Camillo Gonsalves set to be new UN Ambassador

September 1st will see the introduction of His Excellency Camillo Gonsalves.

SEARCHLIGHT understands that the first son of Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Camillo, 35, is set to replace Margaret Hughes Ferrari as this country’s ambassador to the United Nations.{{more}}

Ferrari has been ambassador to the United Nations since September 2001.

When SEARCHLIGHT asked foreign minister, Acting Prime Minister, Sir Louis Straker about the pending appointment, he was reluctant to verify stating that he had wanted to make an official announcement about Camillo’s appointment at the right time.

“I wouldn’t lie to the press, so yes, his appointment is going to take place beginning September 1st,” Sir Louis reluctantly admitted.

He said that Camillo is young, bright, and talented and will do very well in the position.

Sir Louis said that he expects questions to be asked about Camillo’s appointment and is bracing for cries of nepotism. He however noted that Camillo’s appointment was based on the ability and potential that has been seen in him.

“When I approached the Prime Minister on the subject he said that he was washing his hands of it and was leaving it up to me,” said Sir Louis.

Camillo, whose contract as a senior crown counsel in the Attorney General’s office is up at the end of August, said that he was not comfortable making any statement on the matter until there is an official announcement by the government.

“It is the proper protocol, so all I would say is that discussions are taking place, but nothing official has happened,” he said.

Sir Louis however said that Camillo is expected to be in place for the United Nations General Assembly in September.

He also said that the Government is still looking for a suitable person to replace Ambassador Ellsworth John, who is soon to demit office as Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States.

Ambassador John will on his return, take up a position in the Prime Minister’s office, where he will be coordinating CARICOM and OECS matters. This will be along with his non-resident ambassadorial portfolios including Ambassador to Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica and Peru.