Oliver Mair appointed Jamaica consul general in New York

NEW YORK: Oliver Mair, who has served as Jamaica’s consul general in Miami, Florida, for the past seven years, has been tapped to be the new consul general in New York. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith made the announcement in a news release on Monday. Mair is expected to assume his new role by mid-August. Speaking with The Gleaner, he thanked his fellow Jamaicans in the Southern United States for their unwavering support during his Miami posting, adding that he is looking forward to his new appointment.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Roderick Oliver Mair, current consul-general in Miami, has been appointed Jamaica’s next consul-general in New York. In making the announcement, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina 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,” said Johnson Smith. “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,” she added. While serving as head of mission, Mair 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. 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. Mair 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. Mair is the successor to the late Alsion Roach Wilson, who passed away in late 2025. READ: Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Roach Wilson has died He is expected to assume office in the coming weeks.