THE end of an era.

That is what many Diasporans, including top Jamaican American attorney Alison Smith, are calling the relocation of Consul General Oliver Mair from the Jamaican Consulate in Miami to the Jamaican Consulate in New York.
Mair, who served in his role in Miami for over seven years, and was responsible for overseeing 13 states, now moves to the New York post where he will serve Jamaica’s largest overseas population.

Smith, the first woman of colour to ever lead the Broward County Bar Association, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, first met Mair while serving in her role as president of the Bar. In fact, she says, her first official engagement as president of the Bar was to visit the Jamaican Consulate in Miami to discuss potential ways to advance the interests of the Diaspora through collaborative work with the consulate.

“Over the years that I have either collaborated with CG, as he is affectionately called, or attended one of the many events he has hosted to promote Jamaican culture, I have seen CG’s uncanny ability to connect to people and make them feel seen, heard and respected,” the attorney said.

“Not many people can do that. He is charismatic, warm, receptive, kind, and simply the type of ambassador every country would want representing them. His absence will leave a gaping hole that a very big presence will need to fill.”

Copious praises have been heaped on Mair, a Campion College old boy, since his promotion was announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith. He has been lauded by many Diasporans who are excited and expectant as it relates to Mair’s new position.

Suzette Lloyd, the chief representative officer in Florida of the Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS), stated: “CG Mair’s appointment to New York reflects his proven leadership and unwavering commitment to Jamaica’s Diaspora; the VM Group looks forward to continued collaboration as he brings his Miami-honed diplomatic strengths to this important new role.”

Janice McIntosh, member of the Jamaica Global Diaspora Council for the Southern United States, noted that, “Consul General Oliver Mair transformed the role into one that was not only highly visible but deeply connected to the Jamaican community, inspiring unprecedented engagement and participation across South Florida and the 13 Southern states.”

“Through his energetic, approachable leadership and unwavering commitment to service, he has united the Diaspora, strengthened community partnerships, and left a lasting impact that extends well beyond the walls of the consulate,” said McIntosh.

If his time in Miami is any indication, Diasporans in New York will greatly benefit from his appointment.

As attorney Marlon Hill, who worked closely with Mair on many projects over the years, put it: “New York is the beneficiary of an unrestrained advocate for Jamaican excellence and community impact. Mek sure seh the music is cued up because this CG always has a tune to play!” — a reference to the CG’s love for promoting Jamaican music and culture.