Consulate General of Jamaica – New York https://congenjamaica-ny.org/ Congen New York Tue, 25 Aug 2026 02:46:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/cropped-coa-e1532106345390-1-1-32x32.png Consulate General of Jamaica – New York https://congenjamaica-ny.org/ 32 32 Foreign Minister Johnson Smith Appoints Oliver Mair as New Consul General in New York https://congenjamaica-ny.org/foreign-minister-johnson-smith-appoints-oliver-mair-as-new-consul-general-in-new-york/ Tue, 25 Aug 2026 02:46:27 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=2546 MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE 2 Port Royal Street, Kington MEDIA RELEASE July 7, 2026 Foreign Minister Johnson Smith Appoints Oliver Mair asNew 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...

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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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Officer-in-Charge at the Consulate General at New York https://congenjamaica-ny.org/officer-in-charge-at-the-consulate-general-at-new-york/ Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:24:18 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=2502   Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade2 Port Royal Street, Kingston MEDIA RELEASENovember 20, 2025 Foreign Ministry AssignsOfficer-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...

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Coat of Arms of Jamaica
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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Foreign Minister expresses profound regret at the passing of Consul-General Alsion Wilson https://congenjamaica-ny.org/foreign-minister-expresses-profound-regret-at-the-passing-of-consul-general-alsion-wilson/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 16:54:53 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=2490 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade2 Port Royal Street, Kingston MEDIA RELEASENovember 8, 2025 Foreign Minister expresses profound regretat 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...

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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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Jamaican Consulate General partners with Jazz at Lincoln Center https://congenjamaica-ny.org/jamaican-consulate-general-partners-with-jazz-at-lincoln-center/ Thu, 21 Jul 2022 17:09:47 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=1685 1st Reggae-Jazz Concert with Russell Hall and The Brethren Court in honour of Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence On Wednesday July 20th 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...

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1st Reggae-Jazz Concert with Russell Hall and The Brethren Court in honour of Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence

On Wednesday July 20th 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 60th 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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Jamaica Flag Day in the State of New York https://congenjamaica-ny.org/jamaica-flag-day-in-the-state-of-new-york/ Wed, 29 Jun 2022 16:11:53 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=1671 August 6th 2022 proclaimed as Jamaica Flag Day in the State of New York     In recognition of the significance of Jamaica’s 60th 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...

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August 6th 2022 proclaimed as Jamaica Flag Day in the State of New York

    In recognition of the significance of Jamaica’s 60th 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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Jamaica 60th Activities Launched in Philadelphia and New York https://congenjamaica-ny.org/jamaica-60th-activities-launched-in-philadelphia-and-new-york/ Sun, 01 May 2022 16:44:25 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=1677 The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York officially launched its slate of activities to commemorate Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence in Philadelphia and New York, from April 29th through to May 1st. To kick-off this important launch, Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Honorable Andrew Holness, led a high-level delegation from...

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The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York officially launched its slate of activities to commemorate Jamaica’s 60th Anniversary of Independence in Philadelphia and New York, from April 29th through to May 1st.

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 1st May

Prime Minister Holness’ working visit commenced in Philadelphia, where he was invited by the University of Pennsylvania to attend the 126th staging of the Annual Penn Relays Carnival, as part of the University’s recognition of Jamaica’s 60th 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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Jamaican Essential Workers in the United States Making a Positive Impact during the COVID-19 Pandemic https://congenjamaica-ny.org/jamaican-essential-workers-in-the-united-states-making-a-positive-impact-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/ Tue, 02 Jun 2020 17:00:11 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=1308 Caption for photo: Jamaica’s Consul General in New York, Mrs. Alsion Wilson 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...

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Caption for photo: Jamaica’s Consul General in New York, Mrs. Alsion Wilson

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

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Grace Foods (USA) LLC to Provide Assistance with Food to over 5,000 persons Over the Next Three Months https://congenjamaica-ny.org/grace-foods-usa-llc-to-provide-assistance-with-food-to-over-5000-persons-over-the-next-three-months/ Fri, 08 May 2020 17:35:37 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=1291 Grace Foods Delivers! A delivery truck owned by GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC makes a stop at the Calvary Community Church in Brooklyn, New York, to deliver Grace and La Fe food products, which is part of a donation made by the Company to assist persons in need. In addition to...

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Grace Foods Delivers! A delivery truck owned by GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC makes a stop at the Calvary Community Church in Brooklyn, New York, to deliver Grace and La Fe food products, which is part of a donation made by the Company to assist persons in need. In addition to its efforts in the USA, the GraceKennedy Group has been rolling out COVID-19 response initiatives in Jamaica, Latin America & the Caribbean, Canada, and the UK.

 

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.

 

 

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Do you want to extend your stay in the United States https://congenjamaica-ny.org/do-you-want-to-extend-your-stay-in-the-united-states/ Mon, 06 Apr 2020 19:50:01 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=1275 Been advised that applying for an extension is one of the best ways to document with USCIS the intention to comply, even if the request is not approved. You may proceed to do so online at https://www.uscis.gov/visit-united-states/extend-your-stay.   Please be advised that if  the extension is not granted,  and in...

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Been advised that applying for an extension is one of the best ways to document with USCIS the intention to comply, even if the request is not approved. You may proceed to do so online at https://www.uscis.gov/visit-united-states/extend-your-stay.
 
Please be advised that if  the extension is not granted,  and in an effort  to minimize any problems that you may have in the future trying to renew your visa etc, it is recommended that you keep all records of receipts with USCIS, air tickets, emails, and other documents that demonstrate that you  attempted to exit the United States and return  home before expiration of your authorized length of stay. You can also print an article in English (from a reputable news site in the US) detailing current restrictions.  These documents could be submitted to the consular officer at the USA Embassy in Jamaica at the time of your visa renewal interview in the future, in case said consular officer objects to the fact that the current authorized length of stay expired before you had a chance to leave the United States.
 
As you are aware, ports of entry in Jamaica are closed from 25th March to 7th April . Please see details at the following link: https://japarliament.gov.jm/index.php/publications/resolution   ( please select ” Disaster Risk Management, Enforcement Measures, no.2, order 2020). Should there be changes to the aforementioned, the information will be made available on the following websites: www.moh.gov.jm  , www.mfaft.gov.jm , www.jis.gov.jm .Please, therefore, continue to monitor these sites for updates.

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Jamaican Consulate General, New York Public Notice – COVID-19 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/jamaican-consulate-general-new-york-public-notice-covid-19/ Thu, 12 Mar 2020 18:58:36 +0000 https://congenjamaica-ny.org/?p=1241 Dear Community Member, 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...

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Dear Community Member,

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:

Iran  Singapore
People’s Republic of China  Germany
South Korea  Spain
Italy France

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

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