John: Conference high point of tenure

by Nelson A. King in New York 25.MAY.07

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador to the United States, Ellsworth John, says the forthcoming Conference on the Caribbean between the US and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will be the “high point” of his six-year tenure.{{more}}

The diplomat – who first served as an Alternate to the US and the Organization of American States (OAS), from 1992-1996, then as regional coordinator for the OAS, from 1996-2001 – told Searchlight that the June 19-21 conference in Washington would be most gratifying, though it entails tremendous coordination.

“It has been a challenge – a lot of work has to be done,” said John, coordinator of the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors, whose term in the US capital comes to an end shortly after the conclusion of the conference.

“We’ve never had a conference of this kind, but we think everything is on track for a very successful conference,” he added, stating that it would be the “high point” of his long and illustrious diplomatic career.

John said he will be returning home to head a new unit for regional integration in the Office of Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves.