This week on People Profile: Franz Hall
We are fortunate to have as our guest a career diplomat who has over 20 years’ experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, having served in Geneva, New York and Washington, DC. Most recently, he has been the acting head of the Trade Agreements Implementation Coordination Unit, which oversees the implementation of Jamaica’s commitments under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas in relation to the CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Single Market and Economy and the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
Having been appointed Consul General to Miami in October 2013, he is highly regarded and respected as a humble servant of the people.
Our Consul-General (CG) holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from City College of New York and a Bachelor of Science in International Relations from the University of the West Indies (Mona).

Welcome to People Profile CG Hall……

Franz Hall
Thank you Dr. C for having me.

Dr. C
I am certain a lot of persons including myself can’t truly define the nature of your office. So my first question is, what is the role of the Jamaican consulate in Miami?

Franz Hall
The Consulate General provides consular services to Jamaican nationals in the areas under our jurisdiction, such as receiving passport applications and processing other documents for use in Jamaica. We also issue visas to foreign nationals, where applicable, who wish to travel to Jamaica. The promotion of commercial, educational and cultural exchanges are also important functions. The role and responsibility is guided by the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

Dr. C
Absolutely CG Hall, the office’s responsibility are many. Could you tell us what are the regions that you served?

Franz Hall
We cover from as far north as North Carolina, and as far west as Arizona. We also cover The Bahamas and Cayman Islands.

Dr. C
Really? Wow! I wasn’t aware of some of these areas. I am certain that other persons might find this information interesting as well. I had a friend who had difficulty in renewing his Jamaican Passport. Could you explain the process to obtain a passport whether emergency or otherwise including the Consulate’s address etc. ?

Franz Hall
The main challenges are with photographs, the completion of the form and supporting documentation. Once the documents are in order the application is sent to the Passport, Immigration, and Citizenship Agency for processing. In cases of a proven emergency, we can issue an Emergency Certificate, usually for travel to Jamaica. Full requirements are on our website. www.jamaicacgmiami.org

Dr. C
Thank you very much for that information CG Hall. I remembered quite well when you took the position of leader of the Jamaican Consulate and I knew immediately that you were a man of and for the people. Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader? Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?

Franz Hall
Thank you for the kind words. I am not going to stray too far from home – I will say my father, the late Roy Hall. He was an adventurer and dreamer, a devoted family man and provider. He lived in the public eye as a media personality and actor, but was also a very private man. He welcomed everyone and had a way of influencing people. As we say in Jamaica, “sheep nuh mek goat” and I believe that I have many of his traits. He encouraged my brother and I to live life to the fullest and encouraged us in our endeavors.

Dr. C
Wow! Oh yes! I do remembered Roy Hall!!!! A great man he was indeed! In terms of being a leader and from your experience, what is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Franz Hall
The ability to motivate and encourage members of their team

Dr. C
Yes, one of the most important variable of leadership is to motivate/influence. Could you share with us a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.

Franz Hall
I would have to say that it is this current assignment, which shows that the principals in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade has the confidence in my ability to represent Jamaica overseas.

Dr. C
Judging from the responses that we have been getting here in South Florida, they have done an excellent selection. The office of the Consulate is regarded as part of the nucleus of the Jamaican Diaspora. Could you provide us with any particular information regarding future direction of the diaspora and issues as it relates to South Florida?

Franz Hall
It is important to clarify that the Consulate has to be a facilitator in Diaspora engagement and we have to be very careful so not to steer interests in a particular direction. We have to be responsive to the interests of the Diaspora – the agenda should be led by the Diaspora. With that said, the Diaspora Policy sets out the objectives of engagement at the Government level and posits the interaction in a more structured context. The guiding principles are mutuality, inclusiveness, participation, integrity, communication, accountability, sustainability and patriotism.

Dr. C
Thanks for the clarification. I know the Jamaican diaspora has a strong voice in South Florida and their leadership and philosophies should be independent and free from any external interference. CG Hall, It is unfortunate that you were not selected to attend Camperdown High school and instead had to settle for that other school by heroes circle…..lololololol…. Growing up as a youngster what was your favorite sporting activity.

Franz Hall
On the contrary, I got my first choice lol! I was never much of a sportsman, but I supported our football, basketball and track teams. I eventually joined the swim team, and also the Schools Challenge Quiz team.

Dr. C
Very good! Lol I was also invited to my school’s school challenge team but chose to listen to disco music instead! lololol…Do you have a favorite music and or singer/band?

Franz Hall
That’s a tough question, because I like all types. Am partial to original disco music, conscious reggae, R&B, pop and jazz.

Dr. C
Yup! Nothing like some good ole disco music!!!!! They don’t make em like they used to! lol.. Please CG Hall I am sure our readers would like to know what do you do in your spare time, or more importantly, what do you do for fun?

Franz Hall
Spare time? That is a luxury Dr. C, I wish I had more of that! But I spend time with friends and family, whether here or in Jamaica. On occasion, you might find me at some low keyed but great hang out spots in Miami or exploring the culinary delights of South Florida.

Dr. C
I know! Sometimes I wish there were more than 24 hours in the day! lol….. Are you a lover of pets? Do you own a pet? If so, what kind?

Franz Hall
We had dogs and fish growing up. But I don’t have the time for a pet, plus there are restrictions to importing animals. Into Jamaica.

Dr. C
Wow! Not even a little poodle? lololololol…Consul General Franz Hall it was certainly a pleasure having you on People Profile. We have learnt a lot about you and the Consulate. We wish you continued success in your endeavors, “walk good”.

Franz Hall
My view is that dogs belong outside ..lol. It was a pleasure chatting with you Dr. C and thanks for the opportunity.

Dr. C
I absolutely shared those views as well, lol …thanks again.