Brooklyn Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has welcomed the appointment of Ralph Thomas as the new Jamaica ambassador to the United States.
Thomas is currently Jamaica’s ambassador to China; he will take the U.S. position next month.
“I welcome His Excellency Ralph Thomas, who studied business and pursued a career in banking here in New York City, on his return to the United States as the Ambassador of Jamaica,” said Clarke, who represents the Ninth Congressional District in Brooklyn.
“With his extensive experience in international finance as vice president of the Bank of New York Mellon and with the Jamaica Financial Services Authority, the Urban Development Corporation, and the National Investment Board, Ambassador Thomas has the opportunity to build on the relationship between the United States and Jamaica,” she added.
Clarke said this could be done by “facilitating investment and encouraging collaboration on initiatives, such as the development of renewable energy, for which President Obama has already pledged his support.”
“As we celebrate the 53rd Anniversary of the Independence of Jamaica, I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress, President Obama, and the Department of State, and the Nation of Jamaica to contribute to the renewal of its economy and the aspirations of its people — in Jamaica and around the world — in the 21st Century,” said Clarke, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the House of Representatives and a member of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, among others.
“I also want to thank His Excellency Dr. Stephen Vasciannie for his record of service on behalf of Jamaica,” added Clarke about the outgoing ambassador. “It was an honor to work with you.”
