KINGSTON, Jamaica — Reflecting on her own journey from entrepreneurial struggle to national leadership, Senator Audrey Marks last Thursday underscored the power of persistence, equity and innovation in shaping Jamaica’s future.

Born in St Mary, Marks is no stranger to the challenges of building a business from the ground up. Best known for founding Paymaster (Jamaica) Limited in 1997, the Caribbean’s first multi-transaction online bill payment system, Marks recounted the uphill battle she faced launching what many considered a radical idea at the time.

“Twenty, almost 30 years ago, when the internet was becoming commercial, and I thought of the idea that no matter where you are in Jamaica, you should be able to pay a bill. You don’t have to travel 30 miles to the nearest supermarket or the nearest commercial centre. You don’t have to find the JPS (Jamaica Public Service) offices, you can go to your supermarket or your gas station.

“At that time, many persons thought I wasn’t quite all right. And today, we take it for granted. And that’s the power of entrepreneurship,” Marks, the minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation and digital transformation, shared in her keynote address at the 40th Jamaica Chamber of Commerce Awards held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

READ: Telling the Paymaster story

The former Jamaican ambassador to the United States now back in Jamaica in a new ministerial role, the senator said her mission is clear — to ensure that the next generation of Jamaican entrepreneurs will not have to navigate the same obstacles she did.

“It was one of the driving passions of my coming back home to be involved in where I can really facilitate more entrepreneurs,” she revealed.

Senator Audrey Marks

Paying tribute to the late Sameer Younis, a past president of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce whom she credited for getting her and other young business leaders involved in service, Marks highlighted the importance of investing in young innovators.

“I recall again 28 years ago, with Sameer Younis and how he really looked for young entrepreneurs…I want you to know that I’m here [tonight] because of that investment that was placed in me, and the desire that is in my heart to pay it forward, and to make sure that I create an environment where we can all succeed in business,” she said.

She praised the chamber for its longstanding work in promoting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which she called “the backbone of the economy”.

“They are the creative and entrepreneurial engine in every community, in every parish, and that keeps our economy going. And they must be empowered, not as an afterthought, but as a priority,” the senator said.

Emphasising equity and inclusivity as key to the success of marginalised groups including women and youth, Marks said:  “I want to really commend the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, and all the leadership during the years, because we have led initiatives to bridge the gap, from redevelopment projects in downtown Kingston, to partnerships tackling crime and technological advancement. It recognises that inclusivity, inclusive development is not just a moral right, but it is economically smart.”

She continued, “A future shaped by equity is one where no Jamaican is limited by where they are born, what school they attended, or the resources that they start with. It’s a future in which talent meets opportunity everywhere.”

Currently, she noted, Jamaica stands at a critical juncture in its development. Marks explained that despite being a nation rich in culture, creativity and resilience, productivity remains a stubborn barrier to unlocking the country’s full potential.

In this regard, she said the Government, for the last 10 years, has focused on debt reduction, inflation control and general socioeconomic stabilisation strategies in order to create the environment for businesses to operate and succeed.

Senator Audrey Marks

“Today, we are benefiting from that focus, from a debt-to-GDP down to 68.7 per cent…Inflation is down, coming back to the four to six per cent mandated by the BOJ (Bank of Jamaica), and the crime numbers are reflecting a 43.3 per cent drop in murders from January to May 2025, compared to the same period last year and the lowest homicide rate since 1991. We are on a good track. Jamaica has navigated into a socioeconomic position that can bring exponential growth and development,” the senator said.

She pointed to her appointment as proof that the country is pivoting to achieve that growth.

“The Government will pivot from stabilisation to growth strategies. To achieve this ambitious goal, we must boost productivity, not by working harder, but by working smarter. It’s about integrating technology, upskilling our workforce, streamlining operations and investing in innovation. This is where the private sector can lead the charge, and that is another reason why I’m so excited to be home,” Marks explained.

Citing her new ministerial role, Marks said that while the title may seem long, it symbolises a commitment to transform Government and business operations through efficiency, innovation and technology.

“I remember when I was first asked to come home and to take on a ministerial portfolio. The idea at the time that was very in vogue was DOGE, and so, we were thinking MOGE, with a focus on efficiency. But as I thought about it, I realised for us to really become an efficient economy and country, we have to embrace innovation, and we have to embrace digital transformation to become much more of a digital society.

“And that is why the title is a bit long, but it speaks to a purpose. Because I recall every time I’m away and talking to investors and business people, and I talk about the burden of doing business in Jamaica, it hurts my heart. And I’m so pleased to be now in a position where I can have my focus, and I can then advocate for the changes that we want to see in efficiency, and to promote a culture of excellence, to rise above economic stagnation and into a future of sustained growth,” she explained.

Noting that from music to food, from logistics to FinTech, Jamaicans are innovators by nature, Marks stressed the need for the development of a culture that celebrates innovation and supports entrepreneurship.

“There needs to be developed locally, a culture that celebrates and encourages young innovators to start, and if you fail to continue, and you can fail again— I will still be here to support you. And that has been a mantra for me,” she said.

“Please continue to nurture that spirit. Let us invest in it, educate it, mentor it, and showcase it…Because the next tech genius could be a young Jamaican right now with nothing but a laptop and a dream,” she added.