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Jamaica-born Perry tapped as America’s man in Kingston

Published:Thursday | November 4, 2021 | 6:11 AMLester Hinds/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica-born New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry presents a proclamation to then Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller recognising her as a trailblazing politician and for her dedication to public service. The proclamation was presented at a town
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Jamaica-born New York State Assemblyman Nick Perry presents a proclamation to then Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller recognising her as a trailblazing politician and for her dedication to public service. The proclamation was presented at a town hall meeting at the Medgar Evers College Auditorium, Brooklyn, on August 11, 2016. Perry has been nominated as the American ambassador to Jamaica.

Jamaica-born New York State Assemblyman N. Nick Perry has been nominated by President Joe Biden to be the next United States ambassador to Jamaica.

In a statement reacting to the president’s announcement, Perry said that he was honoured by the president’s vote of confidence.

“I thank President Biden for this opportunity to serve as ambassador for this great nation. I know this would not have happened without the steadfast support of Senate Majority Leader, Senator Chuck Schumer, and others in New York’s congressional delegation,” he said.

The statement quoted Perry as expressing his appreciation for the honour and conveyed his intention to work in the best interests of the US.

Perry will have to be confirmed by the US Senate for his appointment to take effect.

Contacted by The Gleaner, Perry said that he was under strict instructions to refer all queries to the White House.

Last month, Schumer urged Biden to nominate Perry to be the next US ambassador to Jamaica.

“Assembly Member Perry has dedicated his life’s work to serving his constituents and has fostered many deep and lasting cultural, economic, and political connections between the United States and Jamaica, and that experience will make him an outstanding ambassador,” Schumer said in his statement.

Schumer further said that Perry’s unique perspective and understanding of Jamaica would deepen the longstanding bond between both countries.

Reactions to Mr Perry’s nomination have been positive within the Jamaican community in New York.

Irwine Clare, head of the Caribbean Immigration Service and former diaspora leader, said that Perry’s nomination was good news.

“I look forward to working with him. He will be an asset and will bring experience and understanding between Jamaica and the United States,” he said.

Clare further said that Perry’s appointment could herald prospects for increased trade in Jamaican goods and services into the US.

Perry will also be able to sensitise the US State Department to Jamaica’s particular needs, said Clare.

Jamaica’s Global Diaspora council member Dr Karren Dunkley also reacted positively to the news.

“I think it is wonderful. He is certainly competent, passionate, and will bring the best thinking to the role of ambassador,” she said.

Dunkley said that Perry will engage in meaningful and genuine relationships with others.

“It is historymaking,” she said of Perry’s nomination.

A past student of Kingston College, the 71-year-old Nick Perry migrated to the US in 1971 and served two years in the army.

He attended college on the GI Bill, earning a BA in political science and an MA in public policy and administration from Brooklyn College.

Perry, who has represented the 58th Assembly district in Brooklyn for more than three decades, was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1992. He has risen through the ranks and is the third most powerful politician in Albany

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