Former US secretary of state Colin Powell and his wife Alma at yesterday's funeral service for Arlene Olga Meikle, wife of his first cousin Vernon Meikle at the Stella Maris Church in Kingston. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)

Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell yesterday said he was flattered by a proposal to rename the Crowne Plaza building in Manor Park, Kingston, Powell Plaza in his honour.

The proposal, made while Sue Cobb was the American ambassador to Jamaica, is still to be approved by the US Congress.

"I'm flattered," Powell told the Observer with a broad smile. The gesture, he said, would not honour him alone, but also his parents and relatives. "All of the Powells," he said.

The US State Department bought the 130-room former hotel early this decade for US$8 million with the intention to house its embassy and consul there. But local residents objected vigorously to the plan, complaining that increased traffic and commercial activity would disrupt the community.

In June 2002, the embassy announced that it would start to remodel the building "solely for residency purposes".

Powell, who said he had visited the building on Monday, basically to inspect it, yesterday attended the funeral of Arlene Olga Meikle, wife of his first cousin Vernon Meikle.

The funeral was held at Stella Maris Church on Shortwood Road, Kingston 8 and was attended by friends and relatives from Jamaica, the United States and other parts of the world.
Powell read the first lesson and Jesuit priest Father Richard HoLung gave the Gospel Acclamation.

Powell, who was accompanied by his wife Alma, said he has always been very close to Vernon Meikle, and though they lived in different countries, they practically grew up together. "This was always home," he said.

Powell also said he visited Foreign Minister K D Knight, whom he described as an "old friend". He said they discussed a number of issues, including Haiti and the Organisation of American States.

"It was a personal call as much as it was business," Powell said.

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