Jamaican Consulate in Manhattan reopens to public at new location today
THE JAMAICAN Consulate in Manhattan, New York, will reopen to the general public today at its new location – 300 East 42nd Street at Second Avenue.
The consulate’s offices have been closed to the public since February 22.
Jamaicans and others will be able to access all passport, visa and other consular services at the new location which offers much more space not only for the public, but for staff as well.
A recent tour of the new facilities showed several enhanced features at the new location, including bigger space for visitors wanting passport and visa services; more windows for officers to attend to the public; bigger conference room space, as well as a drop down-jumbo television to provide information to the public.
Patrons visiting the consulate’s facilities will be greeted with up-to-the-minute information on a television on the process for accessing services.
There are We Work stations, as well as private conference rooms for interviews with visiting government officials.
Another improvement is the installation of high-speed Internet service, as well as new computer terminals to better access information.
COMFORTABLE SPACE
“I am very pleased with the new space. It is light, spacious and more comfortable for people using the facilities of the consulate,” said Consul General Alsion Wilson.
Where previously Jamaicans applying for passport service had two windows to get their documents processed, the new location offers four such windows.
Another feature at the consulate is the new wellness room where staff can access if not feeling well.
Bulletproof glass also protects consulate staff.
The consulate moved to its new location after more than 30 years at the old location of 767 Third Avenue.
The consulate will occupy two and a half floors in the building.
There are several enhanced security features at the location to allow for the safety and security of the staff and visitors to the consulate offices, according to the consul general. While she did not spell out the enhanced security features, The Gleaner understands that one measure to make the staff more secure will be bulletproof glass in the waiting area.
Wilson pointed out that costs at the old location had become prohibitive.
“The new location will provide cost-savings, as well as afford better accommodations,” she told The Gleaner.
The consulate, the offices of the Jamaican Mission to the United Nations, JAMPRO and the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies will all be housed at the new location.
The offices of JAMPRO and the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies are located on the 5th floor, along with the consulate’s executive offices while the passport and visa operations are located on the fourth floor.
Jamaica’s mission to the United Nations is located on the third floor at 300 East 42nd Street, which is a 237,000-square foot, 18-storey full block office building just two blocks from Grand Central train station.