by Linda Straker
- Government believes in professional foreign service
- Hassan Hadeed from NNP Dr Keith Mitchell administration, reappointed
- Ambassadors to OECS and Caricom not yet named
9 months after taking over the government, the Dickon Mitchell administration has named new diplomats to most of its diplomatic missions and 3 special envoys who will represent the country in Health, Investment and ICT.
“In keeping with Government’s new thrust on the diplomatic front, we believe in the formation of a professional foreign service. We think that it’s important that we seek out the best among us that will provide opportunities for people who have dedicated their lives to service,” Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Joseph Andall said during a news conference where he announced the names of the new diplomats.
The USA-Canada and Mexico ambassador is Tarlie Francis, while the UN Mission in New York will be headed by Che Phillip. The ambassador to China is Ian Marshall, and the new ambassador to Belgium is Raphael Joseph who served as ambassador to Cuba from 2008 to 2013.
The United Kingdom’s new High Commissioner will be Racher Croney. Glen Noel is Cuba’s ambassador, while Hassan Hadeed will be the ambassador to Venezuela, Columbia, and Panama. Hadeed is the only ambassador from the New National Party (NNP) Dr Keith Mitchell administration whom the ruling Dickon Mitchell administration has reappointed.
The Consulate in Dubai will be headed by Ziya Rahaman, while Michael Brizan will be the head of the New York Consulate office. Gerry Hopkins, who served as aide to former Prime Minister Tillman Thomas during the 2008–2013 NDC administration, will be the new consulate in Toronto, Canada. Elwyn McQuilkin will be the new Counsel General in Trinidad and Tobago.
Government also announced the appointment of 3 special envoys. They are Dr Trevor Layne who will be the Global Health Ambassador; Orlando Romain who will be the special envoy to the Creative Economy and ICT, and Andrea St Bernard who will be the special envoy for development and investment in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Of the appointments, Minister Andall said, “Most of the appointments are for 2 years or a 3-year period. They vary based on individual circumstances.”
There was no announcement pertaining to ambassadors to the OECS and Caricom.
Beautiful choice
How can one person serve as Ambassador for the U.S, Mexico and Canada?
Outrageous.