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December 2017

Dear Friends,

We are delighted to share with you the final quarterly newsletter of the Diplomatic Academy of the

Caribbean (DAOC) for 2017. In this edition we highlight several memorable events which took place over

the last three months including the recently held Celebration of Fifty Years of Diplomatic Relations between

the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; the last training module offered by the

Diplomatic Academy for the year entitled the, “Executive Certificate in Protocol, Diplomacy and Business

Etiquette”; and a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Eastern Caribbean-

Southeast Asia Economic and Cultural Chamber amongst other noteworthy events.

DAOC Executive meets with Chancellor Bermudez

In October 2017, the Director of the Institute of

International Relations (IIR), Professor Jessica

Byron and the Manager of the DAOC, Dr. Khellon

Roach, met with Mr. Robert Bermudez to

congratulate him on his appointment as The

UWI’s sixth Chancellor and extend best wishes to

him on behalf of the IIR and DAOC. On this

occasion, Professor Byron and Dr. Roach took the

opportunity to brief him on the current work of

the DAOC and IIR as well as share some of the

future plans of the DAOC and its intention to serve

and build strong relations with the Private Sector

of the Caribbean region. At the end of the meeting,

Professor Byron and Dr. Roach also presented Mr.

Bermudez with the publication, "A History of the

Institute of International Relations: 50 Years and

Beyond" co-authored by Drs. Khellon Q. Roach &

Raymond Mark Kirton which was written to

commemorate the 50th anniversary of IIR.

From L to R: IIR Director, Professor Jessica Byron, Chancellor of The UWI, Mr. Robert Bermudez and

DAOC Manager, Dr. Khellon Q. Roach

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An Evening of Celebration

50 Years Diplomatic Relations between Trinidad and Tobago & Spain

In early November 2017, the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (DAOC) had the honour of collaborating

with the Embassy of the Kingdom of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago to celebrate 50 years of Diplomatic

relations between Spain and Trinidad and Tobago. The ‘Evening of Celebration’ as the event was fittingly

entitled began with a Distinguished Lecture delivered by His Excellency Javier Carbajosa Sánchez,

Ambassador of Spain to Trinidad and Tobago.

The Lecture was

chaired by Dr.

Roach, Manager of

the DAOC, and

remarks were made

by Professor Brian

Copeland, Pro Vice-

Chancellor and

Campus Principal of

The University of

the West Indies, St.

Augustine Campus,

Ms. Reita Toussaint,

Deputy Permanent

Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and then

Ag. Director of the Institute of International Relations (IIR), Dr. Jacqueline La Guardia Martínez. The

Ambassador recognized strong historical and cultural Spanish influences in Trinidad and Tobago and

lauded the substantial partnership between the two countries over the last five decades. Ambassador

Carbajosa Sánchez also highlighted common values such as democracy, the rule of law and the protection

of human rights, as well as mutual national interests including peace and security, climate change and

sustainable development. He renewed Spain’s commitment to Trinidad and Tobago and indicated potential

areas of cooperation such as tourism, agriculture and renewable energy. Furthermore, His Excellency

applauded Spanish language teaching and academic exchanges at The UWI, St. Augustine Campus.

His Excellency Javier Carbajosa Sánchez, Ambassador of Spain to Trinidad and Tobago delivers

the Feature Address at Lecturer Room 1 of the Institute of International Relations. His Excellency Javier Carbajosa Sánchez, Ambassador of Spain to Trinidad and Tobago delivers

the Feature Address at Lecturer Room 1 of the Institute of International Relations

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The afternoon continued

with a Special Historic

Commemorative Exhibition

and Book handover by the

Embassy of Spain. Items

displayed were provided by

the Embassy of Spain in

Trinidad and Tobago, the

Alma Jordan Library of The

UWI St. Augustine Campus

and the Moruga Museum,

and included paintings,

books, maps and other

artefacts of historical value.

Ambassador Carbajosa

Sánchez presented Mrs. Cherill Farrell, Librarian of the Norman Girvan Library at the IIR, with a selection

of books which included Spanish translations of works by Caribbean authors such as Derek Walcott and V.

