Ambassador Johnson moves to London

WASHINGTON, DC:

Members of the diplomatic community were joined by many Jamaicans residing in Washington, DC on Wednesday, April 28, to pay tribute and say thanks to Ambassador Anthony and Mrs Johnson ahead of their departure for London, England.

Minister of state in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senator Marlene Malahoo Forte, addressed the gathering at the farewell function. She lauded Ambassador Johnson for his outstanding and distinguished public service and for the positive way in which he represented Jamaica in the United States (US).

Ambassador Johnson expressed satisfaction in helping to deepen relations with the US and the international community. He also acknowledged the outpouring of tributes from Jamaicans in the diaspora as well as the international community.

Dean and chairman of the Caribbean Caucus of Ambassadors, ambassador of St Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Izben Williams, said that Ambassador Johnson joined the council with a wide range of experience in politics, media, academia and the private sector.

resourcefulness

"It is this background that he brought to bear on the affairs of the council and this organisation on behalf of his country. It is this resourcefulness that we will be deprived of," he said.

In his response, Ambassador Johnson who was also Jamaica's permanent representative to the Organisation of American States (OAS), shared some perspectives on how the OAS could improve by examining itself to determine if its original goal, of "peacekeeper" among the countries "south of the border", should continue as its main focus.

"I suggest that the 19th-century militarism which spawned the Pan-American Union is no longer a widespread culture," Ambassador Johnson argued.

Ambassador Johnson thanked everyone for their support over the 26 months. He left Washington, DC on May 3, to take up his new posting as Jamaica's High Commissioner to London on May 20. He will be succeeded by businesswoman, Ambassador Audrey Marks.

- JIS