PORT OF SPAIN: 19TH OCTOBER, 2016
The Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs is aggressively pursuing the implementation of the initiatives and measures outlined in The Official Policy Framework for the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to ensure that the interests of citizens will be promoted and protected at the regional, hemispheric and international levels through targeted and multilateral actions.
The restructuring of the Foreign Service is ongoing as we ensure that from Headquarters there is a focus on research in the key areas of energy, trade, tourism and security. Additionally, the relationships with relevant Ministries and Departments (such as Ministries of Trade, Energy, Agriculture, National Security as well as Sport and Health) have been strengthened to facilitate the cross fertilization of ideas and combined involvement in developing strategies for implementation of initiatives. These initiatives will focus on economic diplomacy, trade and investment promotion, energy diplomacy, the diplomacy of security and terrorism, the diplomacy of the environment, public diplomacy, health diplomacy, digital diplomacy, sports and cultural diplomacy and human rights diplomacy.
In keeping with the national policy framework, postings to Missions have reflected a blend of career Foreign Service officials and esteemed citizens who have been deemed to possess knowledge of Government’s foreign service agenda and the competencies required to so execute.
Appointment:
Career Foreign Service Diplomats
o His Excellency Dr. Paul Byam, Ambassador-designate to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
o His Excellency Colin Connelly, Ambassador-designate to Brussels, Belgium
Esteemed Citizens
o His Excellency Dr Amery Browne, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Federative Republic of Brazil;
o His Excellency Garth Chatoor, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Canada;
o His Excellency Dr. Lancelot Cowie, Ambassador for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Republic Cuba;
o His Excellency Dave Persad, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Republic of India;
o His Excellency Fitzgerald Jeffrey, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to Jamaica;
o His Excellency Roger Gopaul, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the Republic of South Africa;
o Her Excellency Penelope Beckles, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations, in New York; and
o His Excellency Brigadier General Anthony Phillips-Spencer, Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States of America.
As stated in Government’s policy document, in addition to the aforementioned knowledge and competencies, persons so appointed have undergone a period of intense preparation before being posted. The programme is designed to focus on general training and sensitisation in the areas of immigration, human trafficking and protocol and consular issues. It also focused on key areas related to the specific overseas jurisdiction which included briefing sessions with InvesTT, Tourism Development Company Ltd., National Gas Company, Lake Asphalt, Atlantic LNG, Trinidad and Tobago Manufactures Association, NIDCO, ExporTT, Chaguaramas Development Authority, The Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago and eTeck. Additionally, meetings were held between Heads of Mission and the Directors of the respective Divisions of the Ministry.
Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs
View media release - Statement by the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs regarding Achievements.pdf
