by
story courtesy of the The Vincentian newspaper
Ambassador John, who has been this country’s Ambassador to Washington,
Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS)
and accredited to a number of other Spanish-speaking countries (one time
being accredited to Cuba) since 2001, is expected to fulfil his current
contract and return home by July 2007.
John’s contract ends in July but he is expected to spend the next
six months putting the finishing touches to a number of bilateral agreements
between SVG and Latin American countries, as well as continuing his Chairmanship
of the Committee charged with co-ordinating the Caricom– USA summit
scheduled for June this year.
When THE VINCENTIAN spoke with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on Monday,
he revealed that John will return (home) to a posting in the Prime Minister’s
office.
He will be tasked with a mandate inclusive of consolidating and deepening
the integration process and co-operation within CARICOM and the OECS.
In addition he will attend to matters as they relate to co-operation with
Latin American countries.
Given St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ proactive role in matters
of Caribbean functional co-operation and efforts towards full economic
integration, and given the intensified efforts to build relations with
Latin American countries, the thinking here is that Ambassador John, with
his experience, is appropriately qualified to lend valued direction to
co-ordinating these efforts.
In related news, THE VINCENTIAN understands that SVG’s Permanent
Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Margaret Ferrari, will
not return to her current posting upon completion of her contract later
this year.
High Commissioner Cenio Lewis, accredited to the UK, could well find himself
undertaking a new posting.
The movements at the ambassadorial level follow on a cabinet decision
to rotate and/or reassigned Ambassadors every four to five years.
by Dayle Da Silva
story courtesy of the The Vincentian newspaper
“We are seeking the best persons to represent us,” Straker said.
Cabinet was expected
to deliberate on the naming of a Deputy High Commissioner to the UK and
will be deliberating on a candidate for the position of Consul General
in Toronto.
Straker said that his government’s central consideration when appointing
persons for positions abroad, was that of their personal qualities.
He added that such persons had the responsibility of ensuring and encouraging
foreign investors to the country.
“We want them to
represent the country in making contributions to the educational, social
and economic development,” Sir Louis said.
The Minister made the point that every member in the present administration
had a role to play with regard to foreign affairs.
This is evident in the
amount of scholarships this country continues to receive, Straker said.
However, he cautioned persons not to interpret the change as an indication
that those currently serving in ambassadorial positions were not doing
a good enough job.
“We want to ensure that we have good rotations,” Straker said.
He noted that it was the policy by most other countries to designate four-year
terms for persons in such positions.
Straker said that most
persons serving in Vincentian missions had already served up to 6 years.
Straker said that the decision was made to retain Cerio Lewis, current
High Commissioner in London, at the ambassadorial level. However, he may
be reassigned.
Lewis was described as one of the outstanding individuals and represented the type of foreign delegate the government