Newsletter 1st Edition

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

www.congenjamaica-ny.org

NEWSLETTER

The latest news and updates from the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York IN THIS ISSUE

PAGE

TABLET AND LAPTOP

1

INITIATIVE FIRST SHIPMENT OF TABLETS FOR JAMAICAN STUDENTS SECURED #CGONTHEBEAT

2

Appointments for all in-person Consular Services MUST be made on our website: (www.congenjamaica-ny.org)

Quick Travel Update: All travellers to Jamaica must have the results of a negative COVID-19 test, as well as a travel authorization. (www.visitjamaica.com)

3

BUILDING STRONGER BONDS WITH THE JAMAICAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY

4

CONSUL GENERAL'S HERITAGE AWARDS

5

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

6

DONATION OF PPE TO THE JAMAICAN CONSULATE

7

CONSUL GENERAL'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

8

'BRAND JAMAICA' AT CHRISTMAS TIME

9

#MEETINGTHECOVID19CHALLENGE 10-11

Thank you Essential Workers!

THE CONSULATE GENERAL OF JAMAICA, NEW YORK CONVEYS ITS GRATITUDE TO ALL ESSENTIAL WORKERS OF JAMAICAN DESCENT, WHO CONTINUE TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION DURING THIS ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

HIGHLIGHTS OF DIASPORA ENGAGEMENTS 12 FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR NEW CONSULAR SERVICES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

UPCOMING EVENTS

13

14

15

The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York is responsible for thirty-three (33) states across the United States including the territories of Bermuda and Puerto Rico.

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

Tablet and Laptop Initiative: "A Device for Every Child Divide"

Bridging the Digital

On 19 November 2020, the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, held a Virtual Launch of its Tablet and Laptop Initiative: A Device for Every Child – Bridging the Digital Divide.

This Initiative is aimed at mobilizing resources for the acquisition of 70,000 tablets and 30,000 laptops to support and facilitate remote learning in Jamaica. The Launch was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information (MoEYI), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and the National Education Trust (NET).

In addressing the Launch, the Consul General, Mrs. Alsion Wilson, O.D., lamented the current challenges being faced by hundreds of thousands of students whose education has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She spoke about the role of the Consulate in strengthening partnerships with the Diaspora and friends of Jamaica to mobilize resources for acquiring the necessary digital devices. She shared that “it is only through our collective actions, that our students can empower themselves and secure the future they truly desire.” In this connection, she called upon the Diaspora and friends of the Consulate to be that support system in protecting and empowering those students in need.

By way of a status update, on 22 December 2020, the Consulate was in receipt of over US$160,000 in donations from its close partners and friends. The Consul General, while commending all partners and friends for their support, extended special thanks to Mr. Gregory Fisher, for his contribution of US$50,000. The Consul General also extended special thanks to Mr. Adam Groothuis, for his personal contribution of US10,000.

In addition, the Consul General conveyed appreciation to Mr. Houston Moncure, Managing Director, Bluefields Bay Villas, the MHHC Foundation, JN Money Services (USA) Inc., Bobby Stone of Chef's Orchid Grill, Dr. Rudolph Willis of Irvington Emergent Care and Rehabilitation, Mark Lawrence of Tastey Delicious.

To donate to the Tablet and Laptop Initiative you may choose any one of the following options: (1) By way of cheque/cash to the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York; (2) In person delivery at the Consulate during opening hours (Mondays-Fridays from 8am to 4pm); and (3) By way of wire transfer, which would be facilitated upon making contact with the Consulate at 212-935-9000.

The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York continues to invite other individuals and organizations to partner with us on this most worthwhile Initiative, which will serve to ensure equal access by all students to remote learning devices in Jamaica and thereby granting them the opportunity for empowerment through education.

1

December 2020

VOL. 1

First Shipment of Tablets for Jamaican Students Secured On 22 December 2020, the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York secured its first shipment of 820 tablets, under the Consul General's Tablet and Laptop Initiative: A Device for Every Child- Bridging the Digital Divide.

Thanks to our wonderful partners and friends, these 820 tablets will bridge the digital divide for 820 students at the primary and secondary levels in Jamaica, to ensure that they have the necessary devices to participate in distance learning. The students will be receiving the tablets in short order!

