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The Jamaican Nationals Association of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area (JNA) mourns the passing of Ambassador Curtis A. Ward (Ambassador Ward), who died peacefully at his home in Maryland.

Ambassador Ward was born in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, and attended Manchester High School before pursuing higher education at Howard University. 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 role of Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations with Special Responsibility for Security Council Affairs, serving on the United Nations Security Council from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2001.

Ambassador Ward twice chaired the Governor of Maryland’s Caribbean Community Council, under Governor Martin O’Malley and under Governor Wes Moore, who recently awarded Ambassador Ward the Governor’s Citation for his contribution to the State of Maryland.

Ambassador Ward served as President of the Jamaican Nationals Association; and also served on JNA’s Inaugural Advisory Council from 2020 to 2023. Throughout his life, he demonstrated unwavering commitment to JNA and was always available to offer guidance and assistance at various levels. JNA recognized Ambassador Ward for his service at its 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2019.

According to Carol-Ann Boothe, JNA President (2026–2027), “While I did not work directly with Ambassador Ward, JNA members often referred to him as a source of guidance for JNA. Like many dedicated JNA members, Ambassador Ward consistently demonstrated exemplary commitment to JNA over the decades, which has been instrumental in sustaining JNA’s presence for more than 55 years.”

Elaine Knight, PhD, JNA President from 2019 to 2023, recalls that Ambassador Ward was someone she deeply admired both professionally and personally. He was a respected leader with a lifelong commitment to service, diplomacy, and uplifting the Jamaican community.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ambassador Ward consistently showed up for others. Through his leadership, he demonstrated integrity, vision, and a genuine dedication to people. He represented excellence not only through his accomplishments but also in how he carried himself, with humility, strength, and purpose.

Jennifer Asher, who has served on JNA’s Board since 1997 and is a former staff member at the Embassy of Jamaica in the late 1970s, recalls Ambassador Ward’s outstanding leadership and contributions to the Jamaican community, particularly during his service at the Embassy of Jamaica for the late Senator Alfred Rattray and other succeeding Ambassadors. Ambassador Ward was also instrumental in the creation and launch of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations, Inc. (NAJASO) in 1977, a non-profit, tax-exempt umbrella association of Jamaicans and supporters throughout the United States and internationally. She extends sincere condolences to the Ward family on behalf of the Asher family.

Doreen Thompson, Esq., who served as Chair of JNA’s Inaugural Advisory Council, and current Chair JNA Strategic Governance Advisory Council reflected on Ambassador Ward’s steadfast contribution to JNA. She highlighted his experience, dedication, and contribution to JNA’s productive discussions with Professor Orlando Patterson.

Ambassador Ward remained active in regional and international security matters over the last two decades. As the founder of The Ward Post, he was a prolific writer and a major contributor to discussions on Jamaican and Caribbean affairs.

He was an international consultant with extensive knowledge and experience in national and international legal and policy frameworks for the effective implementation of United Nations and other international anti-terrorism mandates.

In a message shared on the occasion of the Jamaican Nationals Association’s 50th Anniversary, Ambassador Ward reflected:

“JNA was the vision of a group of young Jamaican students on the campus of Howard University in the late 1960s. They saw the Jamaican community as one, not separated by social or economic barriers. They understood what it meant to be far away from home and created JNA as a vehicle through which Jamaicans could remain connected to Jamaica, celebrate our heritage, and show pride in our Jamaican roots.”

Presidential Statement

On behalf of the Jamaican Nationals Association, I extend our deepest condolences to Ambassador Ward’s family, friends, and colleagues. His life exemplified service, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to Jamaica and its diaspora. JNA is stronger because of his presence, his counsel, and his faith in the organization’s mission.

We honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately supported, strengthening our community, advancing thoughtful dialogue, and serving with integrity. His legacy will remain woven into the fabric of JNA for generations to come.

Carol-Ann Boothe
President, JNA (2026–2027)