Audrey Marks receives Global Heart Award

Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Ambassador Audrey Marks, was among nine ambassadors honoured with the 2026 Global Heart Award by Tree of Life Foundation International at a ceremony, held on Sunday evening at the Breakers Palm Beach Resort in Florida.

The gala, attended by over 300 guests, including present and former ambassadors, celebrated with diplomats who have demonstrated exceptional service to their nations.

In presenting the award, Tree of Life Foundation founder and president Amanda Schumacher praised Marks for her leadership, service, and generosity, noting that she has “transformed lives and strengthened communities” throughout her distinguished career.

Accepting the honour, Marks expressed deep appreciation for the recognition.

“It is my honour to accept the 2026 Global Heart Award from the Tree of Life Foundation International. I am truly pleased to be recognised among such distinguished global ambassadors who share a commitment to service, compassion, and the advancement of humanity,” she said.

Marks praised the foundation’s work, calling it “both inspiring and profoundly aligned with my own values”, and expressed particular admiration for its “holistic and far-reaching approach, which brings together so many sectors to empower those most in need”.

Commending the foundation for its international work, Marks extended an invitation to Schumacher to consider Jamaica as the location for the organisation’s 23rd branch, revealing that she has already identified suitable lands for the initiative — a gesture that underscores her commitment to translating recognition into tangible benefit for her homeland.

A CAREER OF FIRSTS

Marks made history not once, but twice during her diplomatic career. When she assumed duties at Jamaica’s Embassy in Washington in May 2010, she became the first woman to serve as Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States. When she returned to the post in September 2016, she became the only person ever appointed to the position under two different administrations — first under the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government of Bruce Golding, then under the JLP administration of Andrew Holness.

But long before diplomatic credentials adorned her office walls, Marks was building a different kind of legacy. Hailing froim St Mary, Marks worked as a filing clerk at Air Jamaica while pursuing her undergraduate degree at The University of the West Indies, Mona. What followed was an entrepreneurial odyssey that included six businesses, most notably Paymaster Jamaica Limited — the country’s first consolidated bill payment agency, which grew to serve over 1.4 million customers.

Over nearly a decade representing Jamaica in Washington, Marks strengthened bilateral cooperation across security, trade, and investment. She championed scholarship programmes and university exchanges, creating pathways for young Jamaicans to access American educational institutions.

Upon concluding her ambassadorial tenure in March 2025, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness commended her “sterling leadership”. In 2024, Jamaica bestowed upon her the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fourth-highest honour, before she transitioned to her current ministerial portfolio.

Tree of Life Foundation International, established in 2006, operates through 22 branches connecting resources to address global needs – from education and housing to disaster relief and human rights. The Global Heart Awards are presented to extraordinary men, women and organisations who have demonstrated acts of generosity and goodwill, according to the foundation.

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