Dr. Richard Bernal, former Ambassador to the United States of America, and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS has died.
Commenting on his death via his social media page, Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness said he was deeply saddened by his sudden passing.
It is reported that Bernal collapsed Wednesday evening while taking a walk in Norbrook with his wife.
“Ambassador Bernal gave committed service to his beloved country, Jamaica, and to elevating our status and relations with bilateral and hemispheric partners,” he wrote.
Ambassador Bernal was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (2008-2016) and was a Chief Trade Negotiator for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). As the Director-General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM) for 8 years, he had responsibility for trade negotiations for CARICOM.
Holness notes that Bernal represented the people of Jamaica with honour, dignity, and professionalism and described his death as a significant loss for Jamaica.
