Ambassador Marks Presents Credentials to OAS Secretary General

Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, presented her credentials as Jamaica’s Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) to the OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro, in Washington on September 29.

The Ambassador said Jamaica is committed to the principles and objectives of the OAS.

“These principles include the promotion of democracy, the protection of human rights, the maintenance of peace and security and the advancement of sustainable economic development throughout the hemisphere,” she noted.

The Ambassador said Jamaica is willing to work constructively towards the fulfilment of the mandates emanating from the Summit of the Americas and the General Assembly, which were held in April 2015 and June of this year, respectively.

Ambassador Marks said she will be working closely with the Secretary General, the Assistant Secretary General, as well as colleague permanent representatives, in this challenging time for the Organization, to ensure that it fulfils the objectives outlined in the Strategic Vision for a more efficient, effective and responsive organisation.

She emphasised that all member states share similar goals for a free and peaceful hemisphere, but noted that there are challenges.

Chief among these challenges, she outlined, are education, training and employment for youth, violence against women, exploitation of children, and climate change.

In his remarks, Secretary General Almagro lauded Jamaica for its contribution to peace and justice and to the development of democracy and human rights.

The Secretary General said the Ambassador’s contribution to the OAS would be very important at this time, given her outstanding background coming from the private sector. “Your work here at the OAS will be very important to all of us,” he said.

Prior to the OAS ceremony, Ambassador Marks also presented her credentials to Ambassador Peter Selfridge, Chief of Protocol at the US State Department.