Former Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks was sworn in today as a Cabinet minister.

Marks, who was the founder of bill payment company Paymaster has been tasked by the prime minister to both overseas digital transformation and bring greater efficiency to government operations which will involve reducing bureaucracy.

Below is her full address after the swearing-in ceremony: 

It is with a deep sense of honour, responsibility, and humility that I stand before you today as I accept this appointment as a Cabinet Minister. I extend my sincere thanks to our Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, for his confidence in me and my colleague, Minister Delano Seiveright, as we take on these critical roles in service to the people of Jamaica.

Jamaica is at a pivotal moment in our national development. The digital revolution and the need for a more agile and responsive government are upon us, and we must rise to meet these challenges with urgency, innovation, and determination.

I have been tasked firstly with implementing Government Efficiency, Mr Prime Minister, since yesterday I heard the term MOGE—cutting through unnecessary red tape that hinders progress. We all know that while our fiscal discipline has strengthened Jamaica’s economy, some administrative hurdles are slowing down critical investments and infrastructure development. My mandate is clear: to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, modernize regulatory frameworks, and ensure that Jamaica becomes a place where doing business is seamless, timely, and competitive on the global stage. We will take a hands-on approach to problem-solving, engaging stakeholders across sectors to drive meaningful reforms that work for our people and businesses alike.

In addition to driving government efficiencies, we recognize that Digital Transformation is not just a policy priority—it is a necessity for national progress. I fully embrace the Prime Minister’s mandate to move with even more speed! My commitment is to sprint forward with the digitalization of government services…making it easier and more convenient for Jamaicans to access essential services without unnecessary delays and bureaucracy. 

My experience in the private sector has taught me that technology when effectively deployed, can be a game-changer in delivering efficiency, transparency, and economic growth. I am taking this opportunity Mr prime minister, to also express my delight with this mandate, to be able to focus on two (2) stakeholders that are close to my heart—First entrepreneurs—by creating an environment that fosters innovation and the celebration of entrepreneurship, by facilitating small businesses to actualize their potential to be the bedrock of Jamaica’s growth spurt.

Second, I am equally delighted that with this mandate we can even more effectively respond to our Jamaicans abroad. They are an invaluable asset, their expertise, knowledge, and investment potential must be fully harnessed.

 Minister Johnson Smith, Minister Terrelonge, PS Sealy Monteith and I look forward to working with you in this capacity, to establish new avenues for entrepreneurial and charitable engagements to ensure that our diaspora plays a pivotal role in Jamaica’s growth and transformation.

I have the pleasure of also sharing on Minister Seiveright’s behalf that he is enthused to be given this even more significant honour and platform to focus on advancing the national growth agenda, especially through deeper linkages between tourism and other sectors of the economy including agriculture, manufacturing and also health through medical tourism.

Minister Seiveright and I are fully committed, mission accepted! We have always been solutions-oriented leaders who believe in action over bureaucracy. We understand that Jamaica’s future depends on decisive leadership, strategic reforms, and a relentless drive to get things done. We will continue to work tirelessly, going above and beyond, to ensure that our country accelerates its path to sustainable growth and prosperity.

Let me also take a moment to recognize our beautiful families and friends here today. Once again, I thank our Governor General and his team for the warm hospitality, and we thank the Prime Minister for this opportunity to serve. I look forward to collaborating with our colleagues in government, the private sector, and most importantly, the Jamaican people, to build a more innovative, efficient, and prosperous nation.

Thank you.