A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond (FULL VERSION)

1966 - 2016 FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond 1966 - 2016

Khellon Quacy Roach and Raymond Mark Kirton

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ndigenous banking refers to the idea of a bank originating out of the same territory it is intended to serve. The story of First Citizens and indigenous banking in Trinidad & Tobago is a precise expression of this idea, though it is not unique to Trinidad & Tobago alone.

Indigenous banking is now the norm, partly because when a country attains the political status of an independent nation, true economic or social independence can’t be achieved if all its banking and financial institutions are based in, or owned by foreign countries. Up until the 1960s, these foreign-based banks mainly catered to the needs of the business community, and the everyday man had few options for securing and investing money.

These fundamental questions endured.

Will a foreign entity serve a local community as well as the local community can serve itself? Will a foreign institution stick with you through thick and thin? Do we have an alternative?

Questions like these gave rise to institutions like First Citizens and other banks across the Caribbean and Latin America. In the Caribbean, First Citizens bravely led the charge, beginning in 1914 with the founding of the Trinidad Cooperative Bank.

Some indigenous banks in the region have become so well established that many of them have branched out beyond their home bases in search of new markets and strategic alliances beyond their shores and even beyond the region.

In the case of First Citizens - which has been hailed for its contributions to the development of the local economy over the past two decades - indigenous banking has come into its own - locally, and regionally; so much so they that they now compete with - and even rival - the foreign-based banks that dominated the local landscape in the past.

First Citizens first step out of the Red, White and Black was into Barbados, St Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and now into Costa Rica.

The challenge for First Citizens and of other indigenous banks in the region is now: how does a bank, indigenous to one territory, reach out to other territories without beginning to resemble the foreign colonial behemoths they replaced?

One of the keys to navigating this future may lie in the redefinition of what and where we Caribbean people call “home”. Should our understanding of our identity depend solely on the countries we were born in? Should we begin to see ourselves as one people – citizens of the Caribbean and Latin America - with one broad and diverse identity? What would that mean socially, culturally, politically and economically?

These are our new frontiers and some of the new questions all citizens will grapple with in a new era of Caribbean evolution and integration. Whatever the answers, First Citizens expects to be here with you all the way.

This is only part of the story of indigenous banking.

Visit www.firstcitizensstory.com for more.

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Institute of International Relations 1966 - 2016 Khellon Quacy Roach and Raymond Mark Kirton

First published in Jamaica 2016 by Ian Randle Publishers 16 Herb McKenley Drive Box 686 Kingston 6 www.ianrandlepublishers.com Š 2016 Institute of International Relations ISBN: 978-976-637-944-5 A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the National Library of Jamaica All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher and author.

Book design by Karibgraphics Ltd Printed and Bound in the USA

Contents Foreword W. Andy Knight

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Preface Khellon Quacy Roach & Raymond Mark Kirton

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Acknowledgements

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Congratulatory Messages

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President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Brigadier David Granger

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Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles

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Former Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Professor Clement Sankat

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Honorary Consul General of Switzerland in Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Michele Khan

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Secretary-General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

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Director General, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr Didacus Jules

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IIR Board Member and Ambassador of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the United States of America, Dr Riyad Insanally

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United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, Mr. Richard Blewitt

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Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs, The University of the West Indies, Ambassador Dr Richard L. Bernal

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Chapter 1 - In the Beginning - The Academic Precursors to the IIR and the Role of the Swiss Government in the Establishment of IIR (1960 - 1965)

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Chapter 2 - The Early History of IIR (1966 – 1971)

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Chapter 3 - IIR in Transition - The Era of Restructuring & Challenges (1972 – 1980)

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Chapter 4 - IIR in Transition - The Era of Expansion (1981 – 1997)

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Chapter 5 - IIR in Transition – The Era of New Challenges & Opportunities (1998 – 2007)

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Chapter 6 - The Dawn of a New Era (2008 – 2016)

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Foreword W. Andy Knight The year 2016 marks the golden jubilee of the Institute of International Relations (IIR). Milestones like this one are important because they indicate a level of institutional sustainability and success. But it also reminds us that the IIR has come a long way from its modest beginnings. The fiftieth anniversary of the IIR is an epochal event that allows those of us who have been associated with this wonderful institution to reflect on its evolution, celebrate its achievements, understand its place within Caribbean regionalism, and envision its future trajectory.

