Say It Ain’t So

US reportedly denies diplomatic visa extension to Consul General Oliver Mair

By G. Rose and Ashley Hyde

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 b 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 Kamin 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, downto-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 ”

News of Mair's pending departure became public last week in other news related to an alleged diplomatic row between the US and

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Usain Bolt unveils Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Torch

Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt was a special guest at Tuesday’s unveiling of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic torch on the river Seine in France

“I’m very happy to be here,” said the 100m and 200m world record holder “Paris has always been a city that I enjoyed competing and hanging out in I’m excited for the Olympics next year I’ll be here with my family ”

Bolt received the torch from the hands of Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet while surrounded by a hundred French athletes and IOC President Thomas Bach

Designed by the visionary Mathieu Lehanneur, the torch captures the mesmerizing reflection of the iconic Eiffel Tower, evoking a sense of serene tranquility and peaceful energy

Lehanneur, the mastermind behind the concept, revealed that the torch’s symmetrical form embodies the spirit of equality among athletes

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 continues on B2 – Visa denied

Crafted with lightweight polished steel and with a champagne colour, the torch’s lower half features a relief pattern that mimics the movement of the Seine, along which the opening ceremony will be held before more than half a million spectators

The designer, Mathieu Lehanneur, passionately expressed his desire for the torch to convey a visual representation of the upcoming Paris 2024 Games

“I wanted to move away from the torch appearing as an object of conquest,” designer Mathieu Lehanneur told a news conference a year ahead of the Paris Games He added that designing the torch proved infinitely more technical than he imagined at the outset

On April 16, the torch will be ignited at the ancient grounds of Olympia in Greece, the birthplace of the Games