In recognition of his outstanding service, leadership and dedication to the Jamaican diaspora in South Florida, a farewell reception was held for Consul General of Jamaica (Miami), Oliver Mair last Saturday.

The invitation-only function, which was organised by Andrea Dixon of AD Enterprise, a strategic business consultancy firm in Florida, was held at Wisteria Gardens.

Several individuals, including those from the diplomatic community, politics and business, were in attendance. They include Jamaican-born Mayor of Miramar, Wayne Messam; Vice Mayor Eddy Edwards; Commissioner Maxwell Chambers; Commissioner Morey Wright; Mayor of the City of Lauderhill, Denise Grant; and Judge Jackie Powell.

Mair, who has been in diplomatic service for seven years as consul general of Jamaica (Miami), was recently appointed by Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, to be Jamaica’s next consul general in New York, where he will now serve Jamaica’s largest overseas population across 33 US states.

In an interview with Observer Online on Tuesday, Mair reflected on his tenure.

“There have been several high points during my tenure. Outside of the annual Jamai a Hi-5 5K, our weekly link-up live call, investment roadshows, citizenship ceremonies, Jamaica Brew — our annual literary & film festival and our monthly lecture series. The response of the community to Hurricane Melissa was a major high point for me. Our fundraising concert at the Hardrock Cafe with 16 artistes and five bands helped to raise more than US$400,000 for Jamaica,” Mair shared.

He described the farewell reception as a bittersweet moment.

“The several farewell activities have underscored the deep love, mutual appreciation and bond that exists with my Jamaican family in the South. It’s a bittersweet moment. Sad to say goodbye to my diaspora family but truly excited to meet and work with the largest Jamaican Diaspora community in the world in the 33 states in the north,” the former marketing executive disclosed.

Mair, who has been residing overseas for the past eight years, attended Vaz Preparatory before studying at Campion College and later at Wolmers Boys (for sixth form). He holds a Master in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Management Studies and English Literature from The University of the West Indies. He completed the Harvard Business School General Management Programme and was awarded a Doctor of Ministry (honoris causa) from the University of Fort Lauderdale.

Asked what it was that attracted him to serving his country, Mair said, “I have always been passionate about serving my country. Wi Likkle but wi tallawah! I have a deep love and passion for our rich culture, pulsating reggae music, sporting achievements, business prospects as well as being optimistic about our bright future. Representing the black, green and gold is truly an honour.”

Earlier in his career, Mair worked at the Jamaica Broilers (Best Dressed Chicken) as sales and marketing manager, an opportunity that gave him insight into the agriculture sector.

“That portfolio as sales and marketing manager deepened my agricultural engagement, carrying me to every nook and cranny across the length and breadth of Jamaica in every sector, including the hotel industry, supermarkets, corner shops, wholesales, cruise shipping industry as well as export activities,” he said.

Janice McIntosh presents an award of appreciation to Consul General Oliver Mair, while his wife, Tanya, and daughter Serena share in the occasion.