< Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Anthony Hylton (2nd right) and Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley (centre), with persons of Jamaican heritage, who were elected to positions in the United States government. From left are: Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Anthony G. Brown; Delegate of Maryland General Assembly, Shirley Nathan-Pulliam; Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (far right)e. The four were honored at a recent reception hosted by the Jamaican Embassy at the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC.

(Photo by Derrick Scott)

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Anthony Hylton, has lauded the contribution of Jamaicans to the development of their adopted homes, in areas of economics, health, education and politics.

"Jamaicans have contributed to the growth of economies to the building of education, health, transportation and other socio-economic systems, and the development of political systems," Minister Hylton stated. The Miniter was addressing a recent reception in Washington to celebrate the achievement of four persons of Jamaican heritage, who were recently elected to positions in the United States government. "You, who we honour today, represent the best in the tradition. Here in the United States, you stand on the shoulders of Caribbean giants such as Marcus Garvey, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, and former New York State Representative, Una Clarke," he stated. "The confidence and dedication, which have brought your success, comes from that Jamaican education family system and socialization," he added.

In his remarks, Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States, Professor Gordon Shirley, said for the first time in Jamaica's history, "we have so many persons of Jamaican heritage holding high political offices at the same time". Those honoured were Mayor of the District of the Columbia, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty; Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Anthony G. Brown; and Delegate of Maryland General Assembly, Shirley Nathan-Pulliam.

Some 600 persons attended the reception, including members of Congress, the diplomatic corps and a host of influential members of the Washington DC community.

JIS, Washington, DC
Derrick A. Scott

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