Embassy of Jamaica in Washington DC Hosts Inaugural Citizenship Ceremony

The Embassy of Jamaica in Washington DC recently hosted its inaugural Citizenship Ceremony, formally recognising 27 Jamaican nationals, both newly naturalised and those affirming citizenship by descent.

The historic event brought together new and existing citizens with distinguished guests for an evening of formal recognition, ministerial addresses, and national reaffirmation.

Each recipient was presented with an official letter of recognition from Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, along with a copy of the programme. marking their formal entry into the renewed embrace of Jamaican citizenship.

Ambassador Anderson, who also serves as Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), described the ceremony as a defining milestone in the Embassy’s diaspora-engagement mandate.

“This historic moment… marks a beginning and a belonging. Welcome to the family,” he told the newly minted citizens.

Ambassador Anderson emphasised that the ceremony will become a recurring fixture on the Embassy’s calendar.

The ceremony, originally scheduled for late 2025, was postponed following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Ambassador Anderson affirmed the Mission’s determination to see the event through, stating “We were not going to be deterred. This is very important… and we are resilient.

“Citizenship is not granted lightly. It reflects both eligibility and trust. In accepting it, you assume a shared commitment to uphold the Constitution, to respect the rule of law, and to contribute to the stability and advancement of our society,” he added.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, addressed the new citizens via video, delivering a message centred on constitutional duty and the obligations of national belonging.

“With citizenship comes full participation in national life. It means engaging responsibly, contributing constructively, and upholding the standards that sustain a secure and orderly society. Your actions, individually and collectively, will help to reinforce the values upon which this nation stands,” he stated.

The Deputy Prime Minister also issued a direct charge to members of the diaspora among the new citizens.

“Whether you reside in Jamaica or across the diaspora, you now carry with you the identity and responsibility of being Jamaican. You are expected to act with integrity, to respect our institutions, and to contribute, in whatever way you can, to national development and cohesion,” Dr. Chang emphasised.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade with Responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, who also addressed the ceremony via video, congratulated recipients and highlighted a deepening global desire to claim Jamaican identity.

“Your decision to become Jamaican is both significant and symbolic. It speaks to a growing global appreciation for Jamaica, not only as a place of culture and beauty but as a nation with which people wish to build lasting ties and contribute meaningfully to its future,” he said.

The State Minister further underscored the growing trend of citizenship by descent.

“We are, indeed, witnessing a steady increase in applications for Jamaican citizenship across our overseas Missions, particularly citizenship by descent. This is encouraging, as it signals the strengthening of generational bonds… second, third, and even fourth generation Jamaicans who continue to claim and celebrate their heritage,” Mr. Terrelonge added.

This trend is supported by data. Ambassador Anderson reported that in 2025, citizenship applications from Jamaicans across the United States reached 3,000, representing a 25 per cent increase over the prior year and reflecting a growing appreciation for the value of formal ties to the homeland.

He encouraged the newest citizens to translate their sense of belonging into tangible contributions.

“Citizenship gives you a place in that journey, a stake in the game. It means you can contribute through investment, knowledge transfer, mentorship, and professional collaboration,” Ambassador Anderson said.

He reminded the attendees that Jamaica’s diaspora – spanning healthcare, technology, education, finance, and the creative industries – remains one of the nation’s most valuable strategic assets.

“Wherever you go, carry Jamaica with you – its values, its spirit, and its sense of possibility,” Ambassador Anderson added.

The Embassy confirmed that the Citizenship Ceremony will become a regular feature of its annual programme, with plans already under way to expand the initiative to other regions of the United States, including the West Coast.

The initiative forms part of the Government of Jamaica’s broader strategy to deepen structured engagement with the diaspora, strengthen national identity across generations, and facilitate greater participation in the country’s development.