I consider myself lucky to have served as Director of the Institute from 2013 to 2015. Standing on the shoulders of the Directors who went before me, I was perched in a pivotal position, at the conjuncture of the IIR’s past and future, to be able to take a panoramic view of the historical events that produced and shaped the Institute and to take critical stock, on the eve of the 50th anniversary, of the potential future direction that the IIR is likely to take under the guidance of a new Director, a new Principal of the St. Augustine Campus and a new ViceChancellor of The University of the West Indies.

By now, it should be common knowledge that (drawing on the vision of Trinidad and Tobago’s first Prime Minister, Eric Williams) the Swiss government, as part of its development assistance to newly independent countries in the developing world, was responsible for the establishment of the Institute of International Relations in 1966 in the Caribbean region. Located on the St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad, this Institute was envisioned as a facility for the training and development of future leaders and diplomats of the small states in the Caribbean. Eventually, the Institute was brought into the administrative

orbit of The University of the West Indies (UWI), with the financial support of the governments of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana.

On this occasion of the golden jubilee celebration we should therefore not forget the generosity of the Swiss government, which provided not only the seed funding to get this institute up and running but also the administrative and scholarly leadership in the form of Swiss Directors and lecturers, Roy Preiswerk, Yves Collart, and Ulrich Haeflin to ensure that the idea of training future Caribbean leaders and diplomats would become a reality. We should bear in mind that the Swiss’ generosity extended also to the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), University of Yaounde, Cameroon; the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies (IDIS), University of Nairobi, Kenya; and the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies (MEDAC), the University of Malta. A special relationship was developed between these institutes in the developing world and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. Indeed, one of the beloved lecturers of the IIR, Dr Johann (Hans) Geiser, who passed away in 2015, first came to the IIR via the Graduate Institute in Geneva.

The Institute of International Relations has witnessed major geopolitical shifts, from the Cold War to the post-Cold War era, from the break-up of the Soviet Union to the process of integration within the European Union, from bipolarity to unipolarity, from colonization to decolonization, and from regionalization to globalization. Its students have had to grapple over the years with important issues such as the expanding conceptualization of both global and regional security, the many vulnerabilities that face the region, the noticeable impacts iv

of climate change, global economic downturns, the ebb and flow of tourism, the attempts to diversify economies, the negative onslaught of globalization, the failure of regional integration, despite the efforts of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the competition between the US and an emerging China, and between mainland China and Taiwan. Over 50 years, the relevance of the institute cannot be disputed.

The biggest challenge for the IIR over the next 50 years will be how best to sustain the new Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (DAOC) while expanding the range of courses and programmes offered within the Institute in order to address 21st century problems. Governments in this region need well educated, well trained critical minds willing to take on the mantle of leadership and governance and willing to think outside the box. The future of this region is at stake.

For the next 50 years the CARICOM region will continue to be one of the most vulnerable regions in the globe. Indeed, as reported in the Small Island Developing States Programme of Action (SIDSPOA), adopted in 1994 by the UN Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (UNGCSIDS), Caribbean states are more vulnerable than many other developing states. Apart from the smallness of size and limited land and resources of most of the states in this sub-region, Caribbean states are exposed to persistent and recurring environmental and ecological vulnerabilities.

Because of their geographical position, smack in the midst of the hurricane belt, Caribbean states are subjected almost annually to severe hurricanes that cause tremendous physical and infrastructural damage which severely set back their economies. For instance, hurricane Luis in 1995 caused an estimated EC$810 million worth of damage to Antigua and Barbuda. This resulted in the loss of 71% of the country’s GDP and literally closed down its tourist industry. Global warming is expected to cause significant rises in sea level within the Caribbean Sea over the next 100 years that could lead to significant losses of land, damage to the coral reefs, changes to the eco-systems, loss in fish stocks, etc. The Caribbean

islands are also subjected annually to volcanoes, earthquakes, mudslides, and severe floods.

The vulnerability of CARICOM states is made worse by the large number of risk factors with which many of the states in this sub-region are confronted: post-structural adjustment, shifting trade arrangements, excessive dependence on fickle international trade and tourism, rising levels of poverty, youth unemployment, large migration into urban areas that are already overcrowded, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, non-communicable diseases, weak educational and health institutions, ineffective policing, widespread proliferation of guns, drug trafficking, alcohol abuse, the presence of organized criminal gangs, ethnic and racial strife, home-grown terrorism, intergenerational structural inequalities, porous borders, poorly trained custom agents, and a poor security intelligence apparatus.

