Brooklyn Assemblyman Nick Perry addresses the U.S. Senate in bid to Become the Next Ambassador to Jamaica

Veteran New York state Assemblyman Nick Perry (D-Brooklyn) made his case before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill to be confirmed as the first Jamaican-born person to serve as U.S. ambassador to the Caribbean island nation.

Speaking in his trademark lilting West Indian accent, Perry portrayed himself as the product of two worlds: raised in Jamaica but also a proud son of Brooklyn.

“This continuation of my lifelong journey of public service is deeply personal,” Perry said on Tuesday. “I believe my experience and perspective, complemented by my background as an American who was born and raised in Jamaica, could contribute positively to strengthening our partnership with Jamaica.”

If the Brooklyn lawmaker is backed by the committee as expected, his nomination will go to the full Senate for approval.

Perry, 71, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that he came to Brooklyn in 1971 as a teenager, joined the military, and graduated from Brooklyn College.

He started his public service as a chair of his local community board before winning an election for the first of 15 terms in the Assembly in 1992.

“I have dedicated my career in public service, working across diverse communities to build consensus,” he said.

Along with bolstering the historically close ties between Jamaica and the U.S., Perry said he would expand security ties, particularly in countering illegal drug trafficking.

He also vowed to help protect the safety of American citizens living in Jamaica, which has a reputation for isolated gang violence and tourists visiting the island.

Perry now serves as the assistant speaker pro tempore of the Assembly and a regional vice chairman of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

He previously served as chairman of the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) lavished praise on Perry, calling him an ideal candidate to be the next envoy to Jamaica.

“Nick is an immigrant, a veteran, and a longtime public servant,” Schumer said. “He represents the best of what America is all about.”

Schumer called it a “milestone that is long overdue” to name a Jamaican-born person as ambassador to the island nation, given the many Jamaican immigrants living in the U.Ss
 
The senator boasted of a friendship with Perry that has spanned three decades and praised Perry for his shoe-leather approach to politics in his Flatbush neighborhood.

“He has a knack for doing politics the old-fashioned way: shaking hands, showing up at every event, and just listening to people from everyday life.”

He also praised Perry’s “beautiful tenor voice,” which he has used to belt out the Star-Spangled Banner countless times around Brooklyn.

https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-elections-government/ny-senate-ny-assemblyman-nick-perry-us-ambassador-to-jamaica-20220208-fh2xrgikzzbitdwmuplhbtle4y-story.html

Jamaica-Gleaner:
US Senate begins process of confirming nominee for Ambassador to Jamaica

WASHINGTON, CMC  –The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday started the confirmation hearing for Nick Perry, who has been nominated for US Ambassador to Jamaica.

Perry, a Jamaica-born New York City Assemblyman, was introduced to the committee by US Senate Majority Leader Charles “Chuck” Schumer.

“It is my honor to introduce a proud New Yorker, a dear and long-time friend, we've known each other for 30 years, and fellow Brooklynite, Nick Perry to serve as the next US Ambassador to Jamaica,” said Democrat Schumer on Tuesday.

“I worked hard to make sure President (Joe) Biden named Nick for this post, and I am glad to finally be here introducing him to the committee,” added Schumer, the senior US Senator from New York.

Perry was present at Tuesday's initial hearing with his Jamaica-born wife, Joyce, and their son, Nicholas.

Schumer remarked that not only is Perry an outstanding nominee because of his qualifications and who he is but an exceedingly fitting nominee to serve as the next Ambassador to Jamaica.

Schumer noted that he would become the first-ever Jamaica-born person to serve as its American Ambassador.

“It is truly an important milestone, one that I would add is long, long overdue,” Schumer said, adding Perry, who represents the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn, is “a well-known face in the community.

“He has a knack for doing politics the old-fashioned way: shaking hands, showing up at every event, and just listening to people from everyday life. Nick is an immigrant, he is a veteran and a lifelong public servant, and he represents the best of what America is all about. I am certain that Nick will be a wonderful Ambassador to Jamaica.”

President Biden on November 3 last year announced Perry's nomination.

Perry was born and raised in Jamaica and migrated to the US in 1971.

He served in the US Army for two years of active duty and four years on reserve status. He received several service medals and was honorably discharged.

Perry was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 1992 to represent the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn and was re-elected to serve his 15th consecutive term in November 2020.

Perry is currently the Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore of the New York State Assembly, and regional vice chairman of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20220209/us-senate-begins-process-confirming-nominee-ambassador-jamaica

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