There is increasing consternation within South Florida’s Jamaican community at recent news that Jamaican Consul General to the Southern United States, Oliver Mair, is being recalled, with his current tenure ending in October.
Although there were rumors circulating that Mair would be returning to Jamaica this year, the recent news has taken the community by surprise, with most people’s reaction being they hope it isn’t so.
Mair assumed the role of consul general in September 2018, succeeding Franz Hall who left office in February of that year.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson-Smith, who made the appointment, said at the time Mair’s wide experience in various industries “should serve him well as consul general, where such varied knowledge base, talents, and expertise will be needed to continue, expand and deepen the important work of the Jamaican Consulate in Miami.”
Exhibiting a very warm, caring, down-to-earth personality, Mair easily endeared himself to the majority of the Jamaican community in South Florida. Unlike some of his predecessors, he wasn’t reluctant to be the guest of “ordinary Joe” Jamaicans, and small nondescript Jamaican organizations. A man accustomed to appearing on stage and in the spotlight as an actor in Jamaica, he was also unabashed about breaking out in song, or in comedic banter, at Jamaican cultural events. His easy style and camaraderie earned him the unofficial title, “Jamaica’s roots CG.”
(Photo credit: Jamaican Consulate of Miami)
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News of Mair’s pending departure became public last week in other news related to an alleged diplomatic row between the US and Jamaican governments, over the latter granting diplomatic immunity to the same-sex spouse of a US diplomat assigned to Jamaica. According to reports, the Jamaican government rejected the request. In retaliation to this rejection, the US government was then believed to have denied a request from the Jamaican government to extend the stay of three of its diplomats, including Consul General Mair.
In response to the allegations of a diplomatic row, Kamina Johnson Smith said, in alignment with diplomatic practice and Jamaica’s constitution, Jamaica extends privileges and immunities to incoming diplomats, their staff, and families, allowing them to reside in or visit the country.
Reacting to the allegations that the US government is refusing to extend the stay of Jamaican diplomats, the US State Department clarified its policy in a social media post, stating that as of August 2021, diplomats from all worldwide bilateral missions to the US are accredited for a maximum of five years. After the conclusion of this period, unless the Department approves a waiver, the diplomats are expected to conclude their tour and leave the United States.
Mair’s popularity in South Florida was underscored in 2020 when CNW readers voted him Person of the Year. People hailed him for the work he did to assist Jamaicans stranded in Florida during the height of the COVID pandemic. Not only was he instrumental in getting visa waivers, but he orchestrated measures to house Jamaican visitors to Florida and other regions in the US who were stranded because of the border closure between the US and Jamaica. He didn’t wilt as pressure mounted. When the first flight became available to transport Jamaicans home when the border opened, Mair was on the aircraft to greet and motivate the passengers.
“The community needs a leader like Mair,” expressed Richie McDonald of South Miami. “This is a man who is approachable; a man who genuinely listens to your concerns. Him not stuck up. I really hope Jamaica’s government can pull strings and get America to extend his stay.”