My hope is that the IIR, in combination with the DAOC, will continue over the next 50 years to tackle these pressing issues and offer concrete policy guidance to the leaders of our countries in this region and hemisphere. The original mandate of the Institute of International Relations was to develop leaders and diplomats to serve the countries of this region. As you will see in the following pages of this book, the IIR has so far done a pretty good job in living up to that mandate.

Many of our alumni have gone on to play significant roles in government, in foreign ministries, in the private sector, in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and in Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs). Some are working diligently in regional bodies like CARICOM, the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). The future of the Caribbean may depend quite heavily on the next generation of leaders and diplomats coming out of the Institute of International Relations.

Let us celebrate this important milestone but, at the same time, let us not rest on our laurels. The future beckons with as much alacrity and urgency as when this experiment was first started by the Swiss in 1966.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Preface Khellon Quacy Roach & Raymond Mark Kirton Anniversaries are special moments. They not only present the opportunity for reflection, but they also provide the opportunity for forward thinking.

Having been established through an international agreement between the Swiss Confederation (the Government of Switzerland) and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in 1966, the Institute of International Relations (IIR) celebrates its golden 50th anniversary in 2016.

On this momentous occasion, this book entitled, A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years and Beyond traces the fascinating but complex evolution of the IIR, a remarkable postgraduate institution of the regional University of the West Indies known for producing outstanding Caribbean leaders, housed at The UWI St. Augustine Campus in Trinidad. It tells the remarkable story of how a small training institution with a single classroom and 14 students, became a globally recognized regional centre for the analysis and advancement of international relations and global issues. The lively and engaging

text of the book is complemented throughout by treasurable photographs (both vintage and contemporary), and attractive illustrations.

The book is first introduced by several congratulatory messages from high level stakeholders including, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Secretary-General of CARICOM, the Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Trinidad and Tobago, among many others.

Chapter 1 is entitled In the Beginning (1960 – 1965) and it sets the context by outlining the academic precursors to IIR and the role of the Swiss Government in the establishment of the IIR. Chapter 2 The Early History of IIR (1966 – 1971) describes the achievements of the Institute under the leadership of Swiss staff, Professors - Ulrich Haeflin, Roy Preiswerk and Yves Collart, all founding Swiss IIR Directors. Chapter 3 is entitled IIR in Transition – The Era of Restructuring (1972 – 1980). This chapter describes the many changes that took place when the

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Swiss government passed the baton to the Caribbean region to take ownership and responsibility for IIR and consequently the adoption of a new constitution.

Chapter 4 IIR in Transition – The Era of Expansion (1981 – 1997) reflects on the growth of the Institute physically in terms of its infrastructure and student numbers, and academically in terms of its programmes and areas covered. Chapter 5 is entitled, IIR in Transition – The Era of New Challenges & Opportunities (1998 – 2007). This chapter identifies some of the main challenges of the Institute, including financing, as a result of the withdrawal of contributing countries, but it also describes the opportunities that emerged through the strengthening of relations with The UWI and its connections with IIR alumni. Chapter 6 is entitled The Dawn of a New Era 2008 – 2016. It presents some of the more recent activities and accomplishments of the Institute such as the strengthening of links with the diplomatic community through the establishment of ‘Diplomatic Dialogues’, and a return to its original mandate of diplomatic training with the

recent establishment of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (DAOC).

The final chapter is entitled, Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service. It demonstrates the calibre of alumni produced by the Institute and gives the reader an appreciation of the tremendous service provided by the alumni of the Institute of International Relations to the regional and global community over the last five decades.

As the Institute of International Relations celebrates its first half-century of service, it is hoped that through this publication, the people of Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean region and the world will become even more conscious of its heritage, uniqueness and the enormous contribution that it has made to the development of Caribbean society. For it can be said that this book immortalizes the yeoman service rendered by the entire IIR community, including its students, staff and alumni to the Caribbean community and beyond.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Acknowledgements Lynelle Clarke who provided able research assistance. The administrative staff of the Secretariat and the Library of the Institute of International Relations including, Marilyn Ramon-FortunÊ, Ekana Mc Alister, Lucia Williams-Legall, Kemi Burgen, Liu Joseph, Harriett Modeste and Cherill Farrell were all very supportive of the project and gave invaluable administrative assistance and in many instances also provided us with the necessary material – reports, minutes, strategic plans and photographs to facilitate our work. We are grateful for their willing and cheerful assistance. From the wider Campus community, we acknowledge the assistance of Dr Glenroy Taitt of the Alma Jordan Library (the Main Library) and Jo-Ann Georges, Assistant Registrar, Archives and Records Management.

