Jamaican-born retired U.S. Navy officer Karl Bryan to be installed as Jamaica’s honorary consul in Richmond

The Embassy of Jamaica will formally introduce Jamaican-born retired United States Navy officer Karl Bryan to the Jamaican community in Virginia as Jamaica’s second honorary consul in Richmond. The event will be held Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Carena’s Jamaican Grill in Richmond.

The occasion will provide an opportunity for members of the Jamaican community, state and local officials, and friends of Jamaica to meet Bryan and learn more about the functions of the Honorary Consulate and the support it will provide.

Lishann Salmon, chargé d’affaires, a.i., at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, D.C., will deliver the keynote address and formally present Bryan to the community in his new consular role. The president of the Association of Jamaicans in Richmond will also deliver remarks.

Bryan’s appointment renews a tradition of Jamaican honorary consular representation in Richmond spanning nearly four decades. It comes as Jamaica continues to deepen its engagement with diaspora communities, state and local governments, educational institutions and business partners throughout the United States.

A highly decorated Gulf War veteran, international business executive and community advocate, Bryan brings extensive military, professional and community experience to the position. His mandate will include supporting Jamaican nationals and members of the diaspora, promoting Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage, and identifying opportunities for greater collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, entrepreneurship and education.

Bryan expressed his gratitude for the appointment and his commitment to strengthening the relationship between Jamaica and Virginia.

“It is a profound honour to serve Jamaica as honorary consul in Richmond, Virginia,” Bryan said. “I look forward to strengthening the bonds between Jamaica and Virginia, supporting Jamaican nationals and the diaspora, and helping to advance partnerships in trade, culture, education, tourism and investment.”

The Honorary Consulate will serve as an important point of contact for Jamaicans in Virginia while helping to showcase Jamaica’s capabilities and deepen the country’s relationships across the Commonwealth.

Bryan’s appointment also reflects the important role of the Jamaican diaspora in advancing the country’s national development goals. In carrying out his responsibilities, he will build upon Richmond’s longstanding relationship with Jamaica and help forge new partnerships for the mutual benefit of Jamaica and Virginia.