In a meeting at the White House, His Excellency, Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, officially began his tenure by presenting his Letters of Credence to President Donald Trump on July 24, 2025.
Anderson’s arrival in Washington as Jamaica’s fourteenth Ambassador to the U.S. and permanent representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) drew praise from both sides of the hemisphere. His diplomatic mission is focused on deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening ties with the Jamaican diaspora in the United States.
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Prior to his diplomatic appointment, Anderson served in several top-tier national security roles. He was Commissioner of Police from 2018 until early 2025, leading the Jamaica Constabulary Force through a period of reform and strategic crime-fighting initiatives. Before that, he held the rank of Major General in the Jamaica Defence Force and served as National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister.
Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith announced Anderson’s appointment in March, describing him as “uniquely qualified to represent Jamaica’s interests in Washington,” particularly in areas of security, regional diplomacy, and diaspora affairs.
Diplomatic mission already underway
Although his formal presentation of credentials occurred in July, Ambassador Anderson arrived in Washington in late May 2025. He was welcomed by U.S. State Department officials and staff from the Jamaican Embassy. Shortly after, he began introductory meetings with key personnel and laid out his vision for the mission.
At the time of his arrival, Anderson said he was eager to “foster deeper collaboration” with American counterparts and to use his experience to advance Jamaica’s position within the OAS. He also emphasized his commitment to working closely with Jamaican nationals living in the U.S., many of whom continue to contribute significantly to both economies.
Anderson succeeds Ambassador Audrey Marks, who served two decades-long terms in Washington and recently moved to the Jamaican Senate as Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation.
The transition reflects continuity in Jamaica’s diplomatic focus—strengthening bilateral ties, fostering economic and security cooperation, and maintaining an active presence in hemispheric affairs.
