KINGSTON, Jamaica – People’s National Party President Mark Golding has expressed deep sadness at the untimely passing of Ambassador Richard Bernal.

Bernal, a former Jamaica Ambassador to the United States, died on Wednesday.

READ: Ambassador Richard Bernal has died; Holness saddened by passing

“I am very shocked and saddened by the untimely news of the death of Ambassador Richard Bernal. He was a towering public servant, consummate diplomat and important advisor to governments over many years,” Golding said in a release.

He added: “He was a Jamaican who excelled at the highest international standards and the country owes him a debt of gratitude for his immense service. Condolences to his family and friends; may his soul rest in peace.”

Dr Bernal was Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States of America, and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS); positions he held for 10 ½ years.

He also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (2008-2016) and was a Chief Trade Negotiator for the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Ambassador Bernal’s resume also includes an eight-year stint in the position of Director-General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM) where he had responsibility for trade negotiations for CARICOM.