Irwine Clare

Irwine G. Clare, Sr. OD, is the co-founder and managing director of the New York-based Caribbean Immigrant Services, Inc. (CIS). CIS, founded in 1995, was established with the ultimate goal of mobilizing and empowering the Caribbean Diaspora. Since its inception, CIS has successfully helped thousands of Caribbean natives obtain U.S. citizenship and consequently, voting rights. He is the Advisory Board Member for the Jamaican Diaspora USA, NE, and as such advises the Minister of Foreign Affairs on matters pertaining to the Jamaican Diaspora. On National Hero’s Day October 15, 2012 Clare was conferred with Order of Distinction, by the Government of Jamaica for his “invaluable contribution to Jamaican’s in the Diaspora”.

Clare is Founder and CEO of the non-profit, “Team Jamaica Bickle,” an organization that assists athletes, coaches and officials from Jamaica & Caribbean who participates in the Penn Relays that are held in Philadelphia. Since its inception near 20 years, Team Jamaica Bickle has raised over a million US$ in support of athletes and sports programs in Jamaica.
Clare’s extensive professional experience runs the gamut. He has worked in advocacy, policymaking, public service, and television. He was the Senior Partnership Specialist and Team Leader for Brooklyn and the Caribbean Community for the 2010 Census. He hosts Caribbean Lifestyle TV, Co-Host of "the Fact of the Matter" talk show heard on Sundays 8pm-9pm on 93.5 FM, and is a Director on Caribbean World News Network. His leadership service and experience include roles of president of the Jamaica Progressive League; vice president of the National Association of Jamaican & Supportive Organizations; and Board member of the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations. His civic service reflects membership in the Association of Caribbean Elected Officials & Community Leaders, the NAACP and immigration policy groups.

Several prestigious organizations and individuals have honored Irwine Clare, Sr. for his work. They include, the Governor General of Jamaica at the Diaspora Conference held in Kingston, Jamaica in June 2008, Congresspersons Gregory Meeks & Yvette Clarke, the Consul General of Jamaica, Union Jamaica Alumni Associations, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery, The Gleaner Company, NA and several Alumni Organizations, Churches and Community Groups.