The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, remains committed to its goal of acquiring 70,000 tablets and 30,000 laptops, and continues to invite additional partners and friends to come on board to ensure that no student in Jamaica is left behind.

You can still support by sending a cheque to the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, 767 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017, or by calling (212) 935-9000 for information on alternative methods for donating to this important Initiative.

2

December 2020

VOL. 1

Joint Food and Health Community Outreach Initiative #CGonthebeat On 21 November 2020, Mrs. Alsion Wilson, O.D., Consul General of Jamaica to New York made her final #CGonthebeat stop for 2020 in the Bronx and Mount Vernon. These two stops would represent the Consul General’s tenth (10th) “#CGonthebeat Community Outreach” for the year, since its inception in November 2019.

On this occasion, the Consul General partnered with Ms. Mari G. Millet, President & CEO of Morris Heights Health Center (MHHC), and, in so doing, transformed the initiative into a Joint Food and Health Community Outreach Programme. Coming out in full support of the Consul General were the following sponsors: National Bakery, Iberia Foods, Tru-Juice, Wisynco Group Ltd., SY Grace Grocers, Palm Tree Supermarket, and Carib News.

The sponsors provided hundreds of bags of freshly baked and canned goods, whole wheat products, coconut water, CranWATA, Bigga Soda, other beverages and food items. MHHC provided same-day health services such as dental, primary care, flu shots, COVID-19 tests, health insurance registration and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services.

The MHHC Foundation used the opportunity to convene a special Handing Over Ceremony of their contribution to the Consul General's Tablet and Laptop Initiative. In presenting the Foundation’s contribution, the CEO, stated that she was happy to be a part of an Initiative dedicated to empowering young minds.

The #CGonthebeat Community Outreach Initiative was conceptualized by the Consul General in August 2019, as a boots-on-the-ground model to connect with and provide hands on assistance/ support to the Jamaican Diaspora in the 33 States, as well as Puerto Rico and Bermuda, to which the Consulate General is accredited.

Consul General Wilson, OD

Ms. Mari Millet, Presiident & CEO , Morris Heights Health Center

3

Bobby Stone, CEO, Chef's Orchid Catering

December 2020

VOL. 1

Building stronger bonds with the Jamaican business community On Friday, 2nd October 2020, Mrs. Alsion Wilson, O.D., Consul General of Jamaica to New York, engaged members of the Jamaican small business community in Queens, New York, to ascertain the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on their operations and discuss ways in which they could benefit from Federal funding for small businesses.

In keeping with her economic diplomacy program, this meeting represented the first of many to come on the Consul General’s calendar of engagements with the business community in the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn and The Bronx.

The photographs below capture the productive discussions held with the management of Feurtado Shipping and The Door Restaurant.

Consul General Alsion Wilson also met with representatives of the New York City Mayor’s Office of International Affairs at The Door Restaurant. This meeting was organized by the Consul General in order to forge closer connections with city officials for the purpose of ensuring an open channel of communication on matters of interest for the Jamaican business community.

Participating in this meeting from the Mayor’s Office were Mrs. Penny Abeywardena, Commissioner of New York City Mayor’s Office of International Affairs and Mrs. Loren Nadres, Director of Economic Development of New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs. Also present were Mr. Christopher Roberts and Mrs. Joan Lewis, owners of The Door Restaurant; Mr. Shane Angus, Regional Manager of JAMPRO; Mr. Christopher Benjamin, Vice-Consul for Trade and Investment of JAMPRO; Mr. Corey Whyte, Vice Consul of the Consulate; and Dr. Clive Williams.

4

December 2020

VOL. 1

Consul General's Heritage Awards The annual Consul General’s Heritage Award Ceremony was held virtually this year on Friday, 6 November 2020.

This year's award ceremony was centered on the theme “Celebrating a Heritage of Resilience and Pride”.

