Jacques Ruben Constantijn Kross became ambassador of Suriname to the United States on February 22, 2007. Among his academic credentials, he holds a Master of Laws degree from Suriname’s Anton de Kom University. He has served as a member of the National Election Bureau and Chairman of the Surinamese team of the Joint Surinamese-Dutch Anti-Narcotics Steering Committee. In 2003, he chaired the Surinamese team during negotiations between his country and Brazil on a range of issues, including treaties for extradition and mutual assistance in criminal matters. More recently, he served as Suriname’s Minister of Labor, followed by stints as Minister of Social Affairs and Public Housing, and more recently as Director of the Ministry of Justice and Police. In addition to being the ambassador to the US, Kross serves as Suriname's Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS).