BUSINESS MONDAY - Advocacy key

Gibbs looking to address several issues as new Ambassador to Geneva

 

BENTLEY Gibbs is this country’s newest Ambassador to Geneva. And straightaway, Gibbs has told Business Monday that he will be pushing hard for the resolution of a number of the issues that will redound to the benefit of this country.
 
Gibbs, who is a retired Senior Public Officer, will be serving as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Barbados Mission in Geneva for two years. He takes up his appointment this month.
 
Saying that the agenda is expansive, Gibbs noted, “We have now the challenge with respect to the structure of our International Business, and that trade matters which are connected to development are still be worked out. As such, these areas will be given much priority.
 
“In addition, there always is the issue of health and to drive through the international system the subject of non-communicable disease, climate change, and how is Geneva going to help reshape the global action on these range of issues,” he stated.
 
He explained that while some of them are to be worked out in other jurisdictions, Geneva will certainly have an important role to play in helping the international community to consider the best approach to these issues.
 
According to him, Geneva is a place where effective advocacy is going to be critical. 
 
He told Business Monday that one of the very important goals will be making the contribution to the development of international relations and international regulations and policies that will benefit Barbados. 
 
“If we can achieve these things and to convince the international community about the need for the requisite intervention, it will be a goal worth pursuing,” he remarked.
 
The new Ambassador pointed out that there are other goals, one being to ensure that Barbados remains at the top of the country hierarchy. 
 
“Barbados has a reputation in terms of labour relations, health, social programmes;  the image of Barbados participating in these matters may not touch on us directly, but would help other countries become good global citizens,” he added. (JB)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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