Ambassador in US is chairman of CARICOM Caucus

Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) Audrey Marks on Wednesday assumed chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Caucus of Ambassadors in Washington, DC.

Marks' assumption took place at a special sitting of the 14-member Caucus at the OAS headquarters.

The ambassador said she is honoured to serve in this new role at this important juncture in Caribbean history.

She noted that there are several important issues that the body will tackle over the next six months, such as trade, security, energy and immigration.

As it relates to immigration, the ambassador pointed out that very shortly, the Embassy of Jamaica will host state-wide town-hall meetings, given the importance of this topic to the Jamaican diaspora.

"There are many changes relating to immigration that members of the Jamaican diaspora need to be aware of," she said.

Outgoing chairman Ambassador Leon Charles, Haiti's permanent representative to the OAS, congratulated the ambassador on her elevation to the new role.

He lauded Jamaica for the important role the nation continues to play in CARICOM, adding that he has no doubt that Ambassador Marks will perform an excellent job at the helm of the caucus.

Ambassador Marks will occupy the chair for six months, concurrently with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is the chairman of CARICOM.