NEW YORK, USA — Tributes have been pouring in from leaders within the Diaspora here for Jamaican Ambassador to the United Nations Curtis Ward, who died at his home in Maryland late Sunday.

An attorney by training Ward, who also served as deputy permanent representative of Jamaica to the United Nations, holding the position of special responsibility for security council affairs, was regarded by many as a knowledgeable source on global matters.

Irwine Clare Sr, head of the Caribbean Immigration Service and a long-serving activist in Diaspora affairs, described Ward as, “one of our top servants in the global space, a person who was in the right place at the right time, and who was prepared to speak frankly on many issues when many others were afraid to do so”.

“Even Ward’s detractors would have to give him credit for the bold and principled stance he took on many issues in advocating and advancing his position within the Diaspora and beyond,” Clare said, adding that on foreign policy Ward “was ahead of his time, and as we mourn his loss we should celebrate the legacy he has left behind”.

In her tribute, president of the Jamaica Progressive League (JPL) Sadie Campbell described Ward’s passing as “a tremendous loss”.

“His contribution to Jamaica, and especially the Diaspora, was exemplary — as his vast knowledge in so many areas demonstrated.”

Dorrett Aarons, a long-time member of the JPL, remembered Ward as “very cordial and someone who was always ready to impart his knowledge and offer his assistance when and where necessary”.

Patrick Beckford, a former member of the then Diaspora Advisory Board, said, “Ambassador Ward could always be relied on to give his unfiltered and honest opinion on issues that were important to the Diaspora — whether you agreed with him or not.

“We have lost a person who was always willing to serve and share his experience and expertise for the good of his countrymen,” Beckford added.

Current representative of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) for the North-east United States Michelle Tulloch-Neil recalled her first encounter with Ambassador Ward, noting that he reminded her to always speak her truth, no matter the circumstances, while remaining firmly focused on the upliftment and education of the Diaspora.

“His words have remained with me, and they will continue to guide my service going forward,” Tulloch-Neil said, noting that, “Ambassador Ward’s life reflected the highest ideals of duty and patriotism. Whether representing Jamaica on the international stage, mentoring emerging leaders, or extending counsel with humility and grace, he embodied the spirit of public service.

“His legacy is not defined solely by the offices he held but by the countless lives he touched, the doors he opened, and the deep love he carried for his homeland,” she said.

Dr Rupert Francis of the Diaspora Task Force on Crime Intervention and Prevention said of Ward’s passing: “Jamaica, and the Diaspora in particular, have lost a tremendous son. We served together in the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organisations (NAJASO).”

Francis told the Jamaica Observer that Ward had spent his life advocating for Jamaica and was someone who could be depended on, someone who would never say “No” when he could say “Yes”.

“He would never waiver on what he believed to be the truth. If you were not prepared to face and uphold the truth on any issue, then Ambassador Ward was not the person you would want to be engaged with,” said Dr Francis.

He expressed hope that the legacy left by Ambassador Ward would be adopted by those who are in leadership, as well as those who aspire to lead.