We extend heartfelt thanks also to the many staff members, both past and present including former Directors who agreed to share their knowledge and memories of IIR through their incisive comments and interviews.

The completion of this project, a commemorative historical review in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Institute of International Relations (IIR), would not be possible were it not for the steadfast support and commitment of many individuals including the Board, staff, students and alumni of IIR, along with several other members of the wider UWI St. Augustine Campus community.

In this context, we first wish to place on record our gratitude to the former Director of IIR, Professor W. Andy Knight, who from the onset when approached, not only supported the idea of producing the first written history of the Institute of International Relations, but also committed the required funding to ensure that it became a reality at this special juncture in the history of the Institute. We also thank the new Director, Professor Jessica Byron-Reid, who upon appointment from 1st August, 2016 continued to support this project until its completion.

We would also like to express sincere gratitude to Zara Weekes-Rhyzer and

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Congratulatory Messages

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

H.E. Brigadier David A. Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana international diplomacy and regional relations at the time when West Indian colonies were becoming Caribbean nations. It can look back with pride and satisfaction at its mission and achievement over the past fifty years. It has unquestionably made an invaluable contribution in educating students, many of whom have gone on to distinguished service both in the Caribbean and further afield.

I had the good fortune of being a student of the Institute. I count my days there as amongst the most

I have the honour on behalf of the Government and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and on my own behalf to extend wholehearted congratulations to the Institute of International Relations, St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies on the occasion of its Golden Jubilee. This is a significant anniversary. I anticipate that it will provide an opportunity for celebration, reflection and forward-planning.

The Institute of International Relations transformed the landscape of

memorable and impactful in my life. I was deeply impressed at the quality of the scholarship and the facilities that were afforded students from the very first day of my studies at the Institute.

I am proud of the time spent at the Institute and of the many friends that I made there.

It is my pleasure to wish the Institute of International Relations every success on this significant milestone and in the years ahead.

Brigadier David Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

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Professor Sir Hilary Beckles Vice-Chancellor, The University of the West Indies

I take great pride in warmly extending my sincerest congratulations to the Institute of International Relations on its golden 50th anniversary, both as Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies and as Chairman of the Board of the Institute of International Relations.

Established in 1966, the Institute of International Relations continues

to distinguish itself as a remarkable postgraduate institution of The UWI, and has graduated thousands of alumni, many of whom have excelled at the highest level of leadership in the Caribbean and beyond. When one reflects on the calibre of alumni such as – His Excellency Brigadier David A. Granger, the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, the former Governor-General of Jamaica and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Mona Campus, the late Ambassador Henry Gill, the former Director-General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery, and Mr Desmond Parker, former United Nations Chief of Protocol among many others, one immediately appreciates the magnitude of service provided by the Institute to our regional and global community over the last five decades.

Indeed, our university and region owe a great deal of gratitude to the

founding architects of the Institute of International Relations including - Dr Eric Williams (first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and then UWI Pro-Chancellor), Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice (then UWI Chancellor), Sir Philip Sherlock (then UWI ViceChancellor), and Dr Dudley Huggins (then UWI St. Augustine Campus Principal). In addition, I cannot forget the significant assistance granted to the IIR in the founding years, by the Government of Switzerland, both in terms of financial resources through SWISSAID, and technical expertise from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies Geneva, and Swiss staff such as Professors - Ulrich Haeflin, Roy Preiswerk and Yves Collart (all founding Swiss IIR Directors).

The team at IIR that conceptualized this publication, and those whom have made every effort to ensure that it becomes a reality must also be

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commended. As a historian myself, I can think of no better way to preserve the institutional memory of the Institute of International Relations at this special juncture than the publishing of this commemorative book. In the midst of the celebration, I ask the entire IIR community (inclusive of students, staff and alumni) to appreciate the responsibility you have, as part of the wider regional University of the West Indies to enlighten and direct our Caribbean community on the pathway to sustainable development, prosperity and progress. Congratulations!

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles Vice-Chancellor - The University of the West Indies

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Professor Clement K. Sankat Former Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus

It is with great pleasure that I extend profound congratulations to the staff, students and alumni of the Institute of International Relations (IIR) on its golden 50th anniversary! The UWI St. Augustine Campus continues to be very proud to house such a distinguished institution. A vision of the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and

Tobago and I should add, a founding father of our University, Dr Eric Williams, the Institute of International Relations has produced a cadre of professionals for both the private and public sectors including diplomats, permanent secretaries, academics, researchers, CEOs, practitioners, senior government officials and most recently a Caribbean head of state in the 8th President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency, Brigadier David Granger.

