There is a popular saying: “A diplomat is a person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you look forward to the trip.”
While Jamaican business investor and aspiring diplomat Ammoya Patrick may not fully embrace that sentiment, she strongly believes in the transformative power of diplomacy.
That passion led her to serve as a political coordinator and, most recently, to represent Barbados at the Best Diplomats United Nations Simulation Conference in the United States—where she earned the prestigious Most Outstanding Diplomat Award. The event was held on October 16, 2025.
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“My biggest takeaway from the event was learning how to apply diplomacy while gaining a deeper understanding of the Caribbean and CARICOM through a Barbadian lens,” Patrick said.
The conference challenged delegates to devise policy stances through advanced negotiation and leadership, centered on the theme Business for Peace: Entrepreneurship in Post-Conflict Recovery, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16, 8, and 10.
Patrick emerged at the top from a competitive field of 70 participants representing 38 countries.
She explained that both the debates and resolutions required thoughtful analysis of how business can support peacebuilding and sustainable development. SDG 16 promotes peace and strong institutions, SDG 8 focuses on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 10 calls for reduced inequalities.
“I am deeply honored to have been recognized as the Most Outstanding Diplomat,” she said. “This award reinforces my commitment to a career in international relations and diplomacy, and I hope it opens doors to meaningful opportunities to serve my country.”
Though proudly Jamaican, Patrick represented Barbados due to a late entry into the competition.
“While I am deeply proud of my Jamaican heritage, I was equally excited for the opportunity to represent Barbados—another Caribbean nation with shared history, culture, and regional identity,” she said. She added that the experience strengthened her belief in Caribbean unity as a vital tool in international advocacy.
A Rising Diplomatic Leader
Patrick, born in Kingston on November 6, 1995, has built a multifaceted career in finance and development. She has over a decade of experience across operations, accounting, and investment advisory in Jamaica’s financial sector.
Her academic achievements include:
- BSc in International Relations — University of the Commonwealth Caribbean
- Currently pursuing MSc in Development Studies (Governance & Public Policy) — University of the West Indies
Her professional path began after earning a diploma in General Accounting from Stony Hill HEART Academy, leading to an internship in the Ministry of National Security’s Internal Audit Unit. In 2016, she joined Mayberry Investments Limited, rising to become a licensed Investment Advisor. She has since expanded into insurance and client services with Sagicor Life Jamaica while independently promoting investment education.
Her leadership drive emerged early through debating, poetry competitions, and student council service. Today, she continues to contribute through volunteerism, research, proposal development, and public speaking. Writing—including poetry—remains a creative outlet.
Guided by a mantra inspired by Oprah Winfrey — “You become what you believe” — Patrick remains confident in her future.
“I know I can become anything I want to be,” she affirmed.
With her achievement on the global diplomatic stage, she says her mission remains clear:
to serve Jamaica, the Caribbean, and the wider world with purpose and distinction.
