Former US Ambassador Nick Perry rings in new year in Jamaica
One of several high-profile guests in attendance at the Couples Tower Isle New Year’s Eve party on Wednesday night, was former US Ambassador to Jamaica, Noah ‘Nick’ Perry.
Born in Jamaica, Perry who attended Kingston College, migrated to the United States in 1971.
Perry told Observer Online why he decided to spend New Year’s Eve at the resort.
“It’s always enjoyable for me, I feel the Jamaican spirit and Christmas are always much better here, and it’s good to start the new year in Jamaica. I have a place just down the road from here and I didn’t want to travel too far to ring in the new year. I wanted to start the year slow and pick up speed as we go along,” said Perry, who also paid tribute to the owners of the resort.
“The Issas are great Jamaicans who work very hard to help their staff and they never forget those who are in need.”
Paul Issa, a director of Couples Resorts, told Observer Online that the New Year’s Eve party was a hit with guests.
“It was a very special evening, with wonderful food, entertainment and fireworks at midnight. Several people from Kingston and around the island often choose to celebrate with us on New Year’s Eve. We had well-known financier Donovan Lewis, former US Ambassador Nick Perry and others. And of course, our many repeat guests come back year after year. It was also a time of reflection on Jamaicans affected by Hurricane Melissa. I have to thank all our donors, our Issa Trust Foundation team including Diane Pollard, Sean “Contractor” Edwards, Alex Ghisays and our Couples Resorts guests who helped in the rebuilding and repair efforts of homes of our employees. All staff who have reported damage have been assessed and are being issued vouchers to obtain building supplies from Hardware & Lumber,” said Issa.
Couples Resorts director Paul Issa and his wife Oriente at the Couples Tower Isle New Years Eve party on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Perry served as the United States ambassador to Jamaica from 2022 to 2025. He served as a member of the New York State Assembly for the 58th district from 1993 to 2022. His former district included the neighborhood of East Flatbush, as well as portions of Canarsie and Brownsville, among other neighborhoods located in the borough of Brooklyn. He graduated from Brooklyn College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. He later returned to Brooklyn College to study for a Master of Arts in public policy and administration.
He is the grandfather of singer and actress Justine Skye, who is signed to Jay-Z’s Roc-Nation label.