Nick Perry, Joe Biden’s appointed ambassador to Jamaica, had to make with the times and exit stage left when Donald Trump won the presidential election in November, and the question since has been who was going to replace him.

President Trump has not been hasty in replacing the taciturn Nick Perry, choosing to issue a number of executive orders and wasting no time in meeting his America First agenda. 

The US ambassador to Jamaica is the top diplomatic job in the country, so speculation was rife. 

Last Thursday night (August 28), US Embassy public affairs attaché Mike Lavallee, at a reception held for the visiting Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre Group, shed some light on the matter.

He used the occasion to introduce the new US Embassy chargé d’affaires Scott Renner.

Here’s what he had to say:

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Mike Lavallee, public affairs attaché at the US Embassy in Kingston, and on behalf of the embassy, it is my great honour to welcome you to the Chief of Mission’s Residence tonight for this very special occasion.

“We are gathered here not only to celebrate the extraordinary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater but also to introduce you to our newly arrived chargé d’affaires, Mr Scott Renner.

“Tonight’s reception, held in partnership with Plié for the Arts, comes just ahead of Alvin Ailey II’s much-anticipated ‘Amalgamation‘ performances here in Kingston on August 30 and 31. It is also a moment to recognise the enduring strength of US-Jamaica ties by highlighting one of our greatest cultural exports: the power of the arts to connect people across borders.

“Now, Jamaicans don’t need anyone to tell them about the power of the arts. This island has given the world reggae, dancehall, ska, and some of the greatest performers in history. You’ve proven again and again that creativity is one of Jamaica’s greatest exports. In fact, I think it’s safe to say that if Alvin Ailey had been born in Jamaica, Bob Fosse and Martha Graham might have struggled a bit more for recognition! 

“We are truly delighted to have you all of you here tonight—leaders in Jamaica’s government and its cultural and business communities, our partners, and friends. Thank you for joining us.

And now, it is my privilege to introduce our new chargé d’affaires, ad interim, in Jamaica, Mr Scott Renner. Renner is a career diplomat who joined the US Department of State in 1997. He has served in postings across five countries and most recently in Mexico City, bringing that extensive leadership and expertise with him to Jamaica. “