Jamaica taps Mair as consul general for New York; NYC’s Jamaican parade planned
With the recent appointment of Roderick Oliver Mair to helm the Jamaican consulate, high hopes are already engraved by concrete impressions of previous outstanding diplomats Lorell Bruce, Derrick Heaven, Kaye Baxter-Collins, and Dr. Basil K. Bryan.
Since their departures from consular leadership duties, their unrivaled contributions indelibly imprints monumental accomplishments Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness plans to replicate.
Named to represent Jamaica’s largest overseas population in America, Mair is expected to serve the community with the same engagement he applied in Miami, Florida.
There, he served in the same position, as well as Dean of the Caribbean Consular Corps.
Last year, he was voted deputy dean of the South Florida Corps.
In addition to dutifully serving nationals from the island, an unwritten task will find Mair busy reconciling differences between a divided partisan community.
Explaining that the Covid pandemic created a rift in diplomacy, a former frequent visitor to the east side United Nations location expressed disappointment that like-minded expats echoed.
Others disagreed with the allegation while lamenting the untimely death of predecessor Alsion Roach Wilson, who passed away last year after battling breast cancer.
Mair will arrive to much fanfare.
With seven years of consular leadership experience, Mair was displaced from South Florida to execute servitude, confidence, credibility, and assurance.
An apparent popular intellectual from the island, he is reputed for his non-partisan, personable approach to addressing concerns of Jamaicans in the diaspora.
According to alienated nationals here, the hope is that Mair might be able to re-invigorate the energy which originally provided “a home away from home” atmosphere at the offices of the consular general. Some believe it is a daunting task.
“New York needs renewal and restoration at the consulate,” Dave Rodney, a New Jersey resident said.
“I am told [Mair] is outstanding.”
Optimists identified by consistent loyalty to both the Jamaica Labor Party and the People’s National Party claim they are convinced the prime minister appointed a consul who is ready, willing, and capable.
Mair will journey upward to take his position in the fall.
Grand Marshal Sutherland teases “Action” in Flatbush
An all-day parade celebrating the 64th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence is slated for Aug. 8 in the most populous immigrant resident community of nationals from the island.
Organized by Jamaica Rising Day Committee, the free jaunt-fest is slated to kick off from Flatbush and Church Aves. (Bob Marley Blvd.), ending at Washington Ave. at Dr. Ronald McNair Park — a green space named for the second Black astronaut in the US.
Billed as the first such procession to hail the nation, participants are urged to wear the black, green, and gold colors of the flag.
A promise of food and camaraderie guarantees an assortment of tasty menus, merchandise, music, a fashion foray, and other related accoutrements.
The biggest attraction invites song-stylist Nadine Sutherland, who will serve as grand marshal to the spectacle.
Selected as one of the best ambassadors from the “land of wood and water,” the songstylist is expected to perform her hit “Action” which she collaborated with DJ Terror Fabulous in 1993.
Not only does the dancehall track identify with Sutherland’s storied history; the infectious, defining composition peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 chart the following year.
As a matter of fact, in a bid to presidential aspiration in 2020, “Action” was tapped by Vice President Kamala Harris for campaign promotions.
Recently, the singer released a promotional video using her lyrical intonation as a teasing invitation to bait fans and expats willing to join the proud, procession.
She amplified the message calling for a 10 o’clock assembly at the Flatbush location.
Although an official gala was scrubbed from the annual commemorative calendar in New York, an Aug. 4 flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green in Manhattan continued a tradition of hailing the first Caribbean island to attain independence from England’s colonial grip.
The milestone date of Aug. 6, 1962 also returned deejay Buju Banton to the Big Apple for a rooftop, pre-independence concert in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
While his primary mission aimed at endearing new audiences, the dual purpose dancehall/reggae session also promoted the Gargamel’s latest “Too Too Bad” VP Records release.
Diasporans chose specific celebratory methods to pay tribute to the historic calendar by capitalizing on provisions of film and food festivals, fashion shows, concerts, church services, galas, forums, youth activities, and other cultural activities.
Jamaicans residing in Canada, the United Kingdom, and many east coast states of Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, and Delaware maximized opportunities by also incorporating internet radio and video connections.
Lincoln Center offers “Soundtrack of Jamaica Day”
Jamaica’s musical influence will be in full effect on Aug. 8 at Lincoln Center from noon when a season of “Summer For The City” presentations end with an epic sound clash.
Billed the “Soundtrack of Jamaica” a free ska, reggae and dancehall, all-age concert promises Black Uhuru, the Brown Rice Family band, DJ Max Glaser, and a Silent Disco.
Check it!
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