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