Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

President of the American Friends of Jamaica, Ambassador Sue Cobb (left), with grant recipients (from second left) Jason Henzell, Polly Perry, Professor Everard Barton, Glen Lawrence, David Wilson, Keisha Phipps, AFJ executive director, Elaine Chung, Sydney Engel, his wife Sylvia, and Cynthia Hume - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

When persons fall in love with a country and its people, it's a love affair that lasts.

The American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) held its 28th annual presentation last Tuesday, giving new grants for various organisations to continue their work in Jamaica.

This year, the AFJ distributed close to US$450,000 in grants to the non-profit organisations. To date, the AFJ has contributed over $10 million to Jamaican entities. Donations were meted out by category: Health, Human and Economic Development and Education. But some charities were earmarked by donors to receive specific gifts, in addition to the categories.

guests and supporters

American multinational corporations with commercial interests in Jamaica, American winter residents and members of the diplomatic corps were some of the organisation's initial supporters.

Guests out included former president of the AFJ Ambassador (retired) Glen Holden and wife Gloria, Lacy Wright, Earl and Beverly Levy, Alvaro Casserly, Polly Bowes-Howell, Elaine Chung, and Judy Farmar.

Anthony Richards leads Virginia Woods of the Jamaica Society for the Blind to receive her grant.

At left: Becky Stockhausen (left) and Jennifer Lim joke with Robert MacMillan.

Former United States Ambassador to Jamaica Glen Holden and Keisha Phipps, executive director of the American Friends of Jamaica, view some of the various charities being aided this year at the annual awards luncheon, 8 Long Lane, Stony Hill, last Tuesday.

Anthony Richards of Teen Challenge Jamaica receives a grant for the organisation from Keisha Phipps, executive director of the American Friends of Jamaica. Looking on is president of the AFJ, Sue Cobb, former United States Ambassador to Jamaica.

Founders of the MoBay Hope Medical Centre, Sydney Engel and wife Sylvia (right), stop for a photo op with president of American Friends of Jamaica, Ambassador Sue Cobb (left), and Keisha Phipps, executive director.- Photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer