DAVIE – Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey P. Marks was warmly received by students and faculty of the Nova Southern University, when she paid a visit to the campus in Davie, Tuesday (April 12) during her first official visit to South Florida.
Ambassador Marks was invited to her alma mater as guest lecturer of the 2011 Distinguished Guest Lecture Series having attained her Masters Degree in Business Administration from the H. Wayne Huizenga School Business and Entrepreneurship of that prestigious tertiary institution in Davie, Florida.
Dr. Michael Fields, Dean of the Business School welcomed the Ambassador to the Campus noting that the entire campus population shared in the pride as one of their own had used her education to build an incredible career as an entrepreneur and now a world class diplomat.
Ambassador Marks was on a four-day official visit to the South Florida community since assuming her post last May as Jamaica’s first female and tenth Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Jamaican Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS).
The Ambassador began her lecture in a moment of humor noting how she was now positioned on the other side of the podium addressing her audience of faculty and students.
A surprise moment was when the Ambassador recognized one of her then lecturers in the audience, Dr. Timothy McCartney, Distinguished professor of Management and Clinical Psychology, who described her as “an ambitious and bright student while she pursued her studies.”
In a moment of emotion and mentoring, Ambassador Marks used the opportunity to challenge the students to use education as an object of the highest importance in their journey. Reiterating patience and persuasion, she told them to also look at the obstacles and keep measuring their success. “Be the role models that you would want for yourself” she added.
Jamaica and its Diaspora have accounted for large numbers of talented students enrolled in tertiary institutions across the USA, she continued. Some have become well regarded professionals in their careers, having contributed to the development of their communities in Jamaica and overseas.
As she shared her experience with the students, Ambassador Marks told them that her return home to Jamaica after completing her studies, was not an easy one, having tried several business ventures before finding one that brought her success. She reminded them not be be daunted by the challenges that they encountered in their career pursuit.
Among her many accomplishments, the Ambassador founded Paymaster (Jamaica) Limited, a multi-transaction company in 1997. The first of its kind in the Caribbean, Paymaster operates payments agencies from which all types of bill payments and remittances can be made, serving over one million customers and provides employment for nearly 400 persons with annual transactions of more than $40 billion.
Jamaica’s first female Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Marks also holds the distinction of being the first female President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica (AMCHAM). The 25 year old chamber was established in 1986 to promote trade and investment between Jamaica and the USA, to maintain a cordial climate between the public and private sectors of both countries, and to promote a greater understanding between their people. A career entrepreneur, she has also been the recipient of several awards and accolades as Business Leader in the trade and investment industry.
As Jamaica’s tenth Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Marks chronicled details of the long standing relationship between Jamaica and the United States, which extends beyond for more than 200 years while Jamaica was still under British rule.
The building of the Panama Canal and the World War two era were also significant periods that laid the foundation for the multi-faceted relationship which we now enjoy, she said. This was strengthened after Jamaica gained its Independence in 1962 placing the highest priority on its relationship with the USA which remains the most critical component of the island’s development.
While giving an update on Jamaica’s economic development, Ambassador Marks indicated that part of her mandate was to enhance the relations between both countries, increasing areas of trade and investment, while strengthening the Diasporic community.
At a Reception following the lecture, Ambassador Marks also received a plaque with a citation in recognition of her success from the University President, Dr. George Hanbury. He lauded her success and accomplishments so far, which he said was driven by her ambition, her desire and aspiration to expand her mind, while serving with integrity in her field of study.
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the US, Her Excellency Audrey Marks (center) posing with President of Nova Southeastern University, Dr. George Hanbury (left) and Dean of the Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Michael Fields (right) during a visit to the University Campus in Davie, where she was recognized for her success and accomplishments in her business and diplomat career.
He also echoed sentiments of the long and valuable association for Jamaica and its nationals through the several faculty programmes at the Nova campus for more than 30 years. Over 200 Jamaican nationals are currently enrolled at the college with a population of nearly 29,000 students.
Later in the evening, Ambassador Marks was guest to a Community Meet and Greet Reception hosted by Nova University in association with the Consulate General of Jamaica in the Steele Auditorium also housed on the campus.
A large number of Jamaicans and friends of the Diaspora joined the Ambassador for the informal ‘rap’ session as she pledged her commitment to enhance the relationship for positive engagement.
In her brief remarks, Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths welcomed the Ambassador to the second largest community of Jamaican nationals across the United States. Heralding strength of the local Diasporic community, Mrs. Griffiths spoke of the passion, commitment and involvement of nationals in the welfare of the local overseas communities as well as the significant contribution to Jamaica’s national development in the areas of health, education, social services and more importantly trade.
There was also a brief question and answer session moderated by Marlon Hill, advisory representative, Jamaica Diaspora Southern USA.
Community support and sponsorship was provided by Jamaica Tourist Board, Grace Foods USA, Victoria Mutual Building Society (VMBS) Representative Office, Air Jamaica/CAL Airlines, Exquisite Occasions, Ocho Rios Foods and Nostalgia in Gold.
Dr. Susan Davis affectionately as ‘Dr. Sue’ (right) educator, poet and author presenting a copy of her recently released CD “Ode to Miss Lou” to Jamaica’s Ambassador , Her Excellency Audrey Marks (center) during the Ambassador’s recent visit to South Florida. Sharing in the moment was Jamaica’s Consul General, Sandra Grant Griffiths (left). Dr. Davis had spent her childhood in Jamaica participating in Miss Lou’s children programmes, the famous “Ring Ding”. A professor at Nova Southeastern University, Dr. Davis has now devoted time to professional acting and arts administration in the United States and the United Kingdom. “Ode to Miss Lou” is a tribute to the late Hon. Louise Bennett, O.J., Jamaican folklorist, writer, and educator who died in July 2006.
