Prime Minister Andrew Holness is moving his pieces around his political chess board with notable appointments.

Founder of Paymaster Audrey Marks has done a good job as Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States. Her tenure has seen her working with three Presidents ( Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Donald Trump), serving three terms in the position as Jamaica’s top diplomat.

Ambassador Marks ends her tenure at the end of this month and has been appointed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to the Senate.

In an issued release, the Prime Minister wrote: “ Beyond her diplomatic achievements, Ambassador Marks has an exemplary record as an entrepreneur and business leader. As the founder of Paymaster, she revolutionised Jamaica’s financial services sector by introducing one of the world’s first internet-based multi-payment systems. Her success in business, including ventures in agriculture, transportation and real estate, has earned her numerous awards and recognitions both locally and internationally.

“Her distinguished career includes serving on over 20 national and international boards, as well as becoming the first female President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica.”

With her diplomatic clout, will she now push on with a political career and become a front line member of an Andrew Holness administration?

Last year, speaking at a luncheon to commemorate Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett receiving a national award, she did say she wanted to work closely with the church and to help others with personal development.

With the former CEO of GraceKennedy Don Wehby relinquishing his seat in the Senate, Marks slots in neatly as a Senator who can provide business insights and someone who has navigated the geo-political landscape.

There have been calls for more Jamaican business leaders to play a significant role in the legislative process and to help shape the country for the better. This is a move in that direction.

Major-General ( Retired) Anthony Anderson has been appointed to replace Audrey Marks . This comes in the temporary capacity as Ambassador-designate to the United States of America and Permanent Representative-designate to the Organisation of American States (OAS) before he takes on the job fully.

Anderson has the distinction of serving as Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and later was appointed as Commissioner of Police. His legacy as Commissioner of Police was to modernise the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and employ a technological and data driven approach to crime fighting.

Of his appointment, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith wrote: “We are very pleased that Major-General Anderson will assume this role at a time when Jamaica looks to strengthen its security partnerships. His leadership and expertise will also be critical in advancing Jamaica’s wider priorities, fostering deeper collaboration with the United States while engaging strategically within the OAS. He will build on the strong foundation laid by Ambassador Audrey Marks whose service has been instrumental in advancing our bilateral agenda.”

Anderson will have to contend with a President who wants to redraw the world map and redefine traditional diplomatic relations.  Donald Trump has made it very clear that the United States is the top dog in this hemisphere and those within it have to show fealty to it.

Already Secretary of State  Marco Rubio  has warned Caribbean leaders that they face having their visas revoked if they continue to accommodate Cuban medical professionals.

President Trump has also indicated that he does not look favourably upon countries in the region that have close trading and diplomatic ties with China. China is a major trading partner of Jamaica and Prime Minister Andrew Holness has publicly said that China is a valued friend of the country.

The new ambassador to the United States will bring much needed experience to the issues of both human and gun trafficking. As a top military man, Anderson should be able to command President Donald Trump’s respect which should make his life in Washington easier.

“Anderson’s appointment reflects Jamaica’s broader diplomatic approach which emphasises experienced leadership in key ambassadorial roles. With a strong background in regional security coordination, Major-General Anderson has facilitated joint security initiatives across the Caribbean, advising governments on national security frameworks and leading multinational security operations,” wrote the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in an issued statement.