Jamaica’s Ambassador In Washington DC Is New Chair of OAS Permanent Council

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), Audrey Marks, was on Monday (July 17), sworn in as Chair of the Permanent Council of the OAS for the fourth time.

She succeeds outgoing Chair and Permanent Representative of Uruguay, Ambassador Washington Abdala.

Ambassador Marks accepted the ceremonial gavel of authority at an installation ceremony held in the Hall of the Americas at the OAS headquarters in Washington DC, which was attended by Secretary General, Luis Almagro and Assistant Secretary General, Ambassador Nestor Mendez, and a large gathering of members of the Permanent Council.

Jamaica’s newly appointed alternative representative to the OAS, Delita McCallum, was also in attendance.

Ambassador Marks said she was “assuming the Chair of the Permanent Council at a time when we are still on the path to economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while at the same time, adjusting to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti and the persistent threat of climate change and inadequate access to climate financing”.

Ambassador Marks pointed out that “as developing countries, and particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS), our region remains extremely vulnerable to external shocks”.

“Our countries continue to grapple with food and energy insecurity, non-communicable diseases, challenges to democratic governance and development agendas, which are constantly undermined by crime and violence, propelled by the flow of guns to our region,” she added.

Ambassador Marks further pointed out that peace and security remained a top priority for the Latin American and Caribbean region, and in this regard “we must continue our joint efforts in support of our sister CARICOM country Haiti, within the context of a Haitian-led solution, to return normalcy to the country”.

She emphasised that it is important to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights, which were key ideals enshrined in the OAS Charter.

“It is imperative that we remain steadfast in our efforts towards greater economic and social inclusion of marginalised communities, digital transformation of all sectors, and increased access to digital technologies,” she noted.

“Our engagement at the recently concluded 53rd Regular Session of the OAS, reminded us of the inextricable links between human rights, democracy and sustainable development. Let us also remain cognisant of the importance of engagement of our youth across the various sectors in our society, to allow them the space to grow and develop and to foster their creativity,” Ambassador Marks added.