BRYAN, Dr. BASIL K.
The Hon. Dr. Basil K. Bryan was Consul General for Jamaica in New York from April 1998 to September 2007 with responsibility for 38 states, including the Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Bermuda and Puerto Rico also fell under his jurisdiction. Dr. Bryan served also as Deputy Ambassador in the Jamaican Embassy in Washington D.C.
He has been a staunch supporter of the Cricket Hall of Fame. Shortly after arriving in New York, Dr. Bryan teamed up with the institution at a Humanitarian Award function, held in Windsor, Connecticut, in which funds were raised for his pet project in Jamaica, the Boy’s Town institution of West Kingston.
The Cricket Hall of Fame also later responded to an appeal which he made during a visit to Hartford for surgical gloves for care givers working with HIV/AIDS children in Jamaica, by raising some 400,000 pairs of gloves.
Dr. Bryan’s induction into the Hall of Fame added to the number of accolades and awards that he received for service to the community. According to Michael Chambers, Director of the Hall of Fame, Dr. Bryan, has been a stalwart in projecting a positive image of Jamaica, despite the battering that the country’s image has taken over the years because of the misbehavior of some of his countrymen.
A community oriented person, Dr. Bryan’s achievements brought him numerous accolades and awards. These include the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organization (NAJASO) “LIGNUM VITAE” Award for outstanding service to the Jamaican community in the U.S.; the Jamaica Progressive League Award for outstanding community service; Howard University’s African Studies and Research Program Award and the Caribbean Students of Howard University Award for outstanding service.
Dr. Bryan is also the recipient of the 1996 “Distinguished Service Award” from Chicago Concerned Jamaicans and the holder of the 1998 Jamaica National’s Association Award for outstanding contribution to the Washington D. C. community and the association.
The Mayor of the District of Columbia recognized Dr. Bryan’s outstanding service in fostering relations between Jamaica and the people of Washington D. C. with a “Dr. Basil K. Bryan Day.” Dr. Bryan also received citations and honors from several states and cities throughout the United States, including awards from the Governor of the State of Maryland and from the House of Delegates of Maryland; State Governments of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and city governments in Hartford, CT; Cincinnati, Ohio; Irvington, New Jersey; Mount Vernon, New York and from the New York City Council. He is also the recipient of the New York Carib News, “Marcus Garvey Bridge-Builder Award” for his work in forging relationships between the Jamaican and Caribbean communities and the African-American people.
In 2002, he was the recipient of the Order of Distinction (O.D.) from the Government of Jamaica. He recently received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the West Indian Foundation and was recognized by United States Senator and Presidential hopeful, Hillary Rodham Clinton for his years of exemplary service as Consul General in New York.
Consul General Bryan Holds a Ph.D. Degree in African Studies, Economics and International Relations and a Masters Degree in Economic Development and Planning from Howard University. He has also done post-graduate work in International Affairs and Diplomacy at the School of Advanced International Studies of the John Hopkins University. From 1981-1991 Dr. Bryan served as Professor on the Faculty of Social Sciences at Howard University in Washington D.C. The Consul General has authored several publications, including the text “Social Science: Readings and Workbook.” Consul General Bryan and his wife Jean are parents of two sons, Kwame and Diallo.