WASHINGTON DC (JIS) — Jamaica’s former Honorary Consul to Atlanta and prominent attorney Vin Martin, OD died Wednesday (July 23) in Atlanta, Georgia, after a long illness.

Martin passed away at the Emory University Hospital, just one week shy of his 71st birthday.

He was born in Jackson Town, Trelawny, on July 31, 1943.

Martin was installed in the consular post in 1997 by late former Governor General, Sir Howard Cooke, and served until he retired in April 2013.

For his contribution to Jamaicans in the Diaspora, Martin was presented with the Order of Distinction in 2013. He has also received the Prime Minister’s Medal of Appreciation and the Governor General’s Achievement Award for Contribution to the Diaspora.

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Stephen Vasciannie, hailed the late Consul General as a source of guidance and inspiration for many Jamaicans in the Diaspora, and especially those living in Atlanta.

He said that although be demitted office as Honorary Consul in April 2013, after 16 years, he continued to give service.

“Mr Martin played a key role in the life of the Jamaican community. Not only was he the driving force in the Atlanta-Montego Bay Sister Cities Health Mission, he was also instrumental in arranging special events such as Jamaican Independence activities. Honorary Consul Martin was a morally upright, kind and thoughtful attorney-at-law whose love for Jamaica remained with him throughout his life,” said Vasciannie.

Jamaica’s Consul General in Miami, Franz Hall, described Martin as a true stalwart, who “served with distinction, selflessness and unmatched dedication”.

“I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Martin during all my assignments in the United States of America. With each interaction, my respect for this giant of a man grew, for he was not only committed to representing Jamaica, but was also motivated to deepening the partnership between Atlanta and Jamaica, in a meaningful way,” Hall stated.

He said it was through Martin’s efforts that Atlanta and Montego Bay were twinned as sister cities, fostering closer commercial relationships as well as philanthropic activities between the two cities.

“Perhaps his greatest contribution was in the area of service to the Jamaican Diaspora, as he exhibited an unparalleled drive in advocating for the interests of his fellow Jamaicans and an unshakeable passion for the development of Jamaica.

“He has made an indelible mark on the Jamaican community in Atlanta and further afield in the Southern United States of America and, indeed, Jamaica. He will be truly missed by the persons whose lives he has touched.

“On behalf of the Consulate-General of Jamaica at Miami, I offer sincere and deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends for their loss, and extend our hearts, thoughts and prayers to them during this very difficult time,” Hall said.

Meanwhile close family friend, Dr Noel Erksine, said that Martin was “an outstanding Jamaican, who was extremely committed to serving the country of his birth”.

Vin Martin leaves wife Hazel, and sons Cory and Kayon.