Jamaica’s Ambassador Marks denies rift with US
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks is rubbishing reports of a spat between the governments of Jamaica and the US, insisting that relations between the two countries remain strong.
She sought to give the assurance against the background of recent media reports of a “diplomatic row” between the countries over Jamaica’s decision not to grant privileges to the spouse of an American diplomat in a same-sex marriage in accordance with the laws of the island. Jamaican laws do not recognise same-sex couples.
Marks said the request from the US to extend privileges and immunities to the spouse was received by the Jamaican Embassy on June 20, 2023, to which she said “the recommended response, in keeping with Jamaican laws” was sent “in a timely manner” to the US Department of State by July 5, 2023.
“Based on the foregoing, and the timeliness of the response, it is clear that the request by the United States was not ignored and contrary to reports, no ‘second demand’ was made,” Marks said.
The ambassador also addressed reports that the alleged disagreement resulted in the United States deciding not to extend the stay of several Jamaican diplomats and consulates in the North American country, including herself.
While acknowledging that “some” extension requests have been denied, Marks linked the denials to the US policy change in August 2019, which came into effect in August 2021, where diplomats from all worldwide bilateral missions to the US are accredited for a maximum of five years and are expected to depart the USA thereafter.
She said “… at no time was a request made by the US Department of State to have Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States removed or to immediately leave the USA; before the end of the year; or immediately upon the expiration of her diplomatic visa.
“As Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, I shall return home to Jamaica at the appropriate time in keeping with my contract or at the behest of my government,” Marks said.
“Over the past two years, we have requested a few extensions, and some were denied. The fact is that the USA gave two years’ notice of this policy change, and many persons who were or will be affected have been here for well over five years,” she said.
According to Marks, “such long-term stays in the US were never the intent of these work visas when they were issued, so this policy is an effort by the USA to return to the diplomatic accreditations’ original intent.”
She said the Government of Jamaica agrees with and respects the US policy position.
Marks also rubbished reports that Jamaican leaders have been snubbed by US officials because of the alleged row.
“Let me also use this opportunity to advise that Jamaica’s leaders have not been snubbed in any way, shape, or form by the United States. Over the past year, Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith have engaged in several high-level, in person bilateral and multilateral meetings with USA officials, including President (Joe) Biden, Vice President (Kamala) Harris, Secretary of State (Antony) Blinken, the Secretary of Treasury (Janet) Yellen, and other members of the Cabinet, leaders of the Senate, leaders in the House of Representatives, and other senior officials. These are all ongoing engagements,” the ambassador said before adding that the relationship between Jamaica and the US “remains strong and steady”.
The US Embassy in Jamaica and Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith have expressed similar sentiments to Marks since the alleged diplomatic row was first reported.
