Fri | May 3, 2024

The US Marines had a ball!

Published:Tuesday | November 7, 2017 | 12:00 AMLatara Boodie
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Lionel Rookwood
From left: Melissa Whitmer, Major Jason Hanslovan, guest speaker George Wooten and wife Brenda.
Lionel Rookwood
Kristina Ortiz, programme officer at USAID, and researcher at the University of the West Indies, Tyler Mullen.
Lionel Rookwood
USAID’s Andrea Plucknett and her father, Reinford Linton.
Lionel Rookwood
USAID’s Zika adviser Kristen Alavi and her husband Aamir, economic officer at the United States Embassy, were perfectly coordinated in a timeless navy blue dress and classic tuxedo.
Lionel Rookwood
Chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy, Eric Khant (left), and British High Commissioner Asif Ahmad.
Lionel Rookwood
From left: Malgorzata Wasilewska, head of EU delegation, Shorna-kay Richards and Laurie Peters.
Lionel Rookwood
From left: Jean-Marc Behar, Denise Smith and Michelle Syliva.
Lionel Rookwood
Sandra Raggio radiates in emerald green.
Lionel Rookwood
The gorgeous Agnieszka Orlowska looking lovely in a magenta and black ensemble.
Lionel Rookwood
Marine Zach Greenleaf and his lovely date, Christina Robinson.
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It was a night to remember and a sight to behold at the United States Marine Corps 242nd Birthday Ball on November 3 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

This opulent affair is the signature annual event for the Marine Corps (MC) worldwide. Personnel from the various departments within the US Embassy in Kingston, distinguished guests and members of supporting US Embassy agencies, came in their numbers in support of the MC.

Official remarks were delivered by charge d'affaires at the US Embassy, Eric Khant, who gave high praise for the work, dedication and patriotism of the members within the MC. The more than 1,000 men and women which constitute the Marine Security Guard programme are heavily relied on by the United States embassies and consulates around the world. They operate around the clock, offering protection for official US Government personnel and properties. The MC ensures that the United States has the ability to conduct diplomacy safely around the globe.

The pre-recorded message from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was warmly received by those in attendance. The message expressed gratitude for the outstanding service from the MC and the pride the United States has in the men and women which serve within it.

The United States Marine Corps embodies commitment, loyalty, integrity and courage, which are the four core values upheld by 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'. But they also knew how to party. After the meeting and greeting, it was time for the Marines to have some fun dancing the night away.

latara.boodie@gleanerjm.com