Thu | Apr 18, 2024

Ja embassy opens its doors in Washington, DC

Published:Friday | August 13, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Pause
Jamaican artist Alphanso Blake explains a piece of his work to two art lovers, Sharon Robinson (left) and Juliet Daley, who viewed the art exhibition on display at the Embassy of Jamaica, downtown Washington, DC, August 3-5. - Contributed photos
Dr Carolyn Cooper (standing) delivers the Miss Lou Lecture, part of the highlights of a three-day open house at the Jamaican embassy in Washington, DC, on Thursday, August 5.
1
2

The Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC, was abuzz with activity over three days as the island's 48th anniversary of independence was celebrated in the United States capital. Festival songs filled the air amid a backdrop of videos featuring grand gala events of previous years, which provided a real treat that gave guests a chance to savour the country's independence celebrations.

This unique event, hosted by Ambassador Audrey Marks, brought Jamaicans and their friends from Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, among other states, to see at first hand how the embassy and its staff operate, as well as to view a variety of displays and sample scrumptious Jamaican dishes.

Highlights of the open house included a poetry reading, exhibition of Jamaica's decades-long participation in the Organisation of American States (OAS); previous ambassadors and permanent representatives to the hemispheric organisation; Jamaican-made products; and a 30-piece art exhibition mounted by renowned Jamaica-based artist Alphanso Blake.

Eye-opener

Unable to mask the excitement he felt, Delroy Pinnock, who is from Clarendon, referred to the event as "a real eye-opener" for him, as he was amazed at the vast range of work being done at the embassy for Jamaica and Jamaicans abroad. "I would never believe that I would have an opportunity to meet with my ambassador in her office, and that she would make time talk with my family and me about the latest developments in Jamaica."

Andy Michels, from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), commended Ambassador Marks and her staff, and said the open day "gives us an opportunity to see your operations and give the Jamaicans an opportunity to see how their embassy is being run".

The staff answered many questions on a wide range of matters, including investment, tourism, passports, birth certificates and returning residency.

Dr Carolyn Cooper, University of the West Indies professor, delivered a spirited Miss Lou lecture that had the audience in stitches. Cooper, a well-known cultural figure in the Caribbean, was supported in her dramatisation by Washington-based Jamaica cultural figure, Faith Nelson.

Ambassador Marks said she was pleased to have had one-on-one conversations with so many Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica. "They are really very passionate about Jamaica and share our dream for Jamaica to become peaceful and prosperous country."