Jamaica’s new envoy to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, arrived in Washington on Wednesday afternoon to officially assume duties as the country’s 14th Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS).
Greeted at Ronald Reagan National Airport by U.S. State Department officials, including Assistant Chief of Protocol Ms. Nan Kennelly and Protocol Officer Noelia Sales, Ambassador-Designate Anderson was also welcomed by Chargé d’Affaires at the Jamaican Embassy, Ms. Lishann Salmon, and Ms. Delita McCallum, Jamaica’s Alternate Representative to the OAS.
Anderson succeeds Ambassador Audrey P. Marks, now a Senator and Minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation. She demitted office in March after two separate tours of duty in Washington, totaling ten years.
Ambassador-Designate Anderson will officially present his credentials to the U.S. Department of State and later to the President. In the meantime, his first order of business was a Thursday meeting with Embassy staff. Speaking ahead of his engagements, Anderson expressed anticipation in working closely with the U.S. administration, fellow OAS Member States, and Jamaica’s vast diaspora community.
His appointment was announced in March by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson-Smith, who said the selection “reflects Jamaica’s broader diplomatic approach, which emphasises experienced leadership in key ambassadorial roles.” She praised Anderson’s qualifications, adding that his “leadership and expertise will also be critical in advancing Jamaica’s wider priorities, fostering deeper collaboration with the United States while engaging strategically within the OAS.”
Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness echoed that sentiment, stating during a courtesy call from the ambassador-designate that Antony Anderson had his full confidence in “champion[ing] our national interests abroad and building lasting partnerships.” Holness pointed to investment, security, and diaspora strategies as cornerstones for progress, and underscored their importance in Anderson’s diplomatic agenda.
A seasoned leader with a distinguished record in public service, Anderson has served as Major General in the Jamaica Defence Force, Commissioner of Police, and National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister. He also brings to his new post deep experience in Caribbean regional coordination and multinational security operations.
 Antony Anderson, arrived in Washington to officially assume duties.){kind=link}