Ambassador Marks Lauds Contribution of Diaspora in Enhancing Nation’s Progress

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, has expressed deep gratitude to the Jamaican Diaspora, whose ceaseless contributions in a number of areas have enhanced the nation’s progress.  

Addressing the Jamaica Association of Maryland’s 61st Anniversary Independence Gala at Martin’s West in Baltimore on August 19,  Ambassador Marks said, “through initiatives in business, health and education, and generous donations of time and resources, our Diaspora has significantly enriched Jamaican communities, leaving a lasting impact that will resonate far into the future”. 

“As a nation, we have achieved steady progress, surpassing economic forecasts and social benchmarks. Financial barometers, such as our debt-to-GDP ratio and unemployment rate are at historic lows of 78 per cent and [4.5 per cent] respectively, paving the way for enduring financial stability and sustainable growth. It is the indomitable determination of our people that has propelled us towards these goals,” Ambassador Marks noted. 

“We are renowned for our heritage, culture, and prowess in sports. Our athleticism and resilience as a people are exemplified by the Reggae Girlz’s performance in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the fight put up by our Reggae Boyz in the recently concluded Gold Cup and the performance of our athletes now under way in Budapest, Hungary. 

“As we pay homage to our ancestors for their invaluable contributions in securing independence, let us celebrate all our accomplishments in the areas of sports, music, art, academia, and politics,” Ambassador Marks declared. 

She lauded the Jamaican Association of Maryland (JAM) as a “shining example of a robust, change-making diaspora organisation helping to move Jamaicans and Jamaica forward”.   

It is against this background that Ambassador Marks proposed that the Association consider implementing a youth travel and mentorship programme – Upliftment, Learning, and Intervention through Foreign Travel (UPLIFT).  

She explained that this programme aims to expose young Jamaican boys, aged seven to 18, by hosting them and their parents with families in the United States who will introduce them to different experiences over a two- to three-week period. 

Ambassador Marks emphasised that the genesis of UPLIFT was rooted in the need to intervene and cauterise what is happening in the society as it relates to young boys.  

The programme is intended to give them an opportunity to change their environment by affording them a different experience.  

Quoting Oliver Wendell Holmes, Ambassador Marks stated that “once the mind has expanded by a new experience, it can never regain its original dimensions”. 

“This is one area that I know this organisation can assist with that will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our young boys. I am asking the JAM president and its members to join me in launching this pilot project in Maryland.  

“The organisation will need to form a committee to assist with the recruiting, vetting and monitoring of suitable families for the programme. The participants will spend at least two weeks with a host family that has been qualified as a safe, nurturing environment, and I know that will start a transformation,” Ambassador Marks advised. 

The Jamaican Ambassador commended President of the Association, Ricardo Nugent, his executive team, and the members of JAM for the remarkable work they are doing in and for the community. 

Emmy award-winning journalist from the CBS channel 9 station in Washington DC, Jamaican-born Larry Sindass, was awarded the Marcus Garvey Award for his outstanding contribution to journalism.  

Mr. Sindass is the News ProducerChief Editor for CBS channel 9 and he is also the producer for the ‘Carib Nations’ weekly news magazine television programme, which is syndicated to 21 countries.