"On behalf of the Government, I wish to thank you for representing and promoting Jamaica's interests at the highest level as Jamaica's diplomatic envoy in Washington over the past three years. Under your able and shrewd stewardship, several diplomatic initiatives have been undertaken to enhance and strengthen relations between Jamaica and the United States of America. You served with distinction as chairman of the OAS Permanent Council of Ambassadors and gained the respect and admiration of your hemispheric colleagues for your scholarly stewardship and measured approach," the prime minister said.

Foreign Minister Senator A J Nicholson had high commendation for the outgoing ambassador.

"Jamaica thanks you for your sterling and dedicated service as ambassador of Jamaica to the US. We know that you approached this mission with the zeal, dedication and studious attention to detail for which you are well known. We wish you continued success in the future," Nicholson said.

Vasciannie, meanwhile, said it has been a high honour to serve as the ambassador of Jamaica to the United States of America and permanent representative to the OAS.

"This has been an important time for Jamaica/USA relations over a wide range of issues, including human rights, economic development, security and political affairs. The visit of President Obama to Jamaica in April of this year has confirmed that, under Prime Minister Simpson Miller's leadership, our relationship with the USA has reached a significant high point. It has also been my honour to work within the OAS, and to present Jamaican perspectives in the leading multilateral forum for the Western Hemisphere.

"I am grateful to the prime minister for affording me this opportunity to serve Jamaica," he said.

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