Senator Marks to Receive AFUWI Trailblazer Award

Senator the Hon. Ambassador Audrey Marks will receive the prestigious American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI) Trailblazer Award as part of the Class of 2025.

The presentation will be made at the AFUWI Foundation’s 28^th annual Legacy Awards Gala in New York City on April 4.

It is in recognition of Senator Marks’ exceptional contribution to diplomacy, service to the Jamaican diaspora, and dedication to nation-building.

The newly appointed Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Senator Marks is Jamaica’s former Ambassador to the United States (US) and Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS).

AFUWI Executive Director, Ann-Marie Grant, said that the former Ambassador  has demonstrated “a remarkable commitment to promoting educational growth as a vital driver of national development. Hailing from the rural parish of St. Mary in Jamaica, she deeply understands the aspirations of everyday Jamaicans and their strong desire for economic and social mobility”.

“Throughout her career,  encompassing business, finance, public service, and international relations, she has consistently led initiatives that serve as benchmarks for others to follow. She is widely recognised as the founder of Paymaster (Jamaica) Limited, the Caribbean’s first multi-transaction bill payment system, which transformed the financial services landscape in the region,” she noted.

She said that as Jamaica’s first female Ambassador to the US and the first to serve two terms, “the newly-appointed Senator and Cabinet Minister in the Jamaican Government has passionately advocated for economic growth and investment.”

“A distinguished alumna of the UWI, Senator Marks exemplifies the institution’s commitment to academic excellence by nurturing the talents of change agents, leaders, and innovators who will ultimately contribute to the productivity and prosperity of their community, country, and the Caribbean region,” she added.

Besides her diplomatic and entrepreneurial efforts, Senator Marks has served on several prominent private and public sector boards of directors, including the UWI School of Business, National Health Fund (NHF), and Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO).

Also to be honoured at the awards gala are  Wisynco Group Chairman, William Mahfood; Wisynco Group; Dominica’s 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist, Thea LaFond Gadson; Half Moon Hotel; Managing Director, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, LPL Financial, Althea Brown; and Cedric Gayle, Esq.

The annual event gathers distinguished leaders and education advocates from the Caribbean and the US to raise funds for scholarships benefiting deserving students at the UWI.