Ambassador Marks Sworn in to the Senate

Former Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, was today (March 14) sworn in as a Government Senator in the Upper House.

Senator Marks was warmly welcomed by her colleagues after she took the Oath of Allegiance.

President of the Senate, Senator the Hon. Tom Tavares-Finson, congratulated Ambassador Marks on her appointment.

“You and I have had a long relationship, as well, going back many years, so it’s lovely to see you back in Jamaica continuing to contribute to the development of this Jamaica land we love,” he said.

In welcoming her new colleague, Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, said she looks forward to serving with Ambassador Marks in the Chamber.

“I know her to be someone who is phenomenally skilled in the art of negotiation. She is committed to Jamaica. She has a love for country and an ability to not only organise but to see how things can be done differently and better. She brings not only her private-sector experience but her general leadership and international experience to the space of the Senate and to the debates of the Senate, which I think, will undoubtedly enrich all of our sittings with further perspectives, and of course, deep knowledge and patriotism,” she said.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the Prime Minister’s appointment and welcome Senator Audrey Patrece Marks to our ranks today,” she added.

Leader of Opposition Business, Senator Peter Bunting, described Senator Marks as an innovator in the Jamaican financial sector, particularly the payment subsector.

“I anticipate that she will bring a level of decorum to the Senate that is appropriate, especially given her extensive diplomatic experience. While protocol dictates that you always welcome whoever is sent, in this case, I can genuinely welcome …the new Senator and look forward to reacquainting myself with her on a regular basis on a Friday,” he said.

In her response, Senator Marks said it is an honour and pleasure to continue to serve the country in another capacity.

“It’s a special pleasure and an inspiration for me to be here with you today because I have seen where so many of you, despite having full-time jobs otherwise, make the time and the sacrifice to be here in the Senate to serve our country and it has inspired me to know that this is something that I can join you in doing,” she said.

“I think we are at a pivotal point in our country. A strong foundation has been laid and now as we pivot for growth, I am excited to join you in looking at how we can support an infrastructure of legislation to drive growth and drive our economy forward. I hope to use all that I have learned over the years, all my experience and qualifications to support [and] serve in this chamber,” the newly appointed Senator said.

She expressed appreciation to Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, for the appointment.

The former Ambassador to the US and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and a Master of Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, United States.

Her distinguished career includes serving on more than 20 national and international boards, as well as becoming the first female President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica.

She fills the seat in the Upper House left vacant following the resignation of Don Wehby.