Jamaica bids Kearney farewell
Published:Friday | July 5, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Yolonda Kearney, head of public affairs at the United States Embassy, takes leave of Jamaica in a few weeks, for another tropical island - Barbados.
But the impact she has made on this country could not go unnoticed. Kearney, who has spent the last three years in Jamaica, was fêted at a reception at the home of the US Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater last Thursday, in what could be described as a tear-jerking farewell.
In the short time she has been in the island, several new pages have been added to her impressive portfolio of community-related activities, particularly, in the fields of education, culture, women's issues and HIV-Aids.
Kearney has been credited for transforming the public affairs section at the embassy, taking it to one of the top five in the western hemisphere. "She is indefatigable, full of energy, and a great listener, whose intellectual curiosity has taken us to unprecedented levels," was how Ambassador Bridgewater spoke glowingly of Kearney in her tribute.
The ambassador also noted that education was Kearney's most important mantle. Her work has not gone unnoticed and she was rewarded with the Superior Honour Award, the highest award among embassies worldwide.
Barbados' chief of mission, Bridgewater said, was one lucky chief to receive Kearney as part of their team.
Several persons in attendance, including 'cultural ambassador' Pat Ramsay, paid tribute to Kearney.
Today wishes Kearney the very best in her endeavours!