Ambassador Thomas Takes Up Duties in Washington

Jamaica’s new Ambassador to the United States (US), His Excellency Ralph Thomas, has assumed duties in Washington, DC.

Ambassador Thomas arrived in the US capital on September 4 and has already delivered his accreditation letters to the US Department of State.

He will officially present his credentials to US President, Barack Obama, on September 17 and shortly thereafter, to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), His Excellency Luis Almagro, as Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the organisation.

Appointed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, on August 21, 2015 as Jamaica’s 12^th Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Thomas succeeds Professor Stephen Vasciannie, whose tour of duty concluded in July.

He was appointed Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China in 2013 and focused on strengthening relations between the countries in key areas of development.

A former University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona School of Business and Management teaching fellow, Ambassador Thomas has experience in multinational banking and trade financing, and served as Vice President of the Bank of New York for 22 years.

Jamaicans residing in the North-East United States have welcomed the new Ambassador and pledged to give him their full support as he represents the island’s interests.

The Embassy of Jamaica is planning a special reception to introduce the new Ambassador to the Jamaican community in the Washington area.