Ambassadors (from left) Brenda LaGrange Johnson, Sue Cobb, and her husband, Charles.- PHOTOS BY Olubode Brown

"Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson richly deserves the honour being conferred on her by the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ)." These were the words of Prime Minister Bruce Golding in his message of congratulations to the former United States ambassador to Jamaica. On Monday, October 5, Ambassador Johnson received this year's AFJ Hummingbird Humanitarian Award at The Plaza Hotel in New York.

Mr Golding further said, "Ambassador Johnson was an exemplary representative of our powerful neighbour to the north on which so much of our fortunes depend. She immersed herself in Jamaica's challenges, helping us to identify opportunities and find solutions, and she pursued these with a zeal and passion that went far beyond her diplomatic responsibilities."

Former United States President George W. Bush's message read in part: "You have distinguished yourself as a principled leader who works hard and delivers results. Your skills and experiences helped make you a fine diplomat and I was honoured that you agreed to represent America as our ambassador to Jamaica. You did a fantastic job in an important post."

High praise for Johnson also came from His Royal Highness Charles Prince of Wales, via a letter to former Ambassador Sue Cobb, chairman of the AFJ board. Prince Charles said there was no more worthy a recipient than Johnson who had given indefatigable support to his Rose Town, Kingston project. "Mrs Johnson, who is co-chair of the project, has been vital in promoting it; I thank her for her support and I hope she will continue," the Prince's letter read.

In acknowledging the accolades, Ambassador Johnson said Jamaica had changed the lives of her family and herself because they now refer to themselves as Jamericans who felt the 'connection' immediately after they arrived on the island four years ago. "Our countries are bound together by a strong history and a profound commitment to democracy."

She saluted the indomitable spirit of Jamaicans, who, along with their leaders had over the last few years been challenged by, "devastating hurricanes and the economic tsunami directly affecting one of Jamaica's largest sources of income, tourism". Ambassador Johnson described a humanitarian as a person who is devoted to promoting the welfare of humanity, especially through the elimination of pain and suffering. "That definition is exactly what our goal is, promoting the welfare of Jamaica," she said.

The grand ballroom of the famous Central Park landmark was the perfect setting for the gathering of family, friends, business associates, colleagues from diplomatic circles and past recipients of the award. A large contingent of Jamaican friends of the Johnsons and members of the American Chamber of Commerce, Jamaica was also present.

This is one of the major fund-raisers for the AFJ annually and as is customary, there was a silent auction that included items ranging from luxury stays at villas to fabulous lunches at Club 21 and signed memorabilia from triple-gold medal Olympic superstar, Usain Bolt.

But what generated most interest was a lunch date for three couples with world-renowned American sex therapist, Ruth Westheimer, who was special guest at the event. She was the epitome of warmth and charm as she obliged everyone with photo ops or a kind word. The winner of this human auction was businessman Ben Zinkin. Dr Ruth said she would give the couples key chains, homework, as well as copies of her book, Sex for Dummies."

Among the contingent from Jamaica in attendance were Spanish Ambassador Jesus Silva and his wife, Sara; Mexican Ambassador, Leonora Rueda; Aubyn and Tamara Hill; Audrey Marks; Marcus Richards; Barrington Watson and his wife, Doreen; Harold Brady; Chris Blackwell; Mark and Julie Jones; Sue McManus; Earl and Beverly Levy; Jennifer Lim; Gordon Tewani and wife, Diana; Tony and Sheila Hart; Barclay and Diedre Ewart; Byron Kerr; Robert MacMillan; Pat Ramsey; Josef Forstmayr; Drs Dhiru and Laura Tanna; Becky and Paul Stockhausen; and Mary Philipps.

Kaysilyn Lawson makes a striking picture in gold.- Contributed/Olubode Brown

The lovely Natasha Irani (left), with her second parents, Diana and Gordon Tewani, are happy to be together at the American Friends of Jamaica Gala held at the Plaza Hotel in New York on Monday, October 5.

From left: Part of the Jamaican contingent at the gala, Julie Jones, Mary Phillips and and Diedre Ewart.

Email: barbara.ellington@ gleanerjm.com . Photos courtesy of olubode@mac.com.