Left: Ambassador Glen Holden (ret.) makes a point at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel, in St. Andrew. - Photo by Oliver Wright, Right: Former US Ambassador Sue Cobb. - file

Sitting at a small oak table in the study of his cozy St. Andrew hotel suite, he seemed content, if not giddy. Ambassador Glen Holden, a name familiar to many Jamaicans, was scribbling notes on a small, rectangular pad in front of him, when the hotel's bellhop walked in to get his luggage. He had only a few minutes before he needed to be at the airport to catch a flight.

"Thanks a lot," the 80-year-old Idaho native whispered, with a customary smile on his face.

Ambassador Holden has a lot to be happy about. He steps down this year, as head of the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ) charity organization, after 14 years, and has been widely praised for the work he has done in that time.

The AFJ was set up in 1982 to assist Jamaican charities in areas like healthcare and education. It's a United States initiative and its directors raise money by encouraging American multinational companies with commercial interests in Jamaica, as well as the average American Joe who may have a home or some stake in the island, to donate to Jamaican charities.

Getting help

"It really is about getting those who care about the island to help out in whatever way they can," said Ambassador Holden.

"I was an ambassador to Jamaica for a while (1989-93), so that really gave me insight to some of the needs of the island. So when I was asked to head the AFJ 14 years ago, I jumped at the opportunity," he said.

Over the years, the AFJ has provided grants to agencies like the S.O.S. Children's Village, Mustard Seed Communities, Jamaica Society for the Blind, Bustamante Children's Hospital and the Denham Town Community Centre.

Proud of the work

Ambassador Holden said he's proud of the work the AFJ has done since its inception and asserted that he is confident that the group will continue to grow even as he steps down.

"I can announce that Ambassador Sue Cobb will be taking over from me and I am so happy, because I'm sure that she will come with her own brilliant ideas that will help the AFJ to grow. I will also stay on board as a director and will help out in whatever way I can, but the AFJ is in safe and good hands with Ambassador Cobb," he said.

Many Jamaican charities received invaluable assistance from the AFJ under Ambassador Holden's stewardship, but he said that he's most proud of the work he was able to do in promoting the organisation. "More people know about the AFJ and that will help us to get more help for Jamaica," he said.

As he got up from the table, after being reminded of his flight time by the bellhop, Ambassador Holden said his heart will stay with Jamaica, even as he returns home.

"I love Jamaica and the Jamaican people, and I'll always be around to help in whatever way I can. I wish the best for the country and its wonderful people," he said.