KINGSTON, Jamaica — Newly appointed Minister Audrey Marks says she is committed to sprinting towards the digitalisation of government services “to make it easier and more convenient for Jamaicans to access essential services”.

Marks was sworn in on Monday as minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation alongside Delano Seiveright, the new minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and several other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.

Both ministers were recently added to the country’s legislative arm as senators.

With regard to her task, Marks promised to use her extensive private sector experience to revolutionise the public sector with a special focus on entrepreneurs and the diaspora.

Speaking on behalf of Seiveright, Marks said he was “delighted” at his appointment and would be focusing on advancing the country through people linkages in tourism, agriculture and health through medical tourism.

In commenting on the appointments, Holness said he was “extremely pleased and heartened” to see talents like Marks and Seiveright offering themselves for work in the public sector.

Commenting on their expected contributions, Holness admitted that the procurement process was being slowed by checks and balances initially implemented to “rein in wasteful government spending”.

“This is something that is critical to reduce the pain points on citizens but also increase the pace of growth,” he said regarding Marks’ agenda.

Turning to Seiveright the prime minister said, “Your task is to ensure there are greater linkages— every Jamaican must feel the benefit [of tourism],” Holness said.

In closing Marks expressed their collective resolve, “Minister Seiveright and I are fully committed. Mission accepted.”

Senator Delano Seiveright is sworn in as the new minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism.

Senator Audrey Marks is sworn in on Monday as minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation (Photo Napthali Junior)

From Left: Delano Seiveright, the new minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism, Audrey Marks the new minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation alongside
Minister of Education Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson Smith and Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett. (Photo Napthali Junior)