Fri | Oct 10, 2025

19 new Peace Corps volunteers sworn into service in Ja

Published:Monday | June 3, 2024 | 12:09 AM
Nineteen Peace Corps Volunteers are joined by United States Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nick Perry (third left of centre) and Joyce Perry (fourth left of centre); Peace Corps Country Director, Glenda Green (centre) and Dr André Hill (left of centre), nationa
Nineteen Peace Corps Volunteers are joined by United States Ambassador to Jamaica N. Nick Perry (third left of centre) and Joyce Perry (fourth left of centre); Peace Corps Country Director, Glenda Green (centre) and Dr André Hill (left of centre), national literacy coordinator in the Ministry of Education and Youth, during a recent Peace Corps swearing-in ceremony in St Mary.

Nineteen Peace Corps volunteers were sworn into service in Jamaica during a special ceremony on May 28.

The United States (US) Embassy in St Andrew yesterday indicated that the ceremony celebrated the longstanding partnership between the US and Jamaica and recognised the volunteers’ commitment to serving in various rural communities to support the island’s sustainable growth and development. The 19 American volunteers will embark on projects across the agriculture and education sectors for two years in Jamaica.

During the swearing-in ceremony, keynote speaker Dr André Hill, national literacy coordinator in the Ministry of Education and Youth, welcomed the volunteers and, in his charge, highlighted that giving of themselves to service strengthens social bonds, builds empathy, enriches personal growth, and drives positive change that contributes to a more compassionate world.

Also during the ceremony, representatives from the United States government and Peace Corps officials highlighted the impact of the Peace Corps’ presence in Jamaica since its inception in 1962.

US Ambassador N. Nick Perry, while administering the oath of service to the volunteers, emphasised that they represent the best of America’s diverse culture and were expected to be ambassadors in the communities where they will serve.

Glenda N. Green, country director for Peace Corps Jamaica, in the meantime underscored the importance of the host family relationship and partnerships in advancing the Peace Corps’ mission of fostering world peace and friendship.

The volunteers, who have undergone rigorous training in language, cultural integration, and technical skills, are now prepared to work alongside host country nationals in their respective communities. Their projects will address critical needs such as climate smart agriculture, literacy development, and capacity building.

The US Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy and involves a diverse group of American men and women who volunteer to spend two years providing assistance to develop sustainable solutions for the world’s greatest challenges to 61 nations. This group is the 94th Cohort to serve on island. To date, more than 4,050 volunteers have served on the island, working with a wide cross-section of schools, communities, government, and non-government sector organisations.