’s staging”.During the week of activities, diplomats will be addressed by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and other senior Ministers. Diplomats from seven countries will also present their Credentials to the Governor General.

Minister Johnson Smith noted that, “The briefing sessions are geared towards updating diplomats on the priorities and achievements of the Government of Jamaica and will highlight areas of mutual interest and support relevant to Jamaica’s goal of inclusive and sustainable growth and development”.

The Heads of Mission will also attend the Annual Diplomatic Dinner at King’s House hosted by Their Excellencies the Governor General and Lady Allen.

Referring to the importance of this calendar event, Johnson Smith said, “Diplomatic Week is designed to bring accredited representatives to Jamaica to learn more about the country through meaningful engagement with representatives of the Government and the Jamaican private sector”.

The Minister also noted that Diplomatic Week 2019 will create opportunities for diplomats to explore some of the treasures of Jamaica.

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The High Commissioner-designate, who recently concluded his assignment as Jamaica’s representative to the Inter-American Development Bank, will succeed David Prendergast whose tour of duty ended in January.

Mr. Williams has over 35 years of professional experience and a political career which spans over a decade. In 2011, he was appointed to Cabinet as Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for the Public Service and Information in the Office of the Prime Minister. He was also State Minister in the Ministry of National Security in 2007 and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service in 2009. Prior to his tenure at the OPM, he served in the capacity of Government and Opposition Senator from 2007-2011 and 2002-2007 respectively. In his dispensation as Opposition Senator, he led the Opposition Business in the Upper House.

In congratulating Mr. Williams on his new appointment, Minister Johnson Smith remarked, “I welcome Mr. Williams as the newest member of the Jamaican Foreign Service. Mr. Williams has over the years demonstrated true commitment to the service of his country and has made a sterling contribution to the public service. I am confident that with his versatility of experience and leadership, we can look forward to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.”

The former Munro College graduate holds a Bachelor of Science in Government (Hons.) and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. He is also a graduate of the Norman Manley Law School.

Mr. Williams is expected to assume his duties in April 2019.

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