Angella Rose Howell assumes leadership of Jamaica’s Miami Consulate

Angella J. Rose Howell has assumed duties as officer-in-charge at the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami, pledging to strengthen ties with the Jamaican diaspora and improve the delivery of consular services across the region.

Howell takes over leadership of the mission following the departure of former Consul General R. Oliver Mair, who has moved to New York to serve as Jamaica’s consul general there. She will provide continuity at the Miami consulate until a successor is appointed.

In her first message to Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica since taking up the role, Howell said she is looking forward to working closely with the diaspora while continuing the work of the previous administration.

“At the outset, I commend Consul General Mair for his remarkable leadership and for the exemplary work undertaken in strengthening relations between Jamaica and Jamaicans residing in this region,” Howell said.

She thanked members of the diaspora for the support they provided during Mair’s tenure and said she hopes to build on those relationships as Jamaica continues its reconstruction and resilience-building efforts.

Howell also highlighted the achievements and contributions of Jamaicans living overseas, particularly those in South Florida, noting their impact in areas ranging from science and politics to health, information and communications technology, education and the arts.

She said Jamaicans abroad have maintained strong connections with their homeland despite the geographical distance, contributing not only to their countries of residence but also to Jamaica through knowledge exchanges, economic support and philanthropic initiatives.

That support, she noted, was again demonstrated following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in November 2025, when diaspora communities mobilized resources to assist Jamaica's recovery.

Howell said engaging directly with Jamaicans across the region will be among her immediate priorities.

Over the coming weeks, she plans to meet representatives of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council, as well as Jamaican organizations, community groups and other friends of Jamaica.

“I look forward to sharing with you Jamaica’s reconstruction and resilience building efforts and the progress that has been made to protect Jamaica’s economic and social stability,” she said.

Howell said those conversations will also focus on the country’s broader efforts to make Jamaica a preferred place to live, work, raise families, conduct business and retire.

Improving the experience of Jamaicans seeking assistance from the Miami mission will also be a priority. Howell invited members of the community to provide feedback on the consulate’s work as it seeks to improve the quality and efficiency of its consular services.

Howell brings diplomatic and foreign affairs experience to the position, having previously served as Jamaica’s deputy high commissioner to the United Kingdom and as senior director of the Multilateral Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

She takes charge at a significant period for Jamaica’s engagement with its overseas communities, particularly as diaspora organizations continue to participate in the country’s post-Hurricane Melissa recovery.

Howell assured Jamaicans in the region that the mission would remain committed to representing their interests and maintaining their connection with the island.

“Please be assured of my commitment and that of the Consulate team, as we continue to serve, promote and protect your interest and that of our beautiful, blessed and progressive island home, Jamaica,” she said.

Mair, meanwhile, assumed his new role in New York after more than seven years as consul general in Miami. His new jurisdiction covers 33 U.S. states and includes Jamaica’s largest overseas population. He also has concurrent accreditation to Bermuda and Puerto Rico.