Getting an early start on his homeland’s Independence Day celebrations, last Thursday evening, United States Ambassador to Jamaica Luis Moreno and his wife Gloria welcomed hand-picked diplomats, corporate honchos, government officials, Embassy staffers and military personnel to their upper St Andrew residence, to commemorate America’s 239th anniversary.

Ambassador Moreno, in his address, praised the bilateral relations that Jamaica has shared with his Land of Stars and Stripes, and highighted several investment measures that the US either or intends to make in the island, including an $82-million grant in agriculture to build the capacity of the farming community, as well as the provision of 17 vessels to both the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Jamaica Defence Force to reduce instances of narcotics and firearms entering and leaving the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Jamaican Government, Land, Environment and Climate Change Minister Robert Pickersgill was effusive in his praise about the United States’ initiatives and programmes that have served to benefit the Jamaican people.

Post-formalities, guests queued up for a spread that featured selections from iconic American fast-food brands Subway and KFC as well as an extensive buffet catered by Lorraine Fung, with such offerings as traditional American barbecue ribs, chicken on skewers, and a carving station of turkey, stuffed leg of lamb and grilled beef.

Entertainment came by way of members the 257th Army Band from Washington, DC, who jetted in to enliven the anniversary proceedings with their horn section.

— Omar Tomlinson & Kadeem Rodgers