Jamaica’s Ambassador to the USA Audrey Marks receives award in Washington, DC

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, is the recipient of the 2023 International Engagement Leadership Award, conferred by the Capital City Chapter of Links Incorporated of Washington, DC

Ambassador Marks was presented with the award this past Saturday, April 14, at the organization’s 9th Annual Women’s Recognition High Tea in the City, which was held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in downtown Washington, DC Capital City DC Chapter of Links

Incorporated president Jeanie Collin-Carr, delivering the award, recalled that the Chapter had singled out Ambassador Marks for special recognition because of the outstanding role she continues to play and for being the first Jamaica woman to be appointed in the post for two tours of duty Ambassador Marks was lauded as a career businesswoman and exemplary trailblazer for other women

“It is the privilege of my life to serve my country,” replied Ambassador Marks as she accepted, saying how humbled and honored she was to have been considered for the prestigious award “So, I receive this award with gratitude ”

She went on to express “deep appreciation and admiration of the wonderful work which The Links, Incorporated has been doing in Jamaica, the United States, and other parts of the world We are grateful for your work with the SOS Orphanage and the other efforts geared at enhancing educational development in Jamaica ”

The Jamaican ambassador invited Links Incorporated to form its third international chapter in Jamaica: “I have noticed that you have two international chapters and 299 chapters to date – that’s an uneven number, so in this year of 2023, I want to invite the Links, Inc to establish your third and 300th chapter in Jamaica ”

An organization of women of color who serve communities as friends, Links, Inc boasts more than 17,000 members internationally and one million service hours per year. The organization focuses on culture, education, and the arts within the African American community With 299 chapters, the impact of the association is vast, making its mission possible while elevating friendship and empowering families

Audrey Marks has served two terms as Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States from 2008 to 2012 and again starting in 2016 She is Jamaica’s first female Ambassador to the US and the first individual to hold the position twice in two separate terms

Connecticut based, Jamaican special ed teacher talks stigma against autistic children

By Micaiah Morgan

April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month to increase understanding of the condition while supporting those affected by the disability Despite the annual observance, many children with autism frequently experience discrimination Furthermore, many of them, as well as their parents and caregivers, find it challenging to integrate into society due to the pervasive stigma associated with the disability

In light of this ongoing challenge, Jamaican-born, special education teacher, RoAnna Thomas, believes that many people are unaware of the wide range of disabilities and how they affect children

“Having autism doesn’t mean that there is something wrong, it just means that the individual’s brain thinks differently and that is okay With the right support in place, they can learn to thrive and live a full life,” she said

Thomas, who works with sixth graders in Connecticut, in the United States, spends time providing support for students who deal with mental, emotional, or physical disabilities

“I support my students by assessing their skills and determining their educational needs; adapting the general education curriculum to meet their needs; developing, implementing, and updating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assessing and tracking student progress, as well as collaborating with parents, general education teachers, administrators, and other service providers to provide continues on B3 – Stigma against autistic children