Tue | Dec 23, 2025

Jamaica wows guests at embassy showcase in Washington, DC

Published:Saturday | December 20, 2025 | 12:06 AM
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Organiser of Winternational international embassy showcase, Jan Du Plain (second from left), shares a photo opportunity at Jamaica’s booth with (from left) Counsellor Brittany McCera, Community Relations Officer Emile Wallace Waddell, and Minister Counse
Derrick Scott
Organiser of Winternational international embassy showcase, Jan Du Plain (second from left), shares a photo opportunity at Jamaica’s booth with (from left) Counsellor Brittany McCera, Community Relations Officer Emile Wallace Waddell, and Minister Counsellor for Trade Alicia Taylor. The showcases are produced by the International Trade Centre in Washington, DC.
Secretary of the District of Columbia, Kimberly A. Bassett (3rd from left) receives a gift from Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) business development officer for Northeast USA, Ricardo Henry, after she toured Jamaica’s booth at Winternational embassy showca
Derrick Scott
Secretary of the District of Columbia, Kimberly A. Bassett (3rd from left) receives a gift from Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) business development officer for Northeast USA, Ricardo Henry, after she toured Jamaica’s booth at Winternational embassy showcase at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre downtown Washington DC. Looking on (from left) are members of staff at the Embassy of Jamaica, Counsellor Brittany McCrea, Community Relations Officer Emile Wallace Waddell, Minister Counsellor for Trade Alicia Taylor and Kasceme Blackwood
Jamaica’s booth at Winternational, Washington DC’s largest international embassy showcase, was abuzz as visitors sampled authentic Jamaican beef patties, Blue Mountain Coffee, and delectable rum cake at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trad
Derrick Scott
Jamaica’s booth at Winternational, Washington DC’s largest international embassy showcase, was abuzz as visitors sampled authentic Jamaican beef patties, Blue Mountain Coffee, and delectable rum cake at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre downtown Washington DC. This guest is assisted by Embassy of Jamaica staff Kasceme Blackwood, Minister Counsellor for Trade Aliceia Taylor and Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) business development officer for Northeast USA, Ricardo Henry.
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Jamaica emerged as a standout presence at Winternational, Washington, DC’s largest international embassy showcase, captivating thousands of attendees with an immersive presentation of Jamaican culture, cuisine, and tourism offerings. The high-profile event welcomed more than 8,000 guests and brought together representatives from over 70 embassies and cultural organisations at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre Downtown Washington DC.

Through its vibrant exhibit, Jamaica offered visitors a dynamic experience that reflected the island’s rich heritage and global influence. Guests were welcomed with authentic Jamaican beef patties, Blue Mountain Coffee, and samples of delectable rum cake. They also engaged with displays showcasing Jamaica’s culture and creativity, including paintings by Cheery Josephs, a Jamaican painter based in New York. The Jamaica Tourist Board, which collaborated with the Embassy of Jamaica, was on hand to promote Jamaica as a diverse tourist destination.

“Winternational provides a unique platform for Jamaica to share our story with the world,” said Antony Anderson, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States. “Jamaica’s participation was crucial, as, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, it is imperative that we let visitors know that Jamaica is open, and the best way to support our recovery is to come for their usual visits.”

Jamaica’s presence resonated strongly with attendees throughout the day as the showcase transformed the venue into a global marketplace of culture and creativity. While guests explored exhibits from around the world, Jamaica’s offering drew consistent interest for its authentic flavours, welcoming atmosphere, and interactive presentations, including selfies with the life-size picture of the world-renowned King of Reggae, Bob Marley.

The event also underscored Jamaica’s active role within Washington’s diplomatic community. Winternational opened with a private reception attended by ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives, followed by the presentation of a mayoral proclamation officially declaring ‘Winternational Day’ in Washington, DC, a recognition of the event’s significance as a tool of public diplomacy.

Winternational is produced by the International Trade Centre in Washington, DC, and hosted at the Ronald Reagan Building, with support from corporate, cultural, and media partners dedicated to advancing international dialogue, trade, and cultural understanding.