The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has appointed Vance A. Carter as its new Business Development Officer for Diaspora Relations in the United States. Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Carter joins the organization to deepen engagement with the Jamaican diaspora. His appointment marks a significant shift in how the board approaches community outreach in North America.
Carter is not new to public service. He spent 41 years serving the nation, rising through the ranks of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to become a Senior Superintendent of Police. For the final 17 years of his police career, he served on secondment at the Consulate General of Jamaica in Miami.
A Long Career in Consular Service
After retiring from the JCF, Carter did not step away from diplomatic work. He continued in service for another six years, holding roles as Vice Consul, Security Attaché, and Protocol Officer from 2017 to 2023. This period brought his total consular duty in the United States to 23 years. His background blends law enforcement experience with high-level diplomatic protocol.
During his time at the consulate, Carter represented Jamaica at various official functions and governmental engagements. He focused heavily on the southeastern United States, coordinating security and protocol for visiting Prime Ministers and senior government officials. His work required constant interaction with diplomats and local leaders.
His contributions have been recognized by the state. Carter received the Order of Distinction in the Officer Class in 2014 and later in the Commander Class in 2017. These awards were conferred by the Government of Jamaica. They highlight a long history of reliable and high-level service.
Read Also: Quartier Libre expands production in Europe
Focus on the South Florida Community
The JTB sees the diaspora as a key component of its tourism strategy. Donovan White, the Director of Tourism for Jamaica, noted that Carter’s background makes him well-suited for this specific role. White pointed to Carter’s direct engagement with the community in South Florida over the last several decades. The relationship between the diaspora and the island’s tourism sector is deep and personal.
Carter’s prior role as a Senior Superintendent means he understands the security and logistical aspects of hosting visitors. This is a practical advantage for a tourist board managing large-scale events and delegations. It is rare for a tourism official to have such a specific blend of security and diplomatic experience. This unique background may help the JTB manage complex logistics more efficiently in the future.
White emphasized that the diaspora is extremely vital to Jamaica’s tourism success. He stated that Carter’s integrity and outstanding reputation will be a tremendous asset. The relationships Carter has built across diaspora communities are considered a key part of his value to the board. The JTB looks forward to seeing the impact of his work in the coming months.
Carter now begins his new chapter with the JTB. He will work to strengthen ties between the island and its citizens abroad. His appointment reflects a broader effort to leverage community connections for economic growth. The board expects his long-standing presence in Florida to open new doors for collaboration.