Jamaica CG NY assumes rotating chair of CARICOM Consular Corps

The Jamaica Consulate General in New York said on Saturday that Consul General Alsion Wilson has assumed the chair of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Consular Corps in New York.

The Consulate General said in a statement that this appointment coincides with Jamaica’s recent assumption of the chair of the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), under the leadership of Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.  

“As CARICOM commemorates its 50th year, as one of the oldest surviving integration movements in the developing world, Consul General Wilson takes leadership of the New York regional Group at a pivotal time,” the statement said. 

In reflecting on the significance of her appointment, Wilson welcomed the opportunity to represent the group, “with a renewed mandate geared towards investment promotion within the region; enhanced Caribbean Diaspora engagement and empowerment, fostering partnerships including through internship programs with New York City’s Summer Youth Employment Program; as well as other strengthened partnerships for sustainability.” 

During her tenure, Wilson said she “will leverage the many connections forged over the years to support the hosting of the USA-Investment Forum in New York City, planned to take place in the latter part of 2023.” 

“It is important that we all support this forum, which aims to promote the Caribbean as a premier investment destination and explore renewed partnership with the Caribbean Diaspora, with a special focus on attracting investment in the following priority sector areas: AgriTech, Hotel Development, Renewable Energy, Business Process Outsourcing and Logistics and Transportation,” she said. 

Wilson commended the outgoing chair, Consul General of Barbados, Mackie Holder, for his efforts towards achieving the common agenda of the group over the period he served. 

The Jamaica Consul General also urged her fellow Consuls General to join her in continuing “to build on the solid foundation of CARICOM, in keeping with the region’s theme for its 50th anniversary, ‘50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build On’”.   

The CARICOM Consular Corps in New York comprises 13 nations of the regional grouping with Consulates in New York. 

They are: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; and Trinidad and Tobago.