Former head of the Jamaica Defence Force, Rocky Meade, has been appointed ambassador  plenipotentiary, with responsibility for national strategic initiatives, for Jamaica.

The appointment was made by governor general, Sir Patrick Allen, on the advice of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and became effective, on Monday February 13.

Ambassador Meade will be based in the Office of the Prime Minister.

A statement from the OPM on Tuesday, said ambassador Meade will advise the prime minister, and cabinet, when necessary, on, as well as co-ordinate, national strategic initiatives, and projects, across ministries, departments and agencies, within government, with a view to ensuring their timely and effective implementation.

These include existing and new initiatives, that will have a positive long-term impact on the country’s development.

It said ambassador Meade has nearly four decades of leadership experience, and has led various significant initiatives with impact at the organizational, national, and international levels.

Ambassador Meade’s appointment comes months, after public concern in 2022 when he was selected to serve as cabinet secretary.

Meade subsequently declined the post, citing the unsettled public environment.