– staff receive long-service awards

THE work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in obtaining a decision by out-going United Nation’s Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on the Guyana –Venezuela Border controversy was lauded by President David Granger on Friday night.The President, who attended that ministry’s annual dinner and Christmas party, said it is through the hard work of the Ambassadors, and Foreign Service Officers of the Foreign Affairs Ministry that the UN Secretary-General chose to send the border controversy to the ICJ at the end of 2017 if the Good Offices process proves unsuccessful.

“Last Friday we heard a very important announcement, which is perhaps one of the brightest parts in our 50-year history of independence that the matter of the territorial controversy will be taken to the court. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and generations of Foreign Service Officers [and] Ambassadors have worked over the years to have this result. I think it is a moment of joy, not of boasting, but a moment of relief to the people, who have worked so hard and I feel very proud of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service Officers,” he said.
President Granger expressed pride in the work of the Guyanese missions, high commissions and embassies around the world and extended Christmas greetings to the staff.
Meanwhile, the Government Information Agency reported that the head of state presented Director- General, Ambassador Audrey Waddell, an award for her service to the ministry.
Subject Minister Carl Greenidge also delivered awards to six staff members for long and dedicated service to the ministry, including Deputy Chief of Protocol, Marion Herbert, who has served within the Ministry for 27 years, Bibi Bacchus, a personnel staff member, who has served for 32 years, from accounts Hollie Munroe, who has been with the ministry for 44 years, Michael Brotherson and James Lewis from the Registry for 27 years of service. Kerwin Clarke also received a special award for his Gold Medal at the 2016 Central America and Caribbean Body Building and Fitness Championships.
Also present at the event were Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque; Former Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Rashleigh Esmond Jackson and members of the diplomatic corps (Government Information Agency)