S. Naipaul.

Dr. Jacqueline Laguardia Martínez (Ag.) Director of the IIR delivers remarks at the Distinguished Lecture “An Evening of Celebration: 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations, Spain and Trinidad and Tobago”, held at the Institute of International Relations (IIR), The University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus on 7 November 2017. L – R - sitting: Dr. Khellon Roach, Manager of the DAOC; Professor Brian Copeland, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI; His Excellency Javier Carbajosa Sánchez, Ambassador of Spain to Trinidad and Tobago and Ms. Reita Toussaint, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

His Excellency Javier Carbajosa Sánchez, Ambassador of Spain to Trinidad and Tobago

(middle) hands over books to Mrs. Cherill Farrell, Librarian of the Norman Girvan

Library, IIR. His Excellency is flanked by Dr. Jacqueline La Guardia Martínez (left) and

Ms. Reita Toussaint and Professor Brian Copeland (right)

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Subsequently, the Ambassador

turned the sod at a symbolic

‘Chaconia’ Tree Planting Ceremony.

The ‘Chaconia’, designated the

national flower of Trinidad and

Tobago, given that it regularly blooms

on 31 August, Trinidad and Tobago’s

Independence Day, was named in

honour of the last Spanish Governor

of Trinidad, Don Jose Maria Chacon

(1784-1797). This Tree Planting

Exercise therefore served not only as

a symbol of celebration, but also

represented growth, solidarity and

continuity of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Kingdom of Spain.

In addition, the planting of the Chaconia tree served as a reminder of the importance of environmental

protection, an issue of mutual concern for both countries.

The evening ended with a passionate

Flamenco performance by the Cristina

Heeren Foundation of Seville, Spain and

a cocktail reception. The appearance of

the Cristina Heeren Foundation at the

Evening of Celebration was made

possible through the Embassy of Spain

as they held their eighth annual

Christmas concert “Eclosión” at the

National Academy for the Performing

Arts (NAPA) on Wednesday 8th

November, 2017, at which the Cristina

Heeren Foundation enthralled the

audience with their lively music and

spirited flamenco dancing. Members of the Cristina Heeren Foundation of Seville, Spain perform an

entertaining flamenco piece at the cocktail reception.

Members of the panel observe as His Excellency Javier Carbajosa Sánchez

turns the sod at the symbolic ‘Chaconia’ Tree planting ceremony

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Executive Certificate in Protocol, Diplomacy & Business Etiquette

The DAOC held its first Executive Certificate in Protocol, Diplomacy and Business Etiquette from November

13th to 15th, 2017. The workshop which was held at the DAOC headquarters in Trinidad and Tobago

accepted twenty-three participants with representation from Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad and

Tobago. The three-day workshop attracted people from seventeen (17) different organisations who

provided their personal insights and experiences to the discussion. Participants represented Governmental

and Non-Governmental Organisations, State Agencies, International Organisations, Academic Institutions

and the private sector. Some of the

organisations that were represented

include: Office of the Campus Principal;

TSTT; National Training Agency; Esan

Consulting DMCC; Customs and Excise

Division; Caribbean Airlines Ltd.; Royal

Institution of Chartered Surveyors,

Americas; Division of Settlements, Urban

Renewal & Public Utilities, Tobago;

Workmen's Wear Limited; The Scout

Association of T&T; Hugh Wooding Law

School; UWI Medical Sciences; UWI Library;

United Nations; COSTAATT; Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs; and the Office of the Prime Minister.

