A new Consul General took office at Grenada's mission in New York on Wednesday. Community Organizer and Electro Mechanical Engineer, Derrick James replaces Allen McGuire, who served for the past five years as Grenada's chief liaison in the city. James is the latest change in Grenada's overseas representatives since the National Democratic Congress took office following the July 8 general elections. James holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from City College in New York. He attained his early education at the St. George's Catholic Boys School and Grenada Boys Secondary School, where he became well known for his literary and oral skills. After working in several capacities including librarian at the then Radio Grenada, James migrated to the United States and attained an Associate degree in Circuit Systems from the Technical Career Institute and then his bachelor's degree for City College. For the past twenty-two years, James has served the New York -based company Ikon Office Solutions in various capacities from Team Leader to Field Service Manager. He has the distinction of having been named Technician of the Month on five occasions and most valuable person in the company on six different occasions. James is also well known in the Brooklyn for his leadership skills and community affiliations. He was the Chairman of the Grenada Disaster Community in New York which spearheaded the hurricane Ivan relief fund after the category three hurricane destroyed more than sixth percent of the housing stock on the tri-island state. He is a former Chairman of the New York chapter of the NDC, and has gained great respect and admiration in the Grenadian community in Brooklyn for his leadership skills and commitment to community development. James says he is excited about his new appointed and is looking forward to representing the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique with great enthusiasm and pride. "I am humbled by the opportunity to continue to serving my country and community in this new capacity," he said. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com