Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has said that with the recent passing of Ambassador the
Hon. M. Patricia Durrant, Jamaica has lost a distinguished citizen and an outstanding
representative.
In a Statement today, the Governor-General said Ambassador Durrant was one of
those career diplomats who was equally effective both at home within the local Foreign Service
Ministry and in the many and varied overseas posts which she filled.
“Her dedication to duty, her professional approach, and the warmth of her personality
combined to make her a highly respected and admired member of the Diplomatic Community,”
said he.
Sir Patrick noted that the late Ambassador’s appointment to the position of Assistant
Secretary General and Ombudsman at the United Nations in New York was evidence of the high
esteem in which she was held internationally. That distinction reflected the excellence which
was evident to her colleagues in that prestigious body and it also signaled that she was a
ground-breaking agent in international affairs.
Noting that she was a person of faith, The Governor-General said Ambassador Durrant
was an inspiration to her relatives, friends, colleagues, and her church family. She was a model
of propriety, dedicated to good works and to the uplifting of persons at their point of need.
“She served her country well, and we thank God for her service among us.
She leaves a legacy of excellence which will long be treasured not only here but in countries beyond our
shores. May her soul rest in peace”, The Governor-General said.