RECENTLY appointed Government senators Audrey Marks and Delano Seiveright are to be sworn in today a members of Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s executive.

In a release on Sunday the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Holness announced the new appointments to pivotal roles in the Government of Jamaica.

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“These appointments reinforce his Administration’s commitment to innovation, efficiency within the public service, and tourism development,” said the OPM release.

Marks — who was sworn in as a senator last Friday — has been appointed as minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation.

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“Senator Marks brings a wealth of experience to this role, having previously served as Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, where she played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations. Senator Marks also had an illustrious career in the private sector,” said OPM.

Immediately after being sworn in to the Senate Marks declared that she was ready to go.

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“I want to thank the prime minister for his commitment to this country, his vision and his leadership, and to also express my appreciation to serve in this capacity. It’s a special pleasure and an inspiration for me to be here, because I have seen where so many of you, despite having full-time jobs otherwise, make the time and the sacrifice to be here in the Senate to serve our country, and it has inspired me to know that this is something I can join in doing,” Marks said.

“A strong foundation has been laid and now, as we pivot for growth, it’s a time that I’m excited to join you, looking at how we can support an infrastructure to drive growth and to move our economy forward, and I hope to use all that I’ve learned over the years, all my experience and qualifications, to serve in this chamber,” added Marks.

Meanwhile Senator Seiveright has been appointed minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism.

“Senator Seiveright 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,” added OPM.

Seiveright recently played a lead role in resolving worker dissatisfaction in sections of the hotel sector, helping to ease tensions and end public protests.

Sources in the industry have reported that Seiveright’s decisive intervention not only strengthened industrial harmony but also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of the tourism boom reach those who power the industry.

According to OPM, Holness expressed confidence in the capabilities of Senators Marks and Seiveright, stating 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 he introduced in November 2024.

At that time, Holness said 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.

OPM said the two new members of the Administration 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.

Delano Seiveright to be sworn in today as minister of state in the Ministry of Tourism.