Jamaican Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), Anthony Johnson, has said that he anticipates, under President Barack Obama's administration, a strengthening of the positive relations that Jamaica has always enjoyed with the U.S.

Ambassador Johnson, who, along with his wife, Pamella, represented Jamaica at the inauguration ceremony of the 44th President of the States of America, in Washington, DC yesterday (Jan. 20), told JIS News, that he was, "really excited to witness this historic moment in the history of the United States. I am honoured to represent the people and the Government of Jamaica at this monumental event.

He expressed the hope that developing countries like Jamaica will be more involved in the foreign policy framework of the U.S, which recognises that shared broad-based development is the surest way to secure and maintain global prosperity and stability.

Hundreds of Jamaicans joined the estimated two million who were in attendance to witness this historic event. Dr. Princess Beckford, a Jamaican living in Atlanta, who travelled to Washington DC to celebrate the occasion, told JIS News, that "while Jamaica has been governed by black leadership for many years, the inauguration of President Barack Obama is a significant and historic event for the United States. I share their excitement and wanted to celebrate with them".

Jamaican-born Jacquie Patterson, a former Peace Corps volunteer carried the flag of Jamaica in the inaugural parade as part of the U.S. Peace Corps delegation. Another Jamaican, 15 year-old John Henry Marley attended the ceremony as a guest of the U.S. Congressional Youth Leadership Council, and the National Youth Leadership Forum, to share in the historical ceremony.

In addition to attending the inauguration, Ambassador Johnson also attended events planned by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, which includes the inaugural parade, and the official eastern inaugural ball. He is expected to attend the national prayer service today (Jan. 21) at the Washington National Cathedral, where he will meet President Obama.

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