Former top cop to become new ambassador to US

A change is coming to Jamaica’s top diplomatic post in the United States (US), with retired Major General Antony Anderson set to replace Audrey Marks as the island’s ambassador in Washington, DC, at the end of the month.

Anderson, a former commissioner of police, will also assume the position of Jamaica’s permanent representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) while Marks has been appointed to the Senate.

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, made the announcement of Anderson’s appointment in a news release shortly after the Office of the Prime Minister announced that Marks would be stepping down and joining Parliament’s Upper House.

“We are very pleased that Major General Anderson will assume this role at a time when Jamaica looks to strengthen its security partnerships,” Johnson Smith said. “His leadership and expertise will also be critical in advancing Jamaica’s wider priorities, fostering deeper collaboration with the United States while engaging strategically within the OAS. He will build on the strong foundation laid by Ambassador Audrey Marks, whose service has been instrumental in advancing our bilateral agenda.”

The minister said the new ambassador-designate would take up his post imminently but did not give a date.

Anderson, the foreign ministry said, brings decades of experience in defence, security, and strategic leadership. He previously served as chief of defence staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) before becoming Jamaica’s first national security advisor, “where he played a critical role in shaping national security policy and international cooperation”.

Said the ministry: “As commissioner of police, he spearheaded modernisation efforts in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, advancing technology integration and organisational reform to enhance public safety and law enforcement.”

In announcing Marks’ Senate appointment, Holness said she brings a wealth of experience in diplomacy, business, and public service to her new role.

“Her extensive experience in strengthening Jamaica-US bilateral relations and advocating for Jamaica’s interest at the OAS will be invaluable in her new role in national policy and legislative development,” the prime minister said in his announcement.

In a text message to The Gleaner, the outgoing ambassador acknowledged her departure from the position that she has held since 2016.

STRONG RELATIONSHIP

Marks said in a statement that she was leaving at a time when “the relationship between the United States and Jamaica remains strong where both countries have enjoyed a long history of mutually beneficial cooperation grounded in geographic proximity, historical and cultural ties”.

She also expressed her gratitude to the Jamaican Diaspora in the US with which she said she had the privilege to work.

Holness said he looked forward to her continued contributions to nation-building through her service in the Senate.

Marks was Jamaica’s 13th ambassador to the US and the only woman to hold the position.

She also served as permanent representative to the OAS.

Marks was first appointed ambassador in 2010 and served for two years until 2012. She was again appointed ambassador in 2016. She is the only person ever to have been appointed to the position twice.

Marks has long hinted at a desire to leave the position and was expected to do so last year but decided to stay on following Donald Trump’s election to a second term as US president.

She has been credited with developing a number of bilateral arrangements between the US and Jamaica.

Through her efforts, the Joe Biden Administration earmarked some US$10-million for at-risk children in Jamaica, an initiative that was announced by then US Vice President Kamala Harris.

Marks also initiated a scholarship programme for Jamaican students with Howard University through the Jamaica’s Promise Foundation.

Due to the COVID pandemic, she developed and hosted the ‘Let’s Connect’ town hall meetings that gave Jamaicans the opportunity to interact with various ministers of government, including Holness.

An entrepreneur, Marks started a number of companies in Jamaica. She was the founder of Paymaster Jamaica Limited, an online bill-paying system that started in 1997.

She holds a bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from The University of the West Indies, Mona, and Nova Southeastern University in Florida, respectively.

Marks is the recipient of numerous citations and recognition from her peers and various organisations for her pioneering work, entrepreneurial endeavours, and commitment to social causes. These include Ernst & Young Nominee for the ‘Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year 2000’; Business Leader of the Year Award nominee for 2000; and the Florida International University Business Leader of the Year Award for 2003 and 2010.

She was, last year, awarded the Order of Jamaica by the Jamaican Government.

As reports of her leaving spread through the diaspora, tributes have been paid to her tenure as ambassador.

GOOD REPRESENTATION

Dr Robert Clarke, president of Health Jamaica Medical Mission, which undertakes medical missions to Jamaica, told The Gleaner that Marks represented Jamaica well and was always supportive of the Jamaican Diaspora.

“I worked with her to get medical and school supplies to Jamaica, and she was always there to smooth the way should the need arise,” he said.

Clarke disclosed that as president of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations, he would have monthly meetings with her to discuss how best to assist Jamaica.

He also recalled working with the ambassador to assist Jamaica during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Irwine Clare, head of Team Jamaica Bickle, said that during her tenure, he worked well with her and ensured that she was honoured at the Penn Relays.

“I wish her well in whatever future endeavours that she undertakes. She served Jamaica well as ambassador,” he told The Gleaner.

Dr Z. Roy Davidson, head of Global Healthy Network in California, described Marks as always being supportive of Jamaicans and Jamaican organisations and making several trips to the West Coast to support the efforts of Jamaican organisations.

“She was a dedicated public servant who was always there for us,” he said.

Owen Eccles, immediate past president of the Jamaican Organisation of New Jersey, said the announcement of the ambassador’s impending departure was a shock to the diaspora, especially its members in New Jersey.

“She has served the diaspora and Jamaica with distinction. She was an affable and compassionate envoy and was a great advocate for Jamaica,” he said.

Eccles said her passion for Jamaica was evident in her encouragement to build Jamaica and care for the less fortunate.

editorial@gleanerjm.com