In a ceremony at the White House on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump formally welcomed Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, Jamaica’s new ambassador to the United States, underscoring the strength and strategic depth of U.S.-Jamaica relations.
Ambassador Anderson presented his Letters of Credence in the Oval Office, officially completing his credentialing and signaling a renewed chapter in bilateral engagement. The moment, both ceremonial and substantive, affirmed over six decades of diplomatic partnership between the two countries.
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“This occasion marks more than just a diplomatic tradition,” President Trump remarked. “It underscores over 60 years of enduring friendship and our ongoing commitment to mutual prosperity through trade, investment, and security.”
Trump praised the Government and people of Jamaica, expressing strong support for furthering a “special relationship” rooted in shared democratic values and longstanding cultural ties. He reiterated Washington’s interest in deepening cooperation in regional security, particularly through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) and joint efforts in Haiti.
On the economic front, Trump signaled expanded interest in bilateral trade and U.S. investment, highlighting Jamaica’s energy and tourism sectors as key areas of collaboration. “We see tremendous opportunities to work together on economic growth and to strengthen our commercial ties,” he stated.
Welcoming Jamaica’s 14th ambassador to the U.S., the President concluded: “Mr. Ambassador, I look forward to working with you to advance our shared agenda. It is a pleasure to welcome you to Washington.”
Ambassador Anderson, in his inaugural address, conveyed greetings from the Government and people of Jamaica, noting the depth of the U.S.-Jamaica relationship, shaped by shared history, culture, and proximity.
“Our relationship has evolved over time, producing tangible benefits in security, health, and energy,” Anderson said. “The bonds between our people run deep, and our collaboration has grown stronger through years of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.”
Anderson specifically acknowledged the importance of Jamaica’s security partnership with the United States, calling it a cornerstone of regional stability. “Through various mechanisms, U.S. support has significantly strengthened our national security capabilities,” he noted. “As ambassador, I look forward to further deepening this collaboration in pursuit of a safer and more secure Western Hemisphere.”
Beyond security, Anderson emphasized priorities in energy, trade, and investment, pointing out that the U.S. remains Jamaica’s largest trading partner and a critical source of foreign direct investment. He also highlighted the island’s growing popularity among American tourists.
Reflecting on recent high-level engagement, Anderson referenced the March visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Jamaica, calling it a “symbolic reaffirmation” of the strong bilateral ties and mutual interests guiding both nations.
The presentation of credentials marks a diplomatic milestone for Jamaica–U.S. relations and sets the stage for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors—reinforcing a partnership shaped by shared values, regional aspirations, and a common future.
