From soldier to statesman

WESTERN BUREAU:

Newly appointed Jamaican Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, says stepping into diplomacy is not a departure, but a continuation of his lifelong commitment to public service.

“I’ve been a public servant for 41 years,” said Anderson. “This is a new phase, diplomacy as the central theme. But the mission is still to serve Jamaica.”

He succeeds Ambassador Audrey Marks, who held the post for over a decade, and enters the diplomatic arena with a legacy of transformation and innovation, earned during decades of leadership in Jamaica’s military and police services.

From a young age, Anderson knew his future lay in national service. His father, a former Royal Air Force member, instilled in him a sense of adventure and practicality.

“He taught me things other kids weren’t learning, how to fix things, build things, get things done. That foundation led me to the path I’ve followed.”

Anderson spent 34 years in the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), six of them as chief of defence staff. His leadership began in the aftermath of the 2010 security operations in Tivoli Gardens. By 2011, calls emerged to merge the JDF and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), prompting urgent change.

“We had to move the JDF from behind walls and closed doors to a more transparent model. It was critical to bring the people in, to turn it into Jamaica’s defence force,” he said. “A soldier who sees someone in trouble can’t pass them by, because they are serving their own.”

TRANSFORMING THE JDF

He transformed the JDF into a modern, multi-dimensional institution, launching a technologically advanced operations centre that could track maritime threats, aircraft movement, and even public health risks like the spread of the chikungunya virus in 2014.

“We created algorithms that predicted CHIK-V’s arrival and we were only one day out.”

His commitment to innovation continued as national security adviser, where he oversaw the implementation of security benchmarks attached to Jamaica’s 2016 International Monetary Fund standby agreement, the first of its kind to include crime reduction goals. He also played a central role in drafting and launching the zones of special operations (ZOSO), a legislative framework requiring social intervention alongside policing in troubled communities.

“It was important to hit those benchmarks,” he recalled. “Because, for the first time, our development strategy had to recognise security as a core economic factor.”

Appointed commissioner of police in 2018, Anderson inherited an institution plagued by low morale and mistrust.

“The JCF was not a good brand. People did not have confidence in it. Part of the job was to change that image and, more importantly, the internal morale.”

He initiated a rebranding campaign under the slogan ‘A Force for Good’, aimed at inspiring both the public and rank-and-file police personnel. This included creative social media engagements, like ‘Wanted Wednesdays’, led by the very team that had previously operated in the shadows.

PERMISSION TO INNOVATE

“People asked what agency we hired for our social media. It was the same team. We just gave them permission to innovate. I told them, ‘If heat comes, I’ll take it. You keep pushing’.”

His leadership style, Anderson said, is rooted in empowerment.

“It doesn’t matter where you sit in an organisation, you can make a difference. That’s what I tell my teams, you don’t need a new title to innovate.”

Now preparing for his role in Washington, Anderson is entering an environment of heightened global complexity. Yet, he remains grounded.

“This is not a settled environment. But I believe Jamaica must be agile, proactive, and fully engaged in protecting its interests.”

While he awaits in-depth briefings on policy, he is clear on his values.

“This isn’t about a rigid plan. It’s about representing Jamaica’s interests, staying flexible, and building relationships that matter.”

He also acknowledged the importance of understanding the Jamaican diaspora and bringing their voices into the room.

“Whether they live in Jamaica or overseas, Jamaicans need to feel represented. Our diaspora is critical, not just as investors and advocates, but as ambassadors themselves.”

Despite the demands of his various posts, Anderson credits his family with helping him stay centred.

“You carry a lot in these roles, but you always need something to come home to. For me, that is my family. And my father’s lessons still guide me.”

From soldier to diplomat, his trajectory has remained consistent: innovate, transform, and serve with purpose.

“Whatever you do, you should be trying to move it from where it is to some place better. It is not about doing your job. It’s about making a difference.

“That mindset doesn’t change with the job title. It deepens.”

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com