Tue | Sep 16, 2025

Anderson urges diaspora to be proud, bold for Jamaica 63

Published:Wednesday | July 30, 2025 | 12:30 PM
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Photo by Derrick Scott
Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, Major General (ret’d) Antony Anderson (second left), accepts a citation from Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, presented on his behalf by Reverend Lawrence Walker. Looking on (from left) are member of Commissioner Louis McSween of the Maryland Governor’s Commission on Caribbean and Hispanic Affairs, and Ambassador Curtis Ward, chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Caribbean Affairs. 
Photo by Derrick Scott
Major General (ret’d) Antony Anderson delivers the welcome address to members of the diaspora at the 63rd Independence church service held at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Sunday.
Photo by Derrick Scott
Ambassador Antony Anderson (centre) shares a moment with the DMV Jamaica Diaspora Awardees. They are (from left) Christopher Davis, who accepted on behalf of Elda Devarie/EMD Sales – Friend of Jamaica Award; Marguerite Chinn/Negril Eatery – Institution/Organisation Award; Esther Sanderson – Individual Award; and Johns Hopkins University Professor Emeritus Dr Franklyn W. Knight, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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WASHINGTON, DC:

The colours black, green and gold adorned the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, on Sunday as scores of Jamaicans and friends of the island gathered in thanksgiving for its 63rd year of Independence.

Ambassador Major General (ret’d) Antony Anderson headed the list of dignitaries, which including representatives from the diplomatic corps, local, state, and federal government officials, along with heads of various diaspora organisations who joined over 400 worshippers in attendance.

In his first public address since presentation of credentials to US President Donald Trump, the ambassador emphasised that this year’s theme – ‘Be Proud. Be Bold. In the Black, Green, and Gold’ – represents the deep meaning of Jamaica’s cultural identity and its brand.

“I feel blessed that I can call myself a Jamaican. The Jamaican brand is a strong brand in the world. It’s a strong because of our global diaspora and significantly, the influence and action of the diaspora in the United States,” he said.

“We are here to celebrate a significant milestone – 63 years since Jamaica gained its Independence. The black speaks to the strength and creativity that have sustained us through both triumphs and adversity; the green reflects the hope and abundance of our beautiful land; and the gold captures the warmth of our sunshine and the richness of our spirit as a nation,” he said, referencing the theme and the colours of the national flag.

“As we gather in this place of worship, whether Jamaican or friend of Jamaica, we are reminded that these colours don’t just fly on Independence Day – they live in us, every day. They show up in our hard work, in our faith, in our laughter, and in the way we support one another – whether in Kingston, Clarendon, or right here in Maryland, DC, and Virginia,” he continued.

Speaking directly to the diaspora community, the top diplomat lauded their work.

GRATITUDE

“I extend my gratitude. Thank you for continuing to uplift Jamaica’s good name across the globe. You serve in classrooms and boardrooms, in hospitals and halls of government. You carry our culture through music, food, fashion, and family values. You give back – whether through remittances, charitable work, or simply by being shining examples of what it means to be Jamaican.”

The ambassador offered a warm reassurance to members of the diaspora.

“You have a home here in the United States, and a home in Jamaica. Jamaica welcomes our people back. … Jamaica is home for all Jamaicans, and a paradise for people who are not Jamaicans,” he said.

In referencing the completion of his credentialling process, Anderson reiterated his commitment to building strong ties between the US and Jamaica. He alluded to a very buoyant investment climate, pointing to myriad investment opportunities and urged the diaspora to grasp these opportunities.

“I believe that the opportunities are there. Jamaica is experiencing good things in many sectors. We are in a good position to receive investments and a good place to be a pillar of support to achieve great things together here as Jamaicans in the United States. I am really looking forward to engaging and getting those bonds as strong as possible.”

Anderson also delivered an Independence message from Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness.

Associate Minister of the Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ, Reverend Sylvia McDonald Kaufman, delivered the sermon, while the service was moderated by Dr Bertram L. Melbourne, a Jamaica-born professor of New Testament studies and a former associate and interim dean of Howard University School of Divinity.

A main feature of the church service was the presentation of the DMV Jamaica Diaspora Awards. Award winners included Hopkins University Professor Emeritus Dr Franklyn W. Knight, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award; Esther Sanderson, recipient of the Individual Award; Marguerite Chinn/Negril Eatery – Institution/Organisation Award; and Elda Devarie/EMD Sales – Friend of Jamaica Award.

Meanwhile, the offerings collected this year will be donated to support the Hanover Infirmary in Jamaica.

Over the years, various diaspora organisations and Jamaican clergy in the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) area have partnered with the Jamaican Embassy in Washington to organise this grand celebration.