Veteran Diplomat Ambassador Curtis Ward Dies at 76

WASHINGTONx, D.C. — Ambassador Curtis A. Ward, a renowned Jamaican lawyer, diplomat, and international policy expert, has died at his home in Maryland. He was 76 years old. Ward was born in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, and received his early education at Manchester High School before pursuing advanced studies abroad.

Ward’s career spanned decades in both diplomatic service and international security. He served as Jamaica’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, with special responsibility for Security Council affairs, and was part of Jamaica’s representation on the UN Security Council from 2000 to 2001.

Educated at Howard University in the United States and later Georgetown University Law Center, Ward began his professional journey in the Jamaican Foreign Service in the 1970s before transitioning to private legal practice in Washington, D.C. He later resumed representing Jamaica in international forums, including his role at the United Nations.

In addition to his diplomatic work, Ward was an attorney-at-law, international consultant, and educator. He lectured on international law, security, and counter-terrorism policy at institutions including the University of the District of Columbia and George Washington University.

Ward also led community initiatives and served in leadership roles within the Jamaican and Caribbean diaspora. He was Chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Caribbean Affairs in Maryland and founded The Ward Post, a platform for commentary on international relations and Caribbean regional issues.

Colleagues and leaders across diplomatic and diaspora circles remember him as a dedicated public servant whose expertise in law, diplomacy, and security shaped dialogue and policy on both national and international stages. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.