Mrs. Alsion Wilson, OD, Consul General of Jamaica to New York, noted that this year’s recipients were selected on the basis of having worked assiduously alongside the Consulate in extending assistance, in the form of healthcare, food services, and accommodation, to Jamaican nationals who were stranded in the United States. The Consul General spoke highly of the commitment which the awardees demonstrated as a reflection of their genuine desire to assist. It is upon this basis that the Consul General felt the need to celebrate the following seven (7) awardees in light of their significant contributions to the Jamaican community: Marc M. Jerome, President, Monroe College Keith Grant, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CIC - Senior System Director, Hartford Healthcare's Infection Prevention Program, Connecticut Glenna Myers-Bartley - Luxury Retailer, Fashion and Cosmetics Industry Rudolph C. Willis, MD - Medical practitioner, Irvington Emergent Care and Rehabilitation Center Patrick Morgan - President and General Counsel, and wife Isabelle Legault, Director, Human Resources, Witham Family Hotels Robert Clarke, MD - Physician Advisor, East Orange General Hospital, New Jersey Christopher Service - Sales and Operations Manager, Natbake Distribution LLC, subsidiary of National Baking Company

Marc M. Jerome

Keith Grant, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CIC

Patrick Morgan and Isabelle Legault of Witham Family Hotels

Glenna Myers-Bartley

Robert Clarke, MD

5

Rudolph C. Willis, MD

Christopher Service

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

Flag Raising Ceremony

Consul General Wilson, OD with Communication Specialist Mr. Michael Wattkis

Ambassador E. Courtenay Rattray with CG Wilson, OD

Consulate & JAMPRO Staff

The Flag Raising Ceremony in celebration of Jamaica’s 58th Anniversary of Independence, was held at the Brooklyn Borough Hall in Brooklyn, New York on 6 August 2020. This ceremony had in attendance, representatives at the Federal, State and City levels, members of the diplomatic and consular corps and members of the Jamaican Diaspora. The Ceremony was awash with the colors of the Jamaican flag – black, green and gold and represented a truly wonderful experience for those in attendance.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (left) with Mayor of Mount Vernon Shawyn Patterson (right)

Mayor of Mount Vernon Shawyn Patterson (left), with CG Alsion Wilson, OD (right)

6

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

Donation of PPE to the Jamaican Consulate, New York Dr. Karren Dunkley, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Northeast Representative, along with Claudette Powell, Northeast Diaspora Health Sector Coordinator and Chair of the Jamaica Diaspora Health Taskforce, and Bill Tingling, President and CEO, Tour for Tolerance, who are also Medical Supplies Partners with the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast Health Sector, surprised Consul General (CG) Alsion Wilson, OD, with a donation of PPE, hand sanitizers, wipes and a wheelchair.

CG Wilson conveyed her gratitude to the Diaspora team and reminded everyone that “it is important for us to continue wearing our masks, washing our hands often and maintaining social distance.� Having lost family and friends to COVID - 19, CG Wilson has taken it as her personal obligation and duty to ensure the safety of others, including members of staff and visitors alike.

Special thanks to Dr. Dunkley and the team at the Jamaica Diaspora Northeast Health Sector, for the much needed supplies.

Left to right: Vonroy Rochester, Deputy Consul General ; Dr. Karren Dunkley,, Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Northeast Representative; Alsion Wilson, O.D., Consul General, Claudette Powell, Northeast Diaspora Health Sector Coordinator and Chair of the Jamaica Diaspora Health Taskforce, Bill Tingling, President and CEO, Tour for Tolerance

7

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

Consul General's Christmas Message My fellow Jamaicans at home and those within the Diaspora, I, along with the staff at the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, extend warmest greetings to you all on this holy Christmas season.

This year, as we pause to reflect on the spirit and meaning of Christmas, we do so, in part, with an awareness of the mixed fortunes that have redefined the realities and circumstances of so many of our brothers and sisters.

In light of the global pandemic, we have been called to a greater degree of solidarity and camaraderie in spreading that much-needed Christmas cheer. This has taken on renewed significance amidst the gloom and despair brought

about by the pandemic. This year more than ever has shown us how important it is to value and cherish our loved ones.

Our celebration this year also takes place against the backdrop of a new normal which has seen the need for social distancing, personal protective equipment (PPE), global travel restrictions, virtual classrooms and working environments.

Notwithstanding these new circumstances, our commitment to maintain our bonds remains firmly rooted, as seen through our adoption of creative virtual solutions including this very platform. This most certainly further underscores the resilience and ingenuity of the Jamaican people.

