US Ambassador to Jamaica, Mr. Luis G. Moreno hosted a reception, during his first official visit to the Cayman Islands last week, for top Government officials and honorary consuls led by the Acting Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon.

Mr. Moreno highlighted the unique arrangement that allows a US Consular Agent to be stationed in the Cayman Islands despite the US Embassy located in neighbouring Jamaica. At the reception held at the George Town Yacht Club on Thursday, 9 July 2015, the Ambassador reiterated his primary assignment as the care of American citizens in the region in countries under his office’s jurisdiction.

He also noted that in addition to 11,000 American citizens living in the Cayman Islands, nearly one million Americans visit the Islands as tourists annually.

Accompanying the Ambassador were Consul General Michael Schimmel, Vice Consul Felix Sanchez, Political and Economic Affairs Counselor Cleveland Charles, Coast Guard Attaché Michael Benson and Information Specialist Derie Gilzeane – all from the US Embassy in Jamaica;; Field Office Director Crispina R. Castillo and Immigration Assistant Miguel J. Almanzar Badia – both from the US Department of Homeland Security. Also attending were Chief Justice Hon. Anthony Smellie, Mrs. Jacqueline Smellie, the Ambassador’s wife, Mrs. Gloria and daughter Ms Denise as was local US Consular Agent, Mr. Gary Montemayor.

Government officials included Acting Deputy Governor, Ms. Gloria McField- Nixon, Financial Secretary, Mr. Kenneth Jefferson and Ministry of Home Affairs Chief Officer, Mr. Eric Bush.

Photo Captions Photos by Bina Mani:
1. US Ambassador stationed in the Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica addresses invitees at a reception he hosted Thursday, 9 July 2015 at the George Town Yacht Club.
2. L-r: Acting Governor Franz Manderson, US Consul General Michael Schimmel, Vice Consul Felix Sanchez and Chief Officer Eric Bush
3. US Ambassador Luis Moreno and Acting Governor Hon. Franz Manderson with Honorary Consuls: L-r: Mr. Martin Richter (Austria), Mr. Manderson, Mr. Moreno, Mrs. Gloria Moreno, Dr. Krishna Mani (India), US Consular Agent in the Cayman Islands, Mr. Gary Montemayor and Mr. Peter Schmid (Switzerland).