Minister Audrey Marks to Receive Inaugural RNFJ President’s Award in Maryland, Usa

Minister with Responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation in the Office of the Prime Minister, and Jamaica’s former Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador the Hon. Audrey Marks, will receive the inaugural President’s Award from the Maryland-based organisation, Right Now for Jamaica (RNFJ).

She is being honoured with the award in recognition of her distinguished and outstanding service to the Jamaican Diaspora and to Jamaica.

RNFJ President, Ron McKay, stated that Ambassador Marks will be presented with the award in recognition of her outstanding service and leadership, highlighting her unwavering commitment to Jamaica and her instrumental role in facilitating and mobilising relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

The award will be presented at RNFJ’s first Fundraising Gala, being held under the patronage of Jamaica’s current Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, on March 28, in The Royal Ballroom, Maryland.

Mr. McKay noted that Ambassador Marks’ continued advocacy, influence, and action exemplify diaspora leadership rooted in integrity, compassion, and national pride.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, her ability to mobilise support, engage key partners, and respond with urgency made a meaningful impact on communities across Jamaica.

Mr. McKay emphasised that his organisation is especially grateful for the partnership and guidance provided by Ambassador Marks as they advance their mission to deliver immediate and long-term support through healthcare and education initiatives.

In particular, their commitment to assisting and adopting Percy Junor Hospital, which sustained significant damage while continuing to serve displaced and vulnerable citizens across central Jamaica, remains one of their key priorities.

In January, Ambassador Marks was among nine ambassadors worldwide honoured with the 2026 Golden Heart Award by the Tree of Life Foundation International at a prestigious ceremony in Florida.

In May 2010, upon assuming duties at Jamaica’s Embassy in Washington DC, she became the first woman to serve as the country’s Ambassador to the United States.

When Ambassador Marks returned to the post in September 2016, she achieved another milestone, becoming the only individual ever appointed to the position under two different administrations, first under former Prime Minister Hon. Bruce Golding, and subsequently under current Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness.

Over nearly a decade representing Jamaica in Washington, Ambassador Marks strengthened bilateral cooperation in critical areas such as security, trade, and investment.

She also championed scholarship initiatives and university exchange programmes, creating pathways for young Jamaicans to pursue higher education at American institutions.

The Gala reflects a broader movement among diaspora leaders and strategic partners to move beyond short-term responses towards sustainable recovery and renewal.

By convening public and private-sector stakeholders in one space, the event fosters meaningful partnerships that will drive measurable impact across the island, President McKay noted.

He said patrons of the event can expect an evening that celebrates Jamaica’s culture and creativity while contributing to tangible rebuilding initiatives that benefit communities across the island.

Two-time Grammy-nominated reggae artiste Etana – herself a director of RNFJ –will headline the evening’s entertainment, alongside superstar performers Mykal Rose, Ras.Mista.Fyah, Julian “Junior” Marvin, and the legendary Wailers.