Celebrating the life and legacy of Curtis Ward

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The passing of Curtis Ward marks the loss of one of Jamaica’s most accomplished diplomats and public intellectuals. His death is a moment of collective sorrow, and an occasion to reflect on a legacy that exemplified excellence, integrity, and principled leadership in the service of Jamaica and the wider global community.

Born in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, and educated at Manchester High School. He later attended Howard University in the United States. Joining the Jamaican Foreign Service in the 1970s, he quickly demonstrated a rare aptitude for diplomacy and policy.

His return to official service as Jamaica’s Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations was a defining chapter of his career. With special responsibility for Security Council Affairs, he represented Jamaica during a period of heightened global complexity. In these spaces, he was respected for his intellectual rigour, clarity of thought, and unwavering advocacy for multilateralism and fairness, particularly from the perspective of small states. His expertise in counter-terrorism, international sanctions, anti-money laundering, and countering the financing of terrorism made him a valued voice in global policy circles.

Beyond diplomacy, Curtis Ward was a prolific writer and public thinker. As founder of the Ward Post, he contributed meaningfully to public discourse on Caribbean security, international relations, and global governance. His writings were thoughtful, incisive, and educational, offering readers clarity on complex global issues while encouraging informed civic engagement. He believed deeply in the power of ideas and the responsibility of intellectuals to contribute to national development.

His commitment to service extended into his civic leadership in the United States. As chairman of Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s Caribbean Community Council, Ambassador Ward worked tirelessly to strengthen the relationship between Caribbean communities and state institutions. His recent receipt of the Governor’s citation was a fitting tribute to his impact, leadership, and dedication to community building beyond Jamaica’s borders.

In remembering Curtis Ward, we honour a life that embodied service without spectacle, intellect without arrogance, and patriotism without limitation. He was a bridge between Jamaica and the world, between policy and principle, and between generations of Caribbean leaders and thinkers. Jamaica has lost a distinguished son, but his legacy endures as a reminder of what is possible when talent is matched with purpose and service guided by integrity.

His many column’s in The Gleaner were all interesting, pointed, relevant and intellectually provoking.

ROBERT DALLEY