(E-196 /01)
September 26, 2001


DOMINICA NOW HAS A RESIDENT AMBASSADOR TO OAS

 

Ambassador Swinburne Lestrade today presented credentials as Dominica's Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, emphasizing the Caribbean nation's renewed commitment to enhancing its relations with the Organization. 

The new envoy presented his credentials to OAS Assistant Secretary General Luigi Einaudi, saying the decision to appoint a resident Ambassador to the OAS—after a number of years without one—fulfils that country's obligations and responsibilities as a member of the international community of nations.   He added: "It reflects a willingness to support more actively, the goals and purposes of the OAS and enhance my country's relationship with the Organization." 

Ambassador Lestrade conveyed his government's appreciation for "the very good work" being done by the OAS' office in Roseau, the Dominica capital.  He also remarked that "even as Dominica seeks to fulfil its obligations as a member of the OAS, it also looks to the OAS system to contribute strategically to the major challenge of economic and social development that faces my country at this time." 

In an interview afterwards the Ambassador, who is also accredited to the White House, identified economic and social development in Dominica as strategic priorities he would be emphasizing. He explained that Dominica, with the least diversified economy in the Caribbean, is among those hardest hit by globalization, notably in the dispute between the United States and Europe over bananas, a mainstay of the island's livelihood. 

For his part, Assistant Secretary General Einaudi expressed confidence that Lestrade would "strengthen the Caribbean presence within the Organization."  He praised Lestrade's "strong multilateral credentials," noting that the incoming Ambassador would find a comfortable home at the OAS where he would be able to contribute to, and shape, the work.   

The newly-arrived Ambassador is expected to assume the rotating chair of the OAS Permanent Council next week when it falls to Dominica, for three months until year end. 

Most recently Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Lestrade's credentials include being coordinator and chief drafter for the Caribbean Technical Committee on the Caribbean Basin Initiative; program manager for the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce; and economic affairs officer with the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.  He also served with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat in Guyana.

Ambassador Lestrade is married, with three children.

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