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AmCham fetes the ambassador

Published:Sunday | May 23, 2010 | 12:00 AM
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Head of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica, Diana Stewart (left), greets Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda.
Popularly known as the 'cigar man', Joseph Adduci poses with Ambassador Audrey Marks (centre) and Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda at the AmCham-hosted farewell reception for Marks at Jamaica House, Hope Road, on Friday, May 14.
Athenia Campbell, general manager of Paymaster Jamaica Limited, takes a pregnant pause at the farewell reception for Ambassador Audrey Marks.
The always lovely businesswomen Jean Anderson Wright (left) and Dawn Henry enjoy the occasion. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Isiah Parnell, chargé d'affaires at the United States Embassy, Evadne Coy (centre) and Ambassador Elinor Sherlock are in a happy mood. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Ambassador Audrey Marks (right) greets Marilyn Bennett.
Jamaica's new ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, and her husband, businessman Jassel Dunstan, with their daughters Madison (centre) and Morgan, say a temporary farewell at the Norman Manley International Airport last Monday prior to Mark's departure for Washington, DC. - Contributed
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Friday, May 14 was special for the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AmCham), as it bade farewell to their former president and Jamaica's new ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks. The prestigious group of businessmen and women had gathered on the lawns of Jamaica House to say farewell to Marks, who departed to her new post in Washington, DC, last Monday.

It was not a night for long speeches, but Ambassador Marks assured guests that she was aware that she was taking the awesome responsibility of upholding Jamaica's image and diplomatic standing not only in the United States of America but in the world.

"I understand the tremendous task that lies ahead; the various endeavours in which I have worked and businesses that I have founded and operated have all reiterated for me that Jamaicans, regardless of obstacles, can achieve and be of real value to the country."

businesses and relationships

She noted that the position required a new way of thinking about how businesses and relationships were developed globally and thanked everyone for the part they had played in her journey, particularly her husband, businessman Jassel Dunstan, for his tremendous support. She also thanked the Government and everyone involved in the decision to select her for recognising the value that entrepreneurial engagement can bring to the position.

Ian Neita, head of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, spoke on behalf of all the boards on which Ambassador Marks served. He said she had the capacity to do the job.

"She spends time learning to live with people with whom she disagrees; knows how to build bridges, and there will be a big void when she leaves," he said.

United States Chargé d'Affaires Isiah Parnell said both he and Ambassador Marks were partners in their love for their countries, and there was no better person to articulate and interpret the great ways in which they can both partner. "We couldn't ask for a better candidate and my US partners are very pleased to have Audrey serve us as she takes over in Washington," Parnell said.

AmCham President Diana Stewart revealed that during her tenure at the helm of the organisation, Ambassador Marks had achieved many successes for the organisation. She also noted that the new envoy had always worked hard behind the scenes for Jamaica and wished her God's blessing in her new post.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com