A new book exploring the story of Jamaicans in America, their contribution to that country’s development as well as their continued ties to Jamaica, was launched at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC last Thursday.

The book, entitled The Jamaicans: Children of God in the Promised Land, is authored by Jamaica’s former consul general to New York, Ambassador Dr Basil Bryan.

“During the 20th Century, the majesty of Jamaica unfolded on the world with monumental achievements, particularly in music, sports and academics, plus the global appeal of Marcus Garvey,” Ambassador Bryan said as he gave an overview of the book. “Over the course of the century, the Jamaican people chased their dreams and, through migration, disseminated and affirmed the magic of Jamaica throughout the world,” he added.

Ambassador Bryan said that despite migration, the Jamaican people, propelled by a legacy of excellence passed from generation to generation, kept faith with the land of their birth, holding strongly to their identity.

“Migration has clearly not dulled the intense feelings of patriotism, but in absolutely remarkable ways has further ignited the passion that Jamaicans feel for their homeland,” he said.

According to Ambassador Bryan’s assessment, the ‘Promised Land’ of America historically loomed highly in the Jamaican psyche and explains the interwoven history of the two countries and peoples. The communion of Jamaica and America, he argued, was developed over the past two centuries, carried along by the compelling force of culture, music, and the indomitable Jamaican people.

In his remarks, Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States Stephen Vasciannie congratulated Ambassador Bryan for chronicling the stories of Jamaicans, adding that the book was long overdue and would serve as an inspiration for generations to come.

Despite the cold weather, members of the diplomatic corps as well as the Caribbean Diaspora attended the book launch from as far away as Baltimore, Connecticut, Richmond Virginia, and Florida.