Wearing her signature colour, red, and exuding her usual bubbly personality, American Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson entered the Summerset Suite at the Courtleigh Hotel and Suites.

The outgoing American ambassador was the guest of honour at a farewell reception put on by the Jamaica America Friendship Association (JAFA), for which she is patron. In an intimate setting, members of the association and friends applauded her dedicated work with the association. Morin Seymour, president of JAFA, said that she was instrumental in giving bursaries to two University of Technology students valued at $160,000 this year. Over alternating years she has assisted in providing over $1 million in academic bursaries to undergraduate students.

High-quality classical music

"More importantly, she has assisted the growth of JAFA by lending the support of the offices of the US Embassy's public affairs division to our several programmes, whether these be treats for some 150 children from children's homes, as we did this month, or provision of high-quality classical music in the case of 'Music Through the Ages,' earlier this year at the University Chapel," said Seymour. He also highlighted her contribution to a library in Rose Town.

In her response, the ambassador reiterated her love for the country she has resided and worked in for three years.

She recounted an incident where she and her husband were at the induction of Billy Jean King into the Tennis Hall of Fame in the United States recently. Barbara Walters, broadcast journalist, said to her, "Congratulations on Bolt," and she said, "Thank you very much," LaGrange Johnson related with a laugh. That explains the love she has for Jamaica.

"I may have to leave Jamaica as an ambassador but I'll never leave Jamaica," she said.

The real love

But the real love came pouring out in song during the cabaret segment. A mini-competition ensued among the musical talents present. Carole Reid, Commander John McFarlane, Wayne Armond, Harold Davis, Tarrus Riley, Jon Williams and Karen Smith all delighted the appreciative audience.

Guests included: Howard Johnson, Errol Brennan, vice-president, JAFA; Dr Winsome Clarke, Dr Burnette Burton, member, Richard and Diana Stewart, Verla Seymour, Marguerite Barrett, Patricia Ramsay, Director, Centre for the Arts University of Technology; Ken Jones, founder of JAFA; Paul Blackwood, Dweight Peters, CEO Saint International Models; Dr Blossom O'Meally-Nelson.

Errol Brennan (left), vice-president, Jamaica America Friendship Association (JAFA), American Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, patron of JAFA (second left), Howard Johnson (third right), Morin Seymour, president of JAFA, and his wife, Verla Seymour, are all engrossed in conversation.

Diana Stewart of Stewart's Auto Sales chats with Howard Johnson (right) while her husband Richard Stewart looks on. - Photos by Colin Hamilton/freelance photographer

Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson (centre) was in awe at the beauty of this painting by local artist Paul Blackwood. The gift was from members of the Jamaica America Friendship Association. From left are the association's president, Morin Seymour, and vice-president, Errol Brennan.

Patricia Ramsay, director of the Centre for the Arts, University of Technology (left), with Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson.