Farewell, Pamela
Published:Friday | November 15, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
United States Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater was the toast of a farewell reception held in her honour at Mark and Paula Kerr-Jarrett's home in Montego Bay Monday night.
Bridgewater, who has made an indelible contribution to Jamaica's nation-building efforts, was lauded by educators, community activists, entrepreneurs, the business community and, particularly, by Paula Kerr-Jarrett, who spoke glowingly of a woman who, after three years in Jamaica, had become a friend.
"You have made such an incredible impact on our lives and our nation," Kerr-Jarrett stated in her tribute.
Bridgewater has earned the reputation of being the most compassionate, accessible and down-to-earth United States ambassador to be posted in Jamaica. Her admirers speak of a woman who has broken glass ceilings, making way for others to walk in her shoes.
The affable ambassador had in attendance her husband, Russell Awkard, who she married three years ago. She spoke of returning home to the United States satisfied that she had made some of the best friends she will ever have, while enjoying some quality time with her husband.
For her, the period spent here has been one in which she has witnessed the economic advancement and achievement of some of the social objectives of St James and the western end of the island.
"The US government continues to make significant investments in the educational, cultural, and social advancement of western Jamaica youths," she stated. She expressed how satisfied she was with the US Mission's Youth Ambassador's Programme and the Ambassador's Academic Achievements Awards, which have allowed students from the region the opportunity to work towards the vision they have for themselves, their communities, and the nation.
The west says farewell and kudos to the champion, Pamela Bridgewater!