Over the last five decades, the Institute has indeed grown both physically and academically. What began in 1966 as a single classroom with just 14 students, has blossomed into what we have today - a globally recognized institution with an annual average student population of 100 enrolled in the Postgraduate Diploma, MSc, MPhil and PhD degrees.

Fifty years from the perspective of

International Relations is a long time, and the world has changed significantly. It has become much more connected, new global leaders have emerged and the complexity of the world we live in has increased considerably. While there has been human progress, several threats have also emerged including, but not limited to financial calamities, climate change and the environment, health, nutrition and diseases, and most frightening, the proliferation of terrorism. The work of our staff and students of the Institute of International Relations therefore becomes even more important today than when it was founded in 1966.

The Institute must also be proud of its new building which has been constructed to house the recently established Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean, which in itself, in years to come will be an iconic legacy of the Institute of International Relations.

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Once again, on behalf of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, I extend heartiest congratulations to the Director, staff, students and alumni of the Institute of International Relations on this momentous occasion – your 50th anniversary. I wish the Institute continued strength of purpose, increased capacity and resilience as you grow and continue to support our region, the Americas, the world over.

Continue to serve well! Best wishes and may success come to all that you do in the future!

Professor Clement K. Sankat Former Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus

Mrs. Michèle Khan Consul General of Switzerland in Trinidad and Tobago It gives me great pleasure to extend, on my own behalf and that of the Consulate General of Switzerland, warmest congratulations to the Institute of International Relations on achieving its 50th anniversary, recognizing that Switzerland played an important role in its embryonic development. I am confident that through visionary leadership the Institute will continue to grow in stature and its various achievements will redound to the benefit of the Caribbean community.

Yours faithfully,

Mrs. Michèle Khan Consul General of Switzerland in Trinidad & Tobago

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Ambassador Irwin LaRocque Secretary-General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

It is no small feat to celebrate fifty years of institutional existence. For longevity in and of itself is an achievement, an affirmation of continued relevance.

That the Institute of International Relations (IIR) can, in addition, assert without fear of contradiction, that for fifty years it has been the premier diplomatic training institution in our CARICOM Region makes this anniversary all the more worthy of celebration.

In this complex global environment, perspective and informed diplomacy and an in-depth and critical understanding of international relations are imperatives for survival and prosperity. This is all the more so when one is, in relative terms, a ‘small’ player in the international arena.

Fortunately, astute and well trained personnel with ideas and ideals can make the world stage their stage. This has certainly been the Caribbean

experience, and the IIR has played a laudable role in providing the required training and in lending scholarship to our countries’ and Regions’ policies.

It is therefore with great pride and pleasure that I extend congratulations to the Institute of International Relations on its golden jubilee! May you live to see many more!

Ambassador Irwin LaRocque Secretary-General Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

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Dr Didacus Jules Director General, Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

A fiftieth anniversary provides very good reason for congratulations and effusive celebrations.

For the past fifty years, you have been in the vanguard of diplomacy in the English speaking Caribbean by virtue of your role as the premier training and research institution on the subject. Your establishment in 1966 was most opportune, coinciding with the first wave of political independence in the region following the demise of the West Indies Federation. You have

contributed greatly to the shaping of West Indian identity, culture, intellect and sovereignty through the provision of institutional support to newly independent states seeking to find and to assert themselves in the world, and through the provision of training in the field of International Relations.

Today, your graduates can be found at the highest levels of the public and private sectors, providing direction to the region’s development.

In celebrating your fiftieth

anniversary, let us consider not only the passage of fifty years of successful operation, but most importantly, the profound contribution which you have made to our region’s development. On behalf of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, I convey heartiest congratulations and best wishes for continued success.

Dr Didacus Jules Director-General Organization of Eastern Caribbean Sates (OECS)

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Dr Riyad Insanally IIR Board Member and Ambassador of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the United States of America

The theme, ‘Celebrating the Past; Looking to the Future’, very neatly encapsulates the fact that a golden jubilee is as much a time for rejoicing as it is for reflection and forwardthinking. The Institute of International Relations (IIR) and its stakeholders undoubtedly have much of which to be proud.

