JAMAICA | Ambassador Audrey Marks Moves to the Senate After Distinguished US Diplomatic Stint

KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 13, 2025 : In a high-profile reshuffling of Jamaica's US diplomatic landscape, Ambassador Audrey Marks will trade the marble halls of Washington for the parliamentary chambers of Kingston,  as Prime Minister Andrew Holness has appointed distinguished US Ambassador to the Senate. 

Her diplomatic baton will pass to former Police Commissioner Retired  Major General Antony Anderson, bringing a security heavyweight to Jamaica's most strategically significant foreign post at a critical juncture in Caribbean-American relations.

The appointment, announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, marks the end of Marks' remarkable tenure spanning multiple administrations, during which she carved her name in history as Jamaica's first female Ambassador to the United States. Her ten year diplomatic career included separate terms from 2010 to 2012 and from 2016 to present. 

Marks brings to the Senate a formidable blend of diplomatic acumen and business prowess. As founder of Paymaster Jamaica Limited, she revolutionized the nation's financial services landscape by pioneering one of the world's first internet-based multi-payment systems. Her entrepreneurial ventures extend across diverse sectors including agriculture, transportation, and real estate, earning her widespread recognition both domestically and internationally.

"Ambassador Marks' extensive experience in strengthening Jamaica-USA bilateral relations and advocating for Jamaica's interests at the Organization of American States will be invaluable in her contributions to national policy and legislative development," noted Prime Minister Holness in his announcement.

Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of the West Indies, Mona, complemented by a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. The business trailblazer has served on over 20 national and international boards and made history as the first female President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica.

Marks' exceptional contributions to Jamaica's development have not gone unrecognized. She holds the prestigious Order of Jamaica (OJ) and has been conferred with honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from both the University of the West Indies and Northern Caribbean University.

As Marks prepares to trade diplomatic corridors for the Senate chamber, Jamaica's diplomatic mission in Washington will be entrusted to Major General (Retired) Antony Anderson, whose appointment as ambassador designate was announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith.

Ambassador Designate Anderson, who recently served as Commissioner of Police, brings a wealth of security expertise to the role at a time when Jamaica seeks to strengthen its international security partnerships. 

His extensive background includes service as Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force and as Jamaica's first National Security Advisor, positions in which he played pivotal roles in shaping national security policy and fostering international cooperation.

"Major General Anderson's leadership and expertise will be critical in advancing Jamaica's wider priorities, fostering deeper collaboration with the United States while engaging strategically within the OAS," stated Minister Johnson Smith. "He will build on the strong foundation laid by Ambassador Audrey Marks, whose service has been instrumental in advancing our bilateral agenda."

Anderson's credentials include a Master of Defence Administration from the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom. His appointment reflects Jamaica's strategic diplomatic approach emphasizing experienced leadership in key ambassadorial roles.

The retired Major General is expected to assume his new post in Washington, D.C. imminently, continuing Jamaica's tradition of high-caliber representation in one of its most significant diplomatic missions.

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