Ambassador Represents Jamaica at Inauguration Ceremony

Ambassador to the United States (US), His Excellency Stephen Vasciannie and his wife, Lisa, were among over 200 diplomats who attended the inauguration ceremony for the US President, Barak Obama, on January 21.

Ambassador Vasciannie told JIS News that he was deeply honoured to represent the people and government of Jamaica and to witness this moment in the history of the United States.

“The re-election of President Obama is an important sign of democratic continuity and the affirmation of certain important historical trends in American. Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller has sent unequivocal and warm congratulations to President Obama and I take the opportunity to reiterate them today,” he said.

The Jamaican envoy noted that Jamaica has had strong links with the United States of America since independence.

At the time of the presentation of the Ambassador’s Letters of Credence, in August 2012, President Obama referred to these strong links, pointing out that in addition to trade, investment and security matters, Jamaica provided a unique venue for tourists from the USA.

It is estimated that more than 2 million Jamaicans live in the United States of America.