Vin Martin's surprise

A surprise reception was hosted for Jamaica's honorary consul to Atlanta, Vin Martin, by his best friend, Rev Dr Noel Erskine, at the Mayfair Renaissance Clubhouse in downtown Atlanta on Saturday, September 10.

Martin and his wife Hazel, along with Dr Erskine and his wife Glenda, arrived amidst shouts of "Surprise Vin! This is all for you!" from scores of Jamaicans in the community, as well as family and friends who turned out to honour him for his service to the Jamaican community in Atlanta. He was dumbstruck when he entered the room and exclaimed, "I have been deceived by my own wife and my friend! Imagine, this event was planned right under my nose without me having any knowledge of what was going on. I am overwhelmed."

Many organisers

The reception was organised by by the manager of marketing and international engagement for the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport.

Messages came from Jamaica's ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, who recognised Martin for the tremendous benefit, profile, significance and value that he brought to the Jamaican interest throughout the states of Georgia, Alabama, North and South Carolina and Tennessee.

"Mr Martin is an outstanding and exemplary Jamaican who continues to serve in extraordinary ways. The Government and people of Jamaica are indebted to you," said Ambassador Marks.

Astute leader

In his tribute, Erskine said, for almost two decades Vin Martin has been one of the leaders in the Jamaican community in Atlanta and has led a medical team of dentists, nurses, doctors and other volunteers to serve the people in the Montego Bay area. This pilgrimage to Montego Bay has taken on a life of its own, as the mission is ably supported by residents in Montego Bay.

"It is truly a reciprocal ministry, as many in Montego Bay look forward to their visit," he said.

Martin's wife, Hazel, and sister Gillian, were among several guests who delivered tributes to him.

In his response, Martin said, "Serving Jamaica in Atlanta has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I can only hope that, as we move forward in service to our country, we will together continue to forge a partnership which will see Atlanta as one of the most recognised groups in the Jamaican diaspora worldwide."

Among the guests present were his brothers Laurence and Don Martin and his wife; Dr Yvonne Smith; Michael Thomas, vice-president, Calabar Old Boys' Association; Alan Stewart; Marcia Daley, St Hugh's Alumnae Association; Annette Stewart; Joyce Tomlinson; Gillian Richards, Hollis Lutchman and Lorna Jones.