JUNE Martin stood in front of the US Embassy on Old Hope Road, Kingston last Friday with a smile on her face. The trip to the embassy was not the first for the Martin, who appeared to be in her early 50s and who said that she had travelled more than 100 miles, from Westmoreland, to conduct business at the mission.

Using her hand to shield her face from the rays of the early morning sun, Martin stood among a crowd of curious onlookers.

US Ambassador Pamela Bridgewater (centre), is flanked by US Consular staff as she cuts the ribbon to mark the official opening of the new covered section outside the embassy. The facility was erected to provide protection from the elements for members of the public doing business with the embassy. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood)

The group converged across the road from where US Consular staff gathered to officially open a new covered section on the outside of the building.

The 145-foot structure, with six aluminium benches, was erected to provide protection from the elements for members of the public doing business with the embassy.

“I really like what them doing for the people, at least them putting up something to accommodate the people who come to do business with them,” said Martin.

US Ambassador to Jamaica, Pamela Bridgewater, who gave the main address, was obviously pleased as she announced the official opening of the structure.

“Our Consular section is important to our embassy’s operation. It is, in fact, the hub of our operations,” said Bridgewater.

Herman Reid, another member of the group of onlookers who witnessed the event, also welcomed the move.

“I think it is a good idea and is a professional step taken by the embassy to accommodate members of the public who travel

to the embassy to do business,” he said.

He was supported by Owen Campbell, who felt the move was overdue.