Mair rejects claims Holness was denied diplomatic courtesies during US visit

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Consul General in New York, Oliver Mair, has dismissed claims that Prime Minister Andrew Holness was denied diplomatic courtesies during a recent visit to the United States. In a video addressing the allegations, Mair insisted that Holness received the appropriate diplomatic treatment throughout his stay in New York, including assistance from the US State Department, the Secret Service and staff at the Jamaican consulate. “Those claims are false. Let me set the record straight. When the prime minister arrived at JFK on Thursday, October 15th, he was accorded the full courtesies provided by the United States State Department, the United States Secret Service, and the hard-working team at the consulate,” Mair said. He explained that consular officials met Holness upon his arrival at John F Kennedy International Airport and remained with him throughout his visit until he departed for Jamaica on Saturday, October 17. Mair also sought to clarify footage circulating on social media showing the prime minister at the airport ahead of his departure. According to the consul general, the video shows Holness accompanied by members of the US Secret Service, his personal security detail and Mair himself, describing the arrangement as standard procedure. He further noted that Holness travels on commercial flights and praised the Secret Service for the support provided to the prime minister and his delegation. “Our prime minister travels on commercial flights, as many of you do when you travel home and the Secret Service provided exceptional service to him and his delegation from start to finish,” Mair said. He also expressed appreciation to consulate staff for their efforts, while reaffirming the mission’s commitment to ensuring that visiting Jamaican officials receive the courtesies to which they are entitled. “Please note that this consulate takes seriously its responsibility to our visiting officials. Where courtesies are due, we work hand in hand with our partners here to make sure they are provided,” he added.