‘The diaspora has lost an important voice’

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding yesterday led tributes to the late Ambassador Curtis Ward, who formerly served as Jamaica’s lead diplomat to the United Nations (UN) and who died at his Maryland home on Sunday night.

Ward was reportedly battling illness at the time of his death.

Holness, in his message, said he was saddened by Ward’s death and extended his condolences to his wife and family.

Golding also expressed sadness in learning of Ward’s death and said he played an important role in providing informed analysis on world affairs in increasing turbulent and unpredictable times.

“He always did so forthrightly and courageously, and had established himself as a tremendous contributor to the quality of the discourse because of his first-hand experience and profound understanding of international affairs,” said Golding.

The Opposition leader said that, in an age when the stakes of speaking truth to power cannot be taken lightly, Ward’s unfailing frankness earned him great respect and admiration.

He was born in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, attended Manchester High School and later, Howard University in the United States.

He joined the Jamaican Foreign Service in the 1970s before settling in the United States, where he worked as an attorney for many years.

He resumed serving the Government of Jamaica in an official capacity when he was assigned the UN role, and remained active in regional and international security matters over the past two decades.

The founder of the ‘Ward Post’, he was a prolific writer and a major contributor to The Gleaner newspaper.

Ward was also chairman of the Governor of Maryland Wes Moore’s Caribbean Community Council and was recently awarded the governor’s citation for his contribution to the state.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

He was an attorney-at-law and international consultant, and former ambassador and deputy permanent representative of Jamaica to the United Nations with special responsibility for Security Council affairs, serving on the UN Security Council from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2001.

In a tribute to Ward, the Jamaican Embassy in Washington, DC stated that it joined Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica across the US in mourning the passing of the late ambassador.

“Ambassador Ward’s life was marked by service to Jamaica and the international community. He was a tireless advocate for the Jamaican and Caribbean diaspora, sharing his intellect, insight and passion through teaching, writing and public discourse,” the embassy stated in a post on social media.

Senator Donna Scott Mottley told The Gleaner that she was extremely saddened by the news of his death, pointing out that he served on the People’s National Party’s foreign regional and diaspora affairs task force at the time of his death.

Mottley said that just last Friday, she had a Zoom meeting with the late ambassador, and so the news of his death had come as a shock.

“He was always so calm and composed in his reasoning and did not seek to impose his ideas,” she said.

Aloun Ndombet Assamba, former Jamaican high commissioner to London, said she was distraught at the news of his death.

In a tribute posted on Facebook, Assamba said the late ambassador remained a prominent voice on international security, publishing analyses on the Ward Post concerning US foreign policy under President Donald Trump, criticising US actions in Venezuela as breaches of international law, and urging the Caribbean nations to adopt stronger stances on US actions.

Former John Jay University professor, Dr Basil Wilson, described the late ambassador as someone who had tremendous knowledge of what was taking place on the international scene.

“He often spoke truth to power and brought courage and conviction to his analysis of international affairs,” Wilson said.

He noted that he was impressed with his intellect and honesty and in how he articulated his world view.

“The diaspora has lost an important voice,” he said.

SADDENED BY PASSING

Former Global Jamaica Diaspora Council member, Dr Karren Dunkley, who worked closely with Ward on several projects in the diaspora, said she was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. She described him as a statesman whose intellect, courage, and compassion left an indelible mark on Jamaica and the global diaspora.

“I had the distinct honour of working closely with, and being mentored by, Ambassador Ward during my service as the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council representative for the Northeast United States,” Dunkley said.

“From our earliest interactions, I came to respect him as an erudite and courageous leader – one who was unafraid to speak truth, challenge convention, and stand firmly on principle.

“Ward was also profoundly fair-minded. He once told me that, even when he had fundamental disagreements with the council, he nevertheless supported my work because he recognised my sincerity, my commitment to the people, and my work ethic. That affirmation meant a great deal to me and reflected his capacity to see beyond politics to purpose,” she said.

She said he consistently challenged her to use her intellect and influence more boldly – to speak up on issues germane to Jamaica’s development and the evolving role of the diaspora.

“Ambassador Curtis Ward’s legacy includes an extraordinary body of public service and diplomatic work. Yet, just as enduring is the personal impact he had on the lives he touched – at home and across the diaspora. He shaped leaders, strengthened voices, and reminded us that integrity and service must always walk hand in hand,” she said.

Dr Claire Nelson, head of the Caribbean National Heritage Day, remembered Ward as a community leader who, in his time, stepped forward to serve and to take on responsibility in the public sphere.

“In our Caribbean community, leadership is rarely easy, and those who answer the call often do so while carrying both strength and vulnerability. I recognise the contributions he made and the commitment he showed to causes beyond himself. Service, as it is given, leaves an imprint, and it is right that his work be acknowledged with honesty and grace,” said Nelson.

editorial@gleanerjm.com