With relatively modest financial resources but with an abundance of intellectual acumen and effort, the IIR has succeeded in positioning itself as the principal centre for the study of international relations in the Caribbean Community. Within the framework of The University of the West Indies, with the support of its contributing governments – not least the Government of Trinidad and Tobago whose first Prime Minister, Dr Eric Williams, had the vision to champion its creation – and through

the dedication of its staff members and the achievements of its alumni over the decades, the IIR has established itself as a significant Caribbean resource, for academics and practitioners alike, for research, analysis, professional development, diplomacy and public policy.

Now, as the Institute looks ahead to the next 50 years, our region is faced with existential challenges. The Institute, therefore, in casting a critical eye over its mission, structure and capacity, and in continuing to pursue the path of constant consolidation and renewal, must fortify itself to respond rapidly and nimbly to changing circumstances; for it must be ever able to innovate and improve in order to be always relevant.

I have had the honour to serve two stints on the Institute’s Board of Directors – from 1995 to 1999

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and from 2009 to the present – and I am delighted to extend warmest congratulations to all associated with the IIR, past and present, on this historic 50th anniversary and to wish the Institute continued and, indeed, greater success in the years to come.

Dr Riyad Insanally IIR Board Member and Ambassador of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the United States of America

Mr. Richard Blewitt United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator & United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten The Institute of International Relations is a very strong Caribbean institution.

Throughout its 50 years it has delivered very well trained Caribbean specialists and powerful Thinkers who have played a vital role in strengthening international relations in the region and in strengthening the voice and influence of the Caribbean region in the world such as the Caribbean’s leadership in securing the United Nations General Assembly Summit on Non Communicable Diseases which has had a powerful global impact.

The Institute of International Relations has in recent times taken on a range of great leadership initiatives.

Recently an innovative Caribbean Children’s Observatory has been established, that supports learning and best practices around addressing children’s human rights in the region.

The Institute of International Relations

has also brought into life a highly effective Diplomatic Academy for the Caribbean. These two initiatives highlight the relevance and creativity of the Institute for the benefit of Caribbean Sustainable Development.

In 2015 the Institute of International Relations partnered with the United Nations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and a range of international development actors to drive forward an innovative and disruptive thinking Forum on the Future of the Caribbean, pushing new thinking for better long term policy making in the interest of sustainable development in the Caribbean.

The Institute of International Relations has always been a strong partner with the United Nations offices in Trinidad and Tobago and across the Caribbean, working on a range of vital

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issues including human rights, decent work, food security, environment and climate change issues.

The United Nations looks forward to working with the Institute of International Relations in the coming fifty years, during which time the Caribbean will face many challenges, but with its leadership and tenacity it will find durable solutions in the interest of the Caribbean and the world.

Mr Richard Blewitt United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator & United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Ambassador Dr Richard L. Bernal Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs, The University of the West Indies I salute and congratulate the Institute of International Relations at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago on its 50th Anniversary. The Institute has served the Caribbean region with distinction in training persons with post-graduate degrees for tenure in the diplomatic service. This function has reached new heights with the recent establishment of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean. The IIR has consistently contributed to the conduct of the international relations of the region by the provision of timely and relevant policy papers on vital issues which the small states of the region have had to grapple with in a rapidly and profoundly changing world. In its operations it has subscribed to the highest standards in teaching and research from a staff of

experienced practitioners and a blend of Caribbean and foreign scholars. The IIR has adapted to the evolving and constantly challenging international scene in ways which has allowed it to inform the foreign policies of the Caribbean countries both in their national and regional execution. In addition, it has made its expertise available beyond governmental circles to civil society and the public through a variety of formats of written and inperson engagements. Throughout its history the Institute has periodically refreshed its leadership while maintaining its traditions enabling it to attain and retain an enviable international reputation over the last 50 years. The fact that its students and faculty alumni have held posts of greatest responsibility including that of Head of State and Prime Minister

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is ultimate testament to the important contribution which the Institute of International Relations has made. It is reassuring that as the Caribbean faces existing and new challenges it has at its disposal an institution of such calibre as it mediates the encounter with globalization and navigates the tectonic shifts in the configuration and dispersal of global power.

Ambassador Dr Richard L. Bernal Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs, The University of the West Indies

Chapter 1 In the Beginning The Academic Precursors to the IIR and the Role of the Swiss Government in the Establishment of IIR (1960-1965)

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

The International and Regional Backdrop to the Establishment of IIR An examination of the international environment preceding the establishment of the Institute of International Relations (IIR), the implications for the Caribbean, and the region’s explanation of its identity and development indicate that Caribbean international relations thinking was grounded in the region’s unique cultural, historic, political and socio-economic context, stemming from its colonial experience.

