Dear Editor,

I, as well as countless others in the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region, am truly sad at the passing of Ambassador Richard Bernal.

Ambassador Bernal, during his stint in Washington, DC, had a very visible, vibrant, and positive presence. His support for relevant national and social organisations has been strong and unwavering.

Ambassador Bernal’s brilliance and long-term service to Jamaica and the region in economic and diplomatic affairs are unequalled.

During his tenure, Jamaicans in Washington, DC, looked forward to annual celebrations at the Organization of American States — friends, colleagues, and even high school classmates who had not seen each other for years and even multiple decades were reunited.

This signal moment must be recorded. The Jamaican Nationals Association (JNA), the oldest Jamaican organisation in the metropolitan area, was close to death. Four long-standing members met in a basement and decided to revive this historic organisation. Ambassador Bernal offered his services, his benediction, and the facilities of the embassy.

At that reorganisation meeting, the JNA was given new life and is now alive, kicking, and maintaining its relevance and service to Jamaicans in the US and in Jamaica.

Thanks to Ambassador Richard Bernal, this great organisation is now in its 54th year of existence.

I would like to express, on behalf of Jamaicans in the area, sincere condolence to Ambassador Bernal’s children and especially to his most gracious wife Margaret.

Louis A Hemans

lahemans@aol.com