Statement by Consul General Franz Hall regarding visit of Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Hon. Portia Simpson Miller
MIAMI – Jamaica’s Consul General Franz Hall has clarified charges in a today’s issue of the Miami Herald (June 21) “South Florida Jamaicans snubbed by Leader” relating to the visit by Prime Minister, Hon. Portia Simpson Miller to Miami at the invitation of her alma mater Union Institute and University to celebrate at a private reception marking their 50th anniversary.
“It is unfortunate that today’s Miami Herald article about the Honorable Prime Minister’s participation in the commencement exercise for the Union Institute and University has turned into a critique of her interaction with the Jamaican Community in South Florida.
The Prime Minister is currently in Miami as guest of the Union Institute and University where she will participate in activities to mark the 50th anniversary of that institution at the Miami Airport Hilton Hotel. She will address a reception later today, and then the University’s commencement exercise tomorrow (Sunday, June 22).
To reiterate, I have been told of verbal requests by members of the Jamaican community for a visit by the Prime Minister to South Florida. However, the schedule of the Prime Minister is the sole purview of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). Hence, the media and the community at large will be informed of planned public events accordingly.
At the same time, the Office of the Consulate General remains at the service of the OPM in assisting with the logistical and protocol arrangements, as necessary, for any visit and that which may be undertaken in the future.”
