Ambassador Thompson to step into new role

Ambassador Elizabeth Thompson will now be based in Bridgetown, with special responsibility for matters of climate change, SIDS issues and the Law of the Sea. She previously served as Barbados’ Ambassador to the United Nations.

The announcement came from Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott, during a virtual press conference yesterday.

Walcott noted that Barbados is unequivocally committed to a diplomacy of peace and prosperity through international dialogue, and recognises the unique role that the United Nations plays in guaranteeing the sovereign equality and independence of small states in the international community.

He added, “Barbados’ belief in the United Nations is why we have taken the step of establishing a third Permanent Mission to the UN in Nairobi. This Permanent Mission will join Barbados’ Permanent Missions to the UN Headquarters in New York and the UN Office in Geneva, which serve as important portals for our work in the international community.”

He further pointed out that the priority issues and strategic interests that Barbados will continue to pursue with like-minded allies in these three UN locales include the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop-ment, the establishment of a multidimensional

vulnerability index for SIDS and Middle Income Countries (MICs), given that vulnerability is a significant factor affecting trade and development assistance and adequate means are needed to tackle high debt levels and the continued decline of correspondent banking. And finally, the creation of an inclusive, intergovernmental body on tax matters under the UN, to counter the imbalance that exists between OECD countries and developing countries within the context of setting international tax norms.

He also emphasised the nexus between development and international peace and security; the need to take action to address the security challenges facing the region through the proliferation of small arms and light weapons; and the need to recognise the multi-dimensional nature of security, which also includes food security.

Speaking to the matter of strengthening the international frameworks dealing with the climate crisis; financing for development; SIDS issues; and NCDs, he noted that it

is for this reason that Ambassador Thompson, who has most recently served as Head of the COVID-19 Communica-tions Unit, will tackle some of these key issues.