My fellow Jamaicans and friends of the Diaspora as we celebrate another Christmas season I’m inspired by the late Noel Dexter’s Christmas song “……spread the news throughout the land that Jesus Christ is born….”. So as we relive the traditions of the Season, let us not lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. It is a time of renewal, hope, gratitude and generosity.
Celebrating the joyous Season means singing the good tidings of comfort and joy. It’s also a time to give thanks to God for His many blessings to us. As the good Book says …….. in everything give thanks for this is the will of the Lord…. We have so much to be thankful for as we think of our rich cultural heritage, and our resilience as a people. This year, Jamaica commemorates sixty two (62) years of independence as a nation. My staff and I at the Consulate General express our profound gratitude to each and everyone, including our corporate entities, charitable groups and individuals who continue to support us celebrating our accomplishments as a Diaspora and for the benefit of our homeland during this milestone celebration. This year was a productive and exciting one in our Southern USA Diaspora community, and at home as was evident in the many events as staples on our calendar.
Christmas is not the same without giving and sharing – let kindness be our guide as we are reminded of the less fortunate, the elderly, the homeless and lonely ones. Giving back to our country is a testament to our love of country and an example of our fortitude and resilience as a people. Our immediate response to those impacted by the recent hurricanes across the Diaspora and the Caribbean region, must not go unnoticed. We joined with international organizations like Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and Food for the Poor (FFP) to extend a helping hand during the hurricane periods which caused extensive damage across the region.
We thank the large delegation from the Southern USA who attended the tenth National Biennial Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay, last June. The event was a resounding success during which time we accomplished a full four-day agenda. We were able to complete a Day of Service at the Barrett Town Health Clinic, which is one of our adopted clinics under the Ministry of Health, Adopt-A-Clinic initiative. My heartfelt gratitude to the entire Southern USA community for the success of the fifth anniversary of the Jamaica 5K Walk/Run held simultaneously on May 11th, in five regions under the Consulate’s jurisdiction – Atlanta, GA; Phoenix, AZ; Houston, TX; Orlando, FLA; and the tri-county area of South Florida (Miami, Broward and Palm Beach). And we were able to visit all five clinics in rural communities in Jamaica, continuing our work through financial and mission support. We are happy to share with our Diaspora community that our Jamaica Hi-5 effort was awarded “Best Jamaican Themed Event” at the recent 25th Anniversary Awards Reception “Best of Jamaica” hosted by Jamaicans.com.
During the year, we also joined with Victoria Mutual Building Society and Food for the Poor to help build houses for indigent families in rural communities in Jamaica. We were able to put smiles on some faces as we recently shared gifts of toys, and sneakers, to children in our Diaspora communities as well as at home. Let me express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Southern USA Diaspora community for your ongoing support and partnership with projects at the Consulate General. With your continued support we look forward to another exciting year ahead.
As we celebrate the festive season across the Diaspora, let us relive what is uniquely our Jamaican Christmas, embracing our cultural traditions….the sweet taste of sorrel, the aroma of the fruit cake baking in the ‘Jamaican’ kitchens, the sumptuous serving of roasted chicken, gungo rice and peas, and that rich flavored Jamaican eggnog.
Now, let us remember the truth about Christmas “….for unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace”.
I pray a safe and blessed season for all as we continue to enjoy this festive Season. So, on behalf of the staff of the Consulate General of Jamaica at Miami, and my family, Tanya and Serena, I wish you all a Christmas season of peace, hope, love, joy and prosperity, and God’s guidance for a great new year. Happy holidays!
Oliver Mair
Consul General, Southern USA