Professor Jessica Byron, Director, IIR (middle); Ms. Gail Guy, Retired Diplomat and Protocol Consultant (left of Director); and

Dr. Khellon Roach, Manager, DAOC (right of Director) are surrounded by participants of the Executive Certificate in Protocol,

Diplomacy and Business Etiquette, posing proudly with their Certificates of Training

Group activity in progress

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For three days, Ms. Gail Guy (Facilitator, Retired Diplomat and Protocol Consultant) highlighted the

importance of protocol, diplomacy and business etiquette and delivered the content of the workshop by

drawing from her own experience and expertise. Participants were also invited to provide their own

experience on the topics, bringing diversity and openness to the discussions. Practical activities formed an

important element of the workshop as well, since the participants partook in scenario-based learning

activities at the end of each topic. Overall, participants were able to establish new relationships with their

colleagues and build their network in the process. The DAOC hails the successful completion of the

Executive Certificate in Protocol, Diplomacy and Business Etiquette. This will be the first of many similar

workshops, as the DAOC plans to host other Protocol sessions in 2018. Interested participants can contact

868-662-2002 ext. 85362; 85360; 85359 or email diplomaticacademy@sta.uwi.edu for more information.

Testimonial from Executive Certificate in Protocol, Diplomacy & Business Etiquette “The Executive Certificate programme offered by the DAOC, provided a wealth of knowledge that has helped me to have a better understanding and appreciation for diplomacy and business etiquette. The course delivery method was very hands-on and interactive, allowing for the perfect balance of theory and practical. I would recommend this programme to anyone seeking to gain a professional edge in their local and international community.” Mr. Roy Ferguson, Guyana Area Manager – Suriname and Caracas, Caribbean Airlines Ltd.

Testimonial from Executive Certificate in Protocol, Diplomacy & Business Etiquette “The experience of the training module, entitled Executive Certificate in Protocol,

Diplomacy and Business Etiquette, was well organized and managed. The experienced trainer created a safe and engaging environment for all participants. It

has definitely enriched both my personal and professional life, re-scripting me to

engage successfully in social, personal and business settings. I congratulate the

Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean for their foresight in offering a programme

like this that will improve, not just diplomatic relations, but will also impact

positively our day to day interactions and enhance our relationships.”

Mrs. Heather-Dawn Sealey, Trinidad and Tobago Chair, Department of Management and Entrepreneurship, College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT)

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DAOC and Eastern Caribbean-Southeast Asia Economic and Cultural Chamber sign MOU

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean c/o the

Institute of International Relations, The UWI and the Eastern Caribbean-Southeast Asia Economic and

Cultural Chamber. This comes as a result of a clearly felt need for continuous information on aspects of the

economy and culture affecting the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Recognizing also the need for information

sharing to this effect, and the difficulty faced by the Caribbean in projecting its presence and interests in

Southeast Asia, the MOU formalizes the partnership between the DAOC and the Chamber by creating an

institutionalized framework for academic cooperation. The Agreement aims to promote collaboration on

training, research and exchange in the areas of international relations, economic and cultural affairs. As

such, the two organizations vouch to jointly identify opportunities for exchanges, cooperation and research

in areas of mutual interest. The first of several envisaged collaborations will be a free Webinar opened to

the public on “Understanding the Southeast Asian region”.

The signing of the

MOU follows the

courtesy visit to the

Manager of the

DAOC, Dr. Khellon

Roach by the

Executive Director

and Chamber Envoy

for Diplomatic

Affairs of the

Eastern Caribbean-

Southeast Asia

Economic and

Cultural Chamber,

the Honourable

Matthew Andrew

Yngson on 25 July 2017, and subsequent discussions on building relations between the two organizations.

This partnership will be a step forward in the aim toward bridging the knowledge gap between Southeast

Asia and the Caribbean.

Executive Director & Chamber Envoy for Diplomatic Affairs of the Eastern Caribbean-Southeast

Asia Economic and Cultural Chamber, the Honourable Matthew Andrew Yngson signs the

visitors’ book of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean - 25 July 2017

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Wishes you a blessed holiday season.

May your lives be filled with joy and good health in 2018 and beyond!

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To apply, please visit the registration page of our website (http://sta.uwi.edu/daoc/daoc-apply) and complete the application form and return to diplomaticacademy@sta.uwi.edu

If you are interested in any other training modules, events or our Customized In-House Training

Programme, please email diplomaticacademy@sta.uwi.edu and leave your preferred email address,

telephone contact and name.

Contact us: DiplomaticAcademy@sta.uwi.edu | 868-662-2002 ext. 85362; 85360; 85359; | http://sta.uwi.edu/daoc/