WILLIAM Craig, executive chairman and chief executive officer of BCMG Insurance Brokers, has been appointed honorary consul of the Republic of Armenia to Jamaica, taking on a diplomatic role aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries and exploring opportunities for trade, tourism and investment.

Craig’s appointment gives Armenia a local representative who will help advance its interests in Jamaica, assist Armenian citizens when necessary and facilitate connections between businesses and institutions in both countries.

Although specific commercial and investment opportunities have not yet been identified, Craig believes there is considerable scope for cooperation and wants more Jamaicans to become familiar with Armenia and what it has to offer.

“What I would like is for us to become familiar with the country and to see it as a place that we should do business with,” he said.

Armenia, a landlocked country of approximately three million people, is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Despite the geographical distance separating the two countries, Craig believes there are opportunities to develop closer economic and cultural relations.

He acknowledged, however, that discussions about potential business and investment opportunities are still at an early stage, describing the process as a work in progress.

Armenia’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Anahit Harutyunyan, welcomed the establishment of the honorary consulate, describing it as an important development in relations between the two countries.

“The opening of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Jamaica marks an important step in bringing our two countries closer together. Although geographically distant, Armenia and Jamaica have much to gain from greater mutual understanding and closer engagement between our peoples,” Harutyunyan said.

The ambassador identified tourism, education, trade and business as areas in which cooperation could be expanded.

“I am confident that the honorary consulate will serve as a bridge between our countries, fostering new connections, creating opportunities, and turning our goodwill into meaningful and lasting partnerships,” she added.

Craig’s appointment came about through a personal connection with Armenia’s Honorary Consul in the Dominican Republic, whom he described as a friend of Armenian heritage.

When Armenia’s ambassador began looking for someone to represent the country in Jamaica, Craig was approached about taking on the position.

“To be selected is a great honour,” he said.

While his association with Armenia is relatively new, Craig described the country as “dynamic” and said its experience in pursuing economic development while managing complex regional relationships could offer valuable lessons for Jamaica.

“My appointment reflects Armenia’s interest in strengthening its relations with Jamaica, deepening bilateral cooperation and creating new opportunities for engagement between our two countries,” he explained.

Craig said the consulate would seek to build relationships with Jamaican stakeholders while identifying areas in which both countries could benefit from closer cooperation.

He also expects to draw on his years of experience in the insurance industry, where managing business relationships, negotiating agreements and working with stakeholders across different sectors have been central to his responsibilities.

Those skills, he believes, will be useful in establishing contacts and encouraging dialogue between Jamaican and Armenian businesses and institutions.

Craig will continue to lead BCMG Insurance Brokers alongside his consular responsibilities, although he acknowledged that managing both roles would present challenges.

“Challenges will exist but, together with the right team and support system from BCMG, we will get to work to bring visibility to Armenia,” he said.

His immediate focus will be on raising awareness of Armenia in Jamaica and establishing the relationships needed to support closer cooperation. While the commercial possibilities remain to be explored, Craig is hopeful that the consulate will eventually help translate diplomatic goodwill into business and other opportunities for both countries.