The Cold War, which began shortly after World War II ended in 1945, and ended eventually in 1991, is by far the most historically significant phenomenon that was occurring at the time of the inception of the Institute. It was a period of political-ideological-military tension between the pro-capitalist Western Bloc, led by the United States and supported by NATO and other Allies, and the procommunist Eastern Bloc, Soviet Union and its allies. The Vietnam war of 19551975 and the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis were just two of several proxy wars and crises that erupted during this period and which also engaged the attention of the Caribbean citizenry.

This period of bipolarity rendered the Caribbean, a region of strategic ideological and economic interest to both sides of the ideological war. Though the US was said to have engaged in activity in the region for ideological, economic and even psychological reasons, many argue that security was its dominant concern. There was concern that the Soviet Union or another large European or Asian state would become ideological or political allies with a nation in the neighbouring Caribbean region, and potentially use it as a military base for attack or harassment of the US. To secure its interests, world history indicates that the US employed a ‘military-economic’ approach as seen in its military interventions on the one hand, and its provision of economic incentives on the other. It is argued that its military activity in the region served to ensure US security as well as leverage its influence in the hemisphere, and the Caribbean region. With the Cuban Revolution turning international lenses towards the first socialist state in the Western Hemisphere, the hemisphere had to face many

security issues. The 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba (a failed attempt to oust Communist leader Fidel Castro), and its quarantine of shipments of military equipment from the Soviet Union in the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962 are testimony to pertinent security issues in the region. The US also exercised its strong influence in the region by its occupation of the Dominican Republic from 1916 to 1924 and the 1965 invasion, and continued to do so by its involvement in Grenadian politics in 1983 and its sometimes covert military activity in Central and South America.

It is interesting to note that throughout the period of the early 1960s, the Caribbean region benefitted from US economic strength. Indeed, under President Kennedy’s 1961 Alliance for Progress, US aid to the region increased significantly and Caribbean countries experienced considerable economic growth in the 1960s, arguably owing to preferential trade agreements. However, the granting of tariff reductions and financial assistance to the region’s small capitalist states was intended to maintain and secure the capitalist ideal in the Western hemisphere.

The Soviet Union had similar ideological interests in the region and became allies with communist Cuba. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) furnished the Fidel Castro government with military hardware for its defence, and later on, replaced the US as Cuba’s primary trading partner after USimposed sanctions were enforced. Despite the Soviet Union’s strong presence and influence in Cuba, the US’ intervention in the national affairs of states in the region clearly demonstrated its opposition to communist regimes and USSR alliances. Though history demonstrates intense fluctuation of US interest in the region, the Caribbean generally existed in a geopolitical context of resolute US hegemony during this period.

Moreover, the Cold War saw the emergence of non-alignment, a concept which seemed to present a safer option, particularly for small, defenceless countries. In the 1970s and 1980s, all countries of the English-speaking Caribbean eventually joined the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) which was established in 1961.

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Chapter 1: In the Beginning - The Academic Precursors to the IIR and the Role of the Swiss Government in the Establishment of IIR (1960-1965)

Understanding its place & looking toward Independent Development Against the backdrop of US hegemonic influence in the region, rising national and regional consciousness and a quest for development after independence, the countries of the English-speaking Caribbean sought to explore and recommend strategies for post-independence development. It is precisely within this context, that this period gave birth to several exogenous and endogenous developmental theories. These theories reveal the foundation upon which Caribbean international relations thought was built.

Caribbean theorists and academics explained Caribbean reality for the most part, in terms of the effects of its colonial past. The Plantation Economy theory was created to explain the economic dynamics of sugarcane production in European-colonised territories. At that time, Lloyd Best and Kari Levitt argued that plantation slavery structures and the resulting specialisation of production and export of primary commodities were disadvantageous to the societies in which they existed. Lloyd Best contends that the institutions and systems put in place under the plantation system were so deeply engrained that any change tended to occur within this entrenched framework. Additionally, several Caribbean economists such as Norman Girvan, argued that the transnational corporation (TNC) operated within the boundaries of the plantation economy and that the system of foreign ownership, limited transfer of skills to local labour force, minimal domestic linkages and repatriation of profit mimicked plantation-metropole economic flows.

