DR Elaine Grant-Bryan, the newly appointed honorary consul of Jamaica in Atlanta, United States, has pledged to “serving with distinction” in her new role.

Dr Grant-Bryan was formally presented the Official Writ of Commission from the Government of Jamaica last Thursday at the Atlanta Consulate office by Consul General Oliver Mair and Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

“I’m honoured to receive this appointment and I look forward to serving with distinction and pride, while ensuring the mandate of the Jamaican Government is implemented and the Jamaican citizens are protected,” said Dr Grant-Bryan.

“[I want] to create opportunities for foreign trade, investment and tourism between Jamaica and Georgia; foster greater collaboration among Jamaicans, develop STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering/Entrepreneurship, Arts, Math) youth programmes and increase the use of technology in Jamaica and Metro Atlanta,” said Dr Grant-Bryan, a philanthropist.

Numbered among the guests were director of diaspora and consular Aaffairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Ambassador Sharon Saunders; Lincoln Downer, lso of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Georgia state representative Donna McCloud; Vance Carter, vice-consul, Miami office; Dr David Panton, chairman, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Atlanta; Gregory Bryan, IT expert and vice-chair of The Elaine Bryan Foundation; Akelia Maitland, diaspora leader North East USA; and several Jamaican business leaders and students.

Earlier this year, Ambassador Saunders had underscored the Government’s value of the “commitment, loyalty, patriotism, sheer hard work and accomplishments” of citizens in the disapora during her keynote address at the opening of the Jamaica Disapora North East United States Regional Conference in Queen’s, New York.

The addition of Dr Grant-Bryan to the link serves to strengthen ties between Jamaican nationals at home and overseas.