Though the US Senate confirmed Noah Nickolas “Nick” Perry to be the Ambassador to Jamaica in March, and he’s been resident on The Rock since then, the Jamaican-born former New York state assemblyman says there are a few things he hasn’t quite checked off his to-do list.

“I’ve been here for a couple of months, and I appreciate the warm welcome I’ve received across the island… I haven’t been able to travel as much as I’d like, as things have been busy at the embassy… we didn’t have an ambassador for awhile,” said Perry as he addressed Jamaican Government officials, members of the Opposition, international development partners, civil society, private sector leaders and members of the media last Wednesday.

Another thing Perry admitted he had not done, was host a welcome reception at his residence. This outstanding matter was put to rest on that same evening, when he and his wife Joyce opened the doors of their well-appointed home to guests for an event that would serve as an official introductory platform not only of the ambassador, but too, newly arrived senior members at the embassy in Kingston. There was also the opportunity for guests to reacquaint themselves with familiar faces. “The hard-working staff at the embassy have their hands full with a range of issues important to both our nations,” explained Perry. He said the effect of climate change was top priority, and per his instructions, a “green team” has been created to “come up with realistic, creative solutions” on how to reduce the carbon impact at the Kingston embassy.

Regional security also remains an area of concern. “The rise of criminal gangs and gun violence is something that affects each of us, which is why it is in the interest of both our countries to collaborate to improve the situation. And I think we are well on our way to tackling this challenge,” he asserted.

Ambassador Perry is the first person born in Jamaica to hold the position of US Ambassador to Jamaica. The fourth of five sons in a family of 11 children, he completed his secondary education at Kingston College which he attended on a full scholarship. He worked for the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union before departing for the United States in the summer of 1971. Upon arriving in the United States, Perry volunteered for the Selective Service, was drafted into the US Army, and served two years on active duty and four years on reserve. Perry’s career in service started after college when he became involved in community organising and gained recognition as an effective advocate in his community. He was elected board chairman and re-elected to five consecutive terms. He was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1992.

In November 2020, Perry was re-elected unopposed to his 15th consecutive two-year term. He was cited in New York media as the Winner of all Winners in the November third general election, receiving the highest vote total of anyone running for legislative or executive office: 99.85 per cent of the votes in the state assembly district 58.

Ambassador Perry and his wife Joyce (nee Mahabeer) have two children: daughter Novalie Indira, and son Nickolas Alexander. They have one granddaughter, American singer and songwriter Justine Skye.

“Thank you again for joining us tonight. Please help yourself to our signature cocktail, the Purple Perry. Introduce yourself to my new colleagues, and have a wonderful evening,” said Perry, in closing.