Ambassador of The Republic Of Trinidad And Tobago, H.E. Dr. Neil Parsan Hosts First Annual Diplomatic And Consular Retreat
Washington D.C. – His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan, Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States held the First Annual Retreat for Diplomatic and Consular Representatives of Trinidad and Tobago accredited to the United States from December 13 -14, 2011 at the Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Washington D.C.
In welcoming all participants, Ambassador Parsan stated that the major objectives of the Retreat were to rationalize the functions of the individual missions, standardize the approach to representation and improve communication, particularly, inter-office communication. The use of available resources for optimal value impact for citizens of Trinidad and Tobago was also emphasized.
Among the issues discussed were: Key initiatives of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for its representational offices in the US, Current initiatives of the individual offices, Communication, Business Development, Trinidad and Tobago’s Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence, Outreach to the Diaspora and the provision of Immigration and Consular services.
Some of the key initiatives discussed, included trade, investment, culture and service to nationals. Each participant was also given the opportunity to address the Retreat on the current initiatives of their individual offices. With the focus on trade and investment, Ambassador Parsan introduced a business development document which is expected to become the guide for all offices in the pursuit of business and investment opportunities for Trinidad and Tobago.
The issue of communication was discussed and participants were requested to compile a list of recommendations on the way forward, particularly as it relates to inter-office communication, liaising with Headquarters and the use of social media. Communication with the Offices of the Government of the United States through the TT Embassy, Washington was also highlighted. In the sessions entitled Outreach to the Diaspora and Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th anniversary celebrations, some members of the Diaspora were invited to address participants.
L to R: H.E Dr. Parsan-Ambassador, Mrs. Rudrawatee Nan Ramgoolam-CG NY, Collin Partap, Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Mr.Steve Jaipersad-HC Puerto Rico, Pat Younger-HC Houston, Dr. Anil Ramnanan-CG Miami,Dr. Vidhya Gyan Tota-Maharaj-CG Toronto
Ambassador Parsan presented a framework for engagement with the Diaspora which focused on the importance of the Diaspora and the contribution this group can make to the development of Trinidad and Tobago.
A major aspect of the Retreat was the discussions on immigration issues especially as they relate to the processing and issue of the machine readable passports (MRP). The concept of an online application system for the MRP was introduced. The presence of the Honourable Minister with responsibility for immigration added greatly to the substance of these discussions as participants sought to examine and determine the most effective and efficient ways to address these issues.
The opportunity was also taken to discuss each mission’s ideas for the celebration of Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th Anniversary of Independence in 2012. Every effort will be made to avoid duplication of events and ensure that they are reflective of the rich and diverse multi-cultural heritage of Trinidad and Tobago.
Participants expressed great satisfaction with the Retreat which proved to be extremely useful in highlighting the key initiatives to be pursued by all our US based diplomatic and consular missions as well as working together to finalize a plan of action for the way forward. In addition, they support the hosting of these retreats on an annual basis, with the possibility of its rotation among the different offices.