Indeed, as I convey this message to you, I do so with an awareness of the numerous initiatives that have been undertaken to assist Jamaicans in the United States and back home in Jamaica. For instance, the COVID-19 Jamaica Telethon: Together We Stand, raised over JA$53 million dollars towards procuring PPE needed for our frontline workers; as well as the Consulate’s role in providing much-needed assistance to the numerous Jamaicans who were stranded throughout the United States during the peak of the pandemic.

The year is almost over but the residual effects of the global pandemic are still being felt, even within the traditional classrooms. This has called for remote learning systems to be implemented to ensure that all students remain academically engaged. Upon learning of the magnitude of the challenges being faced by our children, the Consulate launched its Tablet and Laptop Initiative, on 19th November 2020. This Initiative is in support of the Government’s project proposal: “A Device for Every Child – Bridging the Digital Divide”.

It gives me much pleasure to report at this festive time that thanks to the generous support and sacrifice from our Diaspora and Friends of Jamaica we have managed to raise over US$120,000 towards the Initiative. This benevolence is truly reflective of the spirit of giving which is characteristic of our traditional Christmas celebration. In this regard, over 1,100 students will be afforded the opportunity to experience this special Christmas gift. The gap, however, remains quite large, given that the total number of students being targeted under this Initiative is 100,000. Your partnership in this regard is most critical to see to it that no child is left behind for the New Year.

As Jamaicans, we recognize that love, joy and peace remain important ingredients for fulfilling the purpose of Christmas.

Let us, therefore, recommit to fully embracing the true meaning of our Jamaican spirit, by giving with love, and by being good neighbors, countrymen and women. From my heart and that of all members of staff at the Consulate, we wish for you good health, continued happiness and peace this holiday season. Have a Merry Christmas and a Fantastic New Year!

One Love!

8

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

'Brand Jamaica' at Christmas Time

The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, continues to promote Brand Jamaica in the United States of America in all our relations, including during the Christmas holidays.

At this festive time of year, the Consul General is happy to send a little Christmas Jamaican cheer to few of our friends.

Although, we may not be able to celebrate in person this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we want you all to know, including those who may not receive one of our limited edition Christmas baskets, that we genuinely appreciate and value your friendship!

Thank you for your continued support.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Fabulous and Prosperous New Year!

9

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

#MeetingtheCOVID19Challenge Grace Foods (USA) LLC Provided Food to over 5,000 persons

From left: Shelton Rose, Business Development Manager- National Division, GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC; US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Anita Taylor, Brooklyn District Director; and Cecil Henry, Pastor of the Calvary Community Church.

The GraceKennedy Group teamed up with Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Jamaica's Consul General Alison Wilson, OD, to provide food assistance to over 5,000 persons in need. This form of assistance is an important part the GraceKennedy Group's COVID-19 response.

The programme started on May 2, with donations made to 12 churches in the New York Metro area. Mr. Derrick Reckord, President and CEO, GraceKennedy Group, indicated that “We are providing food to those in need in the community, including stranded Jamaicans who cannot get home as a result of the COVID-19. The donations will be made every other week for the next two to three months, and during that time, we expect to serve over 5,000 people." Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who was out with the team delivering packages to several churches including Beulah Church of Nazarene and Calvary Community Church, thanked Grace Foods for “their selfless donations.”

Mr. Reckord advised that over the last two weeks GraceKennedy Foods (USA) LLC had sent gift cards to assist at least 50 Caribbean students across the United States who had been displaced when their colleges closed. In addition to its efforts in the United States, the GraceKennedy Group has been rolling out COVID-19 response initiatives in Jamaica, Latin America and the Caribbean, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

10

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

#MeetingtheCOVID19Challenge Iberia Foods, Treasure Trading (Linstead Market) provided food to underserved communities

In May of this year, Iberia Foods, Treasure Trading, joined forces with the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York, to provide food to underserved Jamaican communities in the Bronx that were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This special outreach initiative, which came under the Consul General’s #CGonthebeat community engagement program, was well received by the community especially in light of the increased economic hardships brought by the pandemic.

