The History of the AFJ

The American Friends of Jamaica was established in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) organization to assist Jamaican charities in the areas of education, healthcare and, human and economic development. American multinational corporations with commercial interests in Jamaica, American winter residents, and members of the diplomatic corps were some of the organization's initial supporters. The non-profit organization's founder was Anne F. Sabo, who directed the AFJ until 2003.

An annual fall charity gala was established as the major fundraising event for the organization. Each spring, the AFJ awards its annual grants. The luncheon awards ceremony is hosted by the United States Ambassador to Jamaica and the AFJ board of directors present organizations with grants that have ranged from US$500 to $200,000.

In its second year, the Board elected to pay tribute to men, women, and organizations who help improve the lives of Jamaicans. Several awards were created, and awardees have included political figures, business people, and entertainment personalities.

The AFJ's first chairman, in 1982, was former U.S. Ambassador Loren Lawrence. Following his death, the Board elected Major Gen. Donald S. Dawson, U.S.A.F., Ret., C. D. (Hon.). He served for 15 years and was elected Chairman Emeritus. Former U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica the Hon. Glen A. Holden succeeded Gen. Dawson and remained AFJ President until 2007. Currently Former Florida Secretary of State and Former US Ambassador to Jamaica, Sue M. Cobb, serves as the AFJ President.

2009	Donnette Chambers assumes the role of Executive Director of the AFJ, bringing the strengths of her Diplomatic and Jamaican Foreign Service career to serve the mission and ideals of the AFJ.
	The AFJ hires its first Progam Associate, Ms. Donnette Chambers.
	AFJ Celebrates its 5th Anniversary in South Florida honoring Michele Rollins, Rollins Jamaica Ltd. at the Peacock Ball
	The AFJ rounds off the year with its 28th Annual Hummingbird Gala in New York; honoring former Ambassador to Jamaica Brenda la Grange Johnson
2007	Amb. Sue Cobb is elected to the AFJ Board of Directors and later assumes the position of AFJ Chair after Amb. Glen Holden's retirement
2006	Keisha Phipps, assumes the role of Executive Director from retiring Lacy Wright as the organization's third Executive Director. Ms. Phipps served as a community leader and consultant prior to joining the AFJ.
	The AFJ/ Cobb Family Lecture Series Launched to facilitate a public forum for the presentation of academic findings related to Jamaica's future
	AFJ Celebrates 25th Anniversary and honors Chris Blackwell, Founder, Island Records, Island Outpost and Palm Pictures
2005	Keisha Phipps, hired as the organization's first Chief Operating Officer
	Msgr. Richard Albert, Founder, St. Patrick's Foundation and Royal Caribbean Cruises honored at the Inaugural South Florida gala held at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
2003	Lacy Wright, Charge d'Affaires Kingston is appointed Executive Director and takes over from outgoing director Anne Sabo.
1993	Major Gen. Donald S. Dawson, U.S.A.F., Ret., C. D. (Hon.) elected Chairman Emeritus after 15 years as Chairman
	Amb. Glen Holden succeeds the resigning Major Gen. Donald S. Dawson, U.S.A.F., ret., C.D. (Hon.) as the AFJ's third president. He led the international polo association and served as US Ambassador to Jamaica.
1987	Following the death of Former U.S. Ambassador Loren Lawrence, the Board elected Major Gen. Donald S. Dawson, U.S.A.F., Ret., C. D. (Hon.) as AFJ Chairman.
1984	Mrs. Mitsy Elizabeth Seaga, Former First Lady of Jamaica honored with the first AFJ Humanitarian Award.
1982	The American Friends of Jamaica was founded in 1982 by a group of Americans and Jamaicans interested in giving back to Jamaica. Anne Sabo was the organization's founder.
	Former U.S. Ambassador Loren Lawrence elected as the AFJ's first chairman in 1982.