Two newly-minted Government senators have received ministerial appointments.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the appointment of Ambassador Audrey Marks as minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation and digital transformation.

Holness in a release said Marks, who was sworn in as a senator on Friday, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, where she played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations. Marks also had an illustrious career in the private sector, as the founder of bill payment company Paymaster.

In the meantime, Senator Delano Seiveright has been appointed minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism. Seiveright, who previously held the position of chief advisor in the ministry, has been an active participant in Jamaica’s tourism sector and has contributed to many initiatives which enhanced the nation’s tourism product.

In his new role, Senator Seiveright will focus on increasing the linkages between the tourism sector and the wider economy, ensuring that more Jamaicans benefit directly from the industry’s growth, Holness said.

Marks and Seiverigh will be sworn in at King’s House on Monday.

Noting that the appointments reinforce his Administration’s commitment to innovation, efficiency within the public service, and tourism development, Holness expressed confidence in the capabilities of Senators Marks and Seiveright.

He stated that their appointments are strategic steps towards achieving the Administration’s goals of modernising government operations and further strengthening the tourism industry under the ASPIRE growth strategy introduced in November 2024.

ASPIRE represents six key pillars: Access to Economic Opportunity for All (Inclusive Growth), Safety and Security, People (Human Capital Development), Infrastructure Development, Reform of the Bureaucracy (Ease, Speed, and Cost of Doing Business) and Economic Diversification/New Industries.

Both senators are firmly committed to advancing the ASPIRE strategy and look forward to leveraging their respective assignments to contribute meaningfully to Jamaica’s long-term economic and social development for the people of Jamaica, the release stated.