According to Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, businesswoman Audrey Marks will be the new Ambassador to the United States and the Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States. Marks previously served as Jamaica’s Ambassador to the US from 2010 to 2012. Johnson Smith announced that Marks will take up her duties shortly and will bring her considerable experience in business, diplomacy and philanthropy to the position. The Minister went on to say that she has confidence that Marks will build on the “excellent” relationships Jamaica has developed with the US, its major economic and trading partner. Marks has had a successful career in the private sector, being the founder and chairman of Paymaster Jamaica. Marks will replace Ralph Thomas, who has served as Ambassador since September 2015 after Stephen Vasciannie decided not to renew his contract.