Mrs. Alsion Wilson, O.D., Consul General of Jamaica to New York, thanked Mr. Warren McDonald, Director, Treasure Trading, and Mr. Ossie Reid, Iberia Foods, as well as other stakeholders, partners and friends, for their compassion and generosity of spirit. The Consul General further commended them for rising to the challenge of providing critical food support, notwithstanding their own setbacks in light of the pandemic.

11

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

Highlights of Diaspora Engagements of the previous year/2019 August 2019: Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson, O.D.; Honorary Consul Philadelphia Christopher Chaplin; Carol Saunders Hammond, Director of Citizenship- Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) were among several of Jamaican nationals at the "Jamaican Citizens and Passport Outreach" held at the True United Church 6201 Old York Road, Philadelphia. The Outreach was staged in association with PICA, The Registrar General's Department (RGD), Jamaica Customs Agency, The National Housing Trust and Tax Administration Jamaica. It was also sponsored by JN Money Services (USA) Inc.

August 2019: The Consul General officially initiated her community outreach program dubbed "CG ON THE BEAT", as a novel approach to building connections with and providing hands on assistance/ support to the Jamaican Diaspora in the 33 States, as well as Puerto Rico and Bermuda, to which the Consulate General is accredited.

August 2019: Consul General Wilson at the 9th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival at Roy Wilkins Park, Queens, NY. This event seeks to promote brand Jamaica in a family-friendly styled festival to enjoy food, drink, cultural performances and world-class reggae artists, in a warm and positive atmosphere.

September 2019: Attending the annual Women’s Foreign Policy Group’s (WFPG) “Equity and Empowerment: A Feminist Approach to Aid” forum. WFPG is a non-partisan membership organization that promotes and supports women’s leadership by highlighting and providing greater visibility for women leaders in foreign policy, amplifying their voices, and raising up role models for the next generation. L-R: Randi Davis of UNDP, CG Wilson, Marcy Hersh of Women Deliver.

12

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

Consular Services

DID YOU KNOW? The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York now offers the following features and services:

Appointment system for Consular Services (Effected March 2020). Applicants can access this service by visiting https://cgnyconsular.youcanbook.me/ Express service for the Renewal of Machine-Readable Passports (Effected June 2020). Applicants can have this service done at a fee of $280.00 for Adult Renewals and $250.00 for Minor Renewals. The processing time is approximately ten (10) business days. At the same time, please note that Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) reserves the right to request additional documents during the process, which may imply additional time.

Payment for services using debit and credit cards. (Effected September 2020). Cash and money orders remain effective.

13

DECEMBER 2020

VOL. 1

Job Opportunities

The Consulate General of Jamaica, New York is pleased to share a list of job opportunities from two of our partner companies for our Diaspora. These two companies are Morris Heights Health Center (MHHC) in Bronx, NY and CORE Services Group in Brooklyn, NY. For the positions with Morris Heights Health Center, please forward your resume in Microsoft Word format to jobs@mhhc.org Morris Heights Health Center’s employment interviews are held telephonically and in person. MHHC does not ask for any personal financial information during the interview. If you need verification of their hiring process, please contact the MHHC Human Resources Department at (718) 716-4400 Ext. 2332. For job responsibilities and specifications, please visit https://www.mhhc.org/Career-Opportunities/Open-Positions.aspx For the positions with CORE Services Group, please send resumes to recruitment@coresvcs.org. Please note that these are all entry-level positions working in homeless shelters across New York City. For job responsibilities and qualifications, please visit https://coresvcs.org/careers/.

For any additional questions about job opportunities, please email cro@congenjamaica-ny.org

14

Upcoming Events

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day ..............................................................January

Reggae Month ................................................................................................February

Black History Month Celebration ...................................................................February

Nurses Week Event ...............................................................................................May

Mother's Day Recognition.....................................................................................May

#CGonthebeat ......................................................................................May-November

Father's Day Recognition ....................................................................................June

Annual Independence Day celebrations..........................................................August Church Service Flag Raising Ceremony U.N. Related Events.....................................................................................September

Heritage Month Celebrations............................................................................October Consul General's Heritage Awards

Annual Christmas Gifting and Uplifting community outreach hosted by Future FM Radio, in partnership with #CGonthebeat ................December

15