Embassy staff bid farewell to Ambassador Antony Anderson | News
WASHINGTON:
There was warmth, laughter, heartfelt tributes and words of inspiration as members of staff of the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC gathered to bid farewell to outgoing Ambassador Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, whose year-long tenure left an indelible mark on the mission.
The farewell event, held in the embassy’s conference room on Wednesday, celebrated Anderson’s distinguished service, leadership and mentorship, with staff reflecting on the impact he made both professionally and personally during his time in Washington.
Deputy Chief of Mission Lishann Salmon delivered a moving tribute through a poem she penned and recited for the occasion. The poem reflected on the leadership lessons Anderson shared during his tenure, including the importance of intentionality, preparation, discipline, integrity and excellence.
Salmon described the ambassador as a calm and thoughtful leader who taught staff that leadership is not always loud, but is often demonstrated through steady guidance, sound judgement and service. She noted that, although he leaves Washington after only a year, the standards established and the lessons imparted will continue to guide the mission in the years ahead.
The tribute drew warm applause from staff and captured many of the themes that echoed throughout the afternoon. Staff from across the embassy spoke of Anderson’s ability to motivate colleagues to pursue personal and professional growth while encouraging them to remain focused on their goals ,despite obstacles and distractions. Others praised his accessibility, humility and willingness to invest in the development of staff at every level of the organisation.
Ambassador Anderson’s executive assistant, Melissa Baker, described him as “more than a boss”, noting that he had become a mentor who inspired confidence and challenged staff to push beyond their comfort zones and embrace new opportunities.
Trade officer Aliecia Taylor expressed the view that, “Through his professionalism, humility and unwavering commitment to Jamaica, Ambassador Anderson has set a standard of excellence that will continue to inspire us long after his departure,” Scott said.
Mission accountant Ruth Benbow, in her tribute, reflected on lessons learned from the Ambassador’s leadership style, particularly the importance of consistency, discipline and attention to detail. She noted that meaningful change often comes from doing small things well over time.
Other members of staff similarly highlighted Anderson’s emphasis on professionalism, his commitment to excellence and his belief that every member of the team has the potential to achieve greater things.
A quote shared during the ceremony from renowned author Maya Angelou resonated deeply with those in attendance: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
In his response, Anderson thanked staff for their friendship, support and dedication, and reflected on the relationships built during his time at the embassy.
“What I cherish about the year is really you guys,” he said. “Meeting you, working with you and watching you grow.”
He encouraged staff to continue investing in their personal and professional development, reminding them that growth often requires courage and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.
“You don’t have to accept anything as it is,” Anderson said. “You don’t have to be stuck anywhere. You can move on and move up, always. It takes courage, but everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
Anderson also challenged staff to remain intentional in their pursuit of excellence, stressing the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.
He urged Jamaicans to reject cynicism and instead believe in their ability to transform the country through hard work, innovation and commitment.
“We have a country that can do great things in the world,” he said. “The mission is always to leave people behind who can do better than you and better than they were doing before.”
Anderson, who assumed his new national assignment as chief executive officer of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority on June 1, assured staff that they would always remain part of his extended family and encouraged them to keep in touch.
Master of Ceremonies Derrick Scott set the tone for the occasion, describing the gathering as one marked by “mixed emotions — gratitude for outstanding service, pride in remarkable achievements, and sadness as we prepare to say farewell to an exceptional leader.”
Scott noted that, although Anderson’s posting was relatively brief, his influence on the embassy and the Jamaican diaspora throughout the United States had been profound.
In closing, Scott thanked Anderson for his distinguished service and lasting contribution to the embassy.
“You came to Washington with a proud record of service to Jamaica and left having strengthened that legacy,” Scott said. “Your impact here will long be remembered.”
Caption: ambassador plaque
Outgoing Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson (centre), receives a plaque, jointly presented by Deputy Chief of Mission Lishann Salmon (left) and Alternate Representative to the Organization of American States Delita McCallum (right), on behalf of members of staff (pictured), after a farewell ceremony at the embassy on Wednesday. Photos by Derrick Scott.
File name: ambassador toast
Caption: Outgoing Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson partakes in a toast given by members of staff after a farewell ceremony held in his honour at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, DC.