Former Jamaican Ambassador to the United Nations, Curtis A. Ward, has been recognised by Maryland Governor Wes Moore for his decades of service to the state, and to the Jamaican and wider Caribbean communities.
“Two nights ago, we held the first Caribbean Heritage Month Reception in Government House in Maryland history. There are many stories of people being told “you don’t belong” because of who they are. This reception served as a reminder that our history is our power. We will not let anyone take that away from us,” the Governor wrote in a social media post on August 28.
Two nights ago, we held the first Caribbean Heritage Month Reception in Government House in Maryland history.
There are many stories of people being told “you don’t belong” because of who they are.
This reception served as a reminder that our history is our power. We will not… pic.twitter.com/L89uSNoUN9
— Governor Wes Moore (@GovWesMoore) August 28, 2025
Ward received the Governor’s Citation during a ceremony at Moore’s office on August 26. The governor, whose parents are Jamaican, praised Ward for his leadership and integrity, describing him as someone who embodies the true meaning of public service.
“For someone who has always been there for our state, our community and for me personally, who has shown what true international cooperation looks like, I award you this governor’s citation,” Moore said. “He is someone I truly respect as a leader… someone who has made me better as a leader, and who has been there for me at some of our highest and toughest moments.”
Ward, who chairs Moore’s Commission on Caribbean Affairs, said he was humbled by the recognition. “I was not told beforehand that I would be honoured with the citation, but it feels good to be recognised for the work that one does for one’s community,” he said. He stressed that his efforts have always been focused on advancing the community and state, rather than seeking awards.
“Service is an honour, and we should engage in such service for the betterment of our state and country,” Ward added, noting he hoped the recognition would inspire others to get involved.
Several Caribbean dignitaries attended the event in support of Ward, who has had a distinguished career in international law and diplomacy. He served as Jamaica’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN with special responsibility for Security Council Affairs from 2000 to 2001, during which time he contributed to global counter-terrorism and anti-money laundering initiatives.
Ward, an attorney-at-law and international consultant, has travelled extensively as part of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee. He has provided advisory services to the UN, regional organizations, governments, and NGOs, and participated in numerous CT conferences, workshops, and seminars as a keynote speaker, and has lectured globally on a number of security and related issues.
He holds law degrees from Georgetown University and Howard University, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Howard.
Ambassador Ward is an Adjunct Professor in the Homeland Security Graduate Program at the University of the District of Columbia (since 2012); and is a former Adjunct Professorial Lecturer at George Washington University – Elliott School of International Affairs (2010-14). He has given a series of lectures at the National Defense University; at the NATO School (SHAPE), Oberammergau, Germany; the Kofi Anan International Peacekeeping Centre, Accra, Ghana; and lectures on WMDs at the Caribbean Maritime University, Kingston, Jamaica.
