US gov’t hails Marks for role in strengthening ties with Jamaica

Barbara Feinstein, the United States (US) deputy assistant secretary for Caribbean Affairs, Haiti and Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, has lauded former Jamaican Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks for her role in strengthening relations between the US and Jamaica during her tenure.

Marks, who is also the former permanent representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), is now a senator and minister in the Jamaican Government.

“This is obviously an auspicious week for US-Jamaican relations, for the Secretary [of State] Marco Rubio having just completed a very successful visit. Ambassador Marks was absolutely vital and instrumental to the success of the visit,” she said.

Feinstein, who was addressing a farewell reception hosted by the Embassy of Jamaica in honour of Marks at the OAS Hall of the Americas in Washington, DC on Friday, reaffirmed the importance of the Jamaica-US relationship, and noted that Rubio’s visit was not coincidental, as it happened just prior to Marks’ departure from Washington, DC.

“I thank you Senator Marks for everything you did with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and your Government to make the visit the success it was, as well as to shape the visit and working with us to ensure that we could highlight the strength of the US-Jamaican partnership.”

She further mentioned that it was a bittersweet moment “for all of us to come together to honour and celebrate Audrey Marks, now Senator and Minister Marks, for your absolutely brilliant eight years here as ambassador from Jamaica to the United States and permanent representative to the OAS. Some members of the diplomatic corps served one tour of duty, but you were so exceptional that you were asked by your country to serve on two occasions in this position”.

Feinstein said she admired Marks for her tenacity, pragmatism, dedication, and follow-through, attributes that will serve her well in her new position focusing on efficiency and digital transformation.

In her response, Marks said that “over the last eight years, I have had the honour of witnessing the deep and enduring ties that bind Jamaica and the United States together. Our collaboration, shared values, common goals and people-to-people ties have shaped both our country’s progress in significant ways. The friendships that I have formed and the experience I have had will forever hold a special place in my heart”.

SPIRIT OF COOPERATION

She added: “I must extend my deepest thanks to the government of the United States, its people and my esteemed bilateral colleagues. Your generosity and spirit of cooperation have made my time here truly unforgettable, from high-level meetings and diplomatic discussions to the more personal encounters and warm exchange, each moment has been invaluable in fostering mutual understanding in strengthening our bond.”

Marks also indicated that it was an honour and privilege to serve as her country’s representative to the OAS and that she was deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such resolute and visionary individuals.

Turning to the diaspora, Marks said that “the bond that unite us, no matter where we are in the world, is one that transcends borders”.

She said she had the privilege to serve as the link between Jamaicans in the US and their homeland. She further noted that she had seen firsthand the contributions the diaspora continues to make to health, education, security and other developmental areas. These include the adoption of clinics, the support of students, medical missions, and investment of critical resources, “proving that together we can increase Jamaica’s beauty, fellowship and prosperity”.

Among those also paying tribute were Secretary General of the OAS Luis Almagro; OAS Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Nestor Mendez; and Sir Ronald Sanders, dean of the ambassadors of the Western Hemisphere accredited to the United States and dean of the ambassadors to the OAS; as well as Professor Emeritus of Stanford University Donald Harris, the father of former Vice-President Kamala Harris.

The farewell reception was attended by representatives of the United States government, members of the diplomatic corps and the Jamaican diaspora.