Antony Anderson, a retired major general in the Jamaica Defence Force, is Jamaica’s new Ambassador to Washington. On Thursday, July 31, President Donald Trump officially welcomed him as the fourteenth Jamaican Ambassador to the United States, recognizing the longstanding and strategic ties between the two countries.

During Trump’s welcoming message, Ambassador Anderson presented his credentials. Trump praised the government and people of Jamaica and expressed strong support for furthering a special relationship rooted in a shared democratic value. President Trump reiterated Washington’s interest in deepening its regional security.

Regarding economic plans for both nations, the US president signaled expanded interest in bilateral trade and US investments, highlighting

“We see tremendous opportunities to work together on economic growth and to strengthen our commercial ties,” Trump stated.

Ambassador Anderson, responding during his inaugural address, conveyed greetings from the government and people of Jamaica and mentioned the years of cooperative collaboration both countries have shaped and shared in history, culture, and proximity.

“Our relationship has evolved over time, producing tangible benefits in security, health, and energy,” Anderson stated. “The bonds between our people run deep and our collaboration has grown stronger through the years of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” he stressed.

The retired major general noted Jamaica’s security partnership with the United States, describing it as a discussion related to regional stability. “Through various mechanisms, the US support has significantly strengthened our national security capabilities,” he stated.

Anderson stressed his commitment by calling it a “cornerstone of regional security.”   “As ambassador, I look forward to further deepening this collaboration in pursuit of a safer and more secure Western Hemisphere,” the Anderson declared.

Beyond security, Anderson emphasized priorities such as energy, trade, and investment, pointing out that the US remains Jamaica’s largest trading partner and a critical source of foreign direct investments.

The ambassador highlighted the island’s growing popularity among American tourists, which has continued to expand in business.
Reflecting on the recent high-level engagement of the March visit of the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to Jamaica, I call it a symbolic reaffirmation of the strongly bilateral ties and mutual interests guiding both nations.

The presentation of credentials marks a diplomatic milestone for Jamaica’s US relations and sets the stage for enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors, reinforcing a partnership shaped by shared values, regional aspirations, and a common future.