Dependency Theory also gained popularity in the 1960s. First advanced by Argentine economist Raul Prebisch, it recognises a direct correlation between the exploitation and extraction of natural resources in poorer countries on the ‘periphery’ and the industrial development and accumulation of wealth in richer, ‘core’ countries. It posits that the capitalist world system relies heavily on this division of labour. This model recognises that the systems established during colonialism engendered a mostly uneducated, unskilled labour force, rendering industrial expansion even more difficult. Export of low value-added

Simultaneously, the vast majority of colonies in the Caribbean were also approaching a crucial point in their nation building and decolonisation processes.

Amidst a backdrop of a deepening global economic crisis, a substantial growth in the middle class and a considerable rise in the national consciousness of colonial territories, the United Kingdom was recognising that holding on to its colonies was no longer economically viable. The West Indies Federation, formed in 1958 as a regional political union, collapsed after four years, but paved the way for Caribbean countries to advance toward independence as individual political entities, a process that had been in the making since the 1940s.

Despite its dissolution, the Federation demonstrated the value of regionalism for small states and the desire to be politically independent from Great Britain.

Consequently, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago both became politically independent in 1962, triggering the process of decolonisation in the Englishspeaking Caribbean. Barbados and Guyana were then granted independence in 1966; Bahamas in 1973; Grenada in 1974; Suriname in 1975; Dominica in 1978; St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1979; and Antigua and Barbuda, Belize and St. Kitts and Nevis in the 1980s. In the 1960s and onwards therefore, the countries of the region were faced with an opportunity and challenge to forge their own development paths and emerge as modern industrialised states.

Furthermore, during this period, a plethora of human rights catastrophes was taking place. South Africa was experiencing a period of Apartheid which started in 1948 and eventually ended in 1994. In Rwanda, racial tensions between Hutus, the majority ethnic group and the Tutsi minority led to a 1959 revolution and eventually culminated in the 1994 genocide which saw approximately 800,000 Tutsis killed. Also, during 1964 - 1979, three political factions were at war in Rhodesia in a battle for legitimacy and power. Though these human and civil rights atrocities did not directly manifest themselves in the Caribbean, these events certainly led to concerns and reflection for Caribbean nations.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

commodities and import of high value-added manufactures created extreme trade imbalances. The theory promotes nationalisation of main industries, establishment of trade barriers and a general intensification of the role of the state. Notwithstanding its attempt at economic independence and endogenous strategies for development, it became clear that the region was still markedly dependent on external financial assistance.

Sir Arthur Lewis’ 1950 theory of Caribbean Industrial Development was a novel response to high levels of unemployment and poor standards of living. It emphasised the dissolution of the traditional economic sector and establishment of a modern sector. Further, it advocated that Caribbean governments should encourage multi-national corporations to establish industrial enterprises in the region which specialise in manufactures that absorb the specific natural resources produced by the agricultural sector. It was envisaged that this theory, if supported, would create vast employment opportunities and raise standards of living. However, it was discovered that despite attracting foreign investment and currency, this strategy was based on the assembly of foreign inputs and did not improve employment. In actuality, this system arguably rendered Caribbean states more vulnerable to investors who uprooted businesses when they became less profitable.

Several other thinkers and theories helped to shape Caribbean economic thought, development and identity. Authors such as C. L. R. James 1930s – 1980s, Dennis Pantin and theories such as Emmanuel Wallerstein’s world system’s analysis, Neoliberalism, Marxism, and Keynesianism were presented as contributions to understanding the Caribbean socio-economic context.

Caribbean development theory therefore recognised the need to overcome the plantation heritage in order to transform political, economic and social structures. With all these developmental theories attempting to shed light on breaking away from colonial economic structures, the Caribbean aimed to diversify its economies. Most of the region turned to tourism. However, this industry proved extremely vulnerable to external forces such as recession and

negative media coverage in developed nations as well as natural disasters.

Additionally, the high import bill for food underwrote the industry and contributed little to development of and linkages amongst other sectors. While various diversification attempts were generally successful in the 1950s and 1960s, intellectuals contended that the region experienced externally-generated growth without development, and with distortions and imbalances.

The other major theoretical issue which dominated Caribbean international relations and development thought at the time was the vulnerability of these small island nations. Newly independent states and those seeking independence were becoming increasingly aware of their small size. They saw themselves as small and incapable of reacting to, or challenging US intervention in the region. Also, ‘small size’ brought with it a number of intrinsic characteristics such as, small populations, diseconomies of scale and narrow resource bases, engendering high susceptibility to external forces such as natural disasters and internationally set pricing of commodities such as oil. Indeed, Pastor (1996) even posits that the intrinsic vulnerability of the region’s states due to small size and military and economic capacity, in itself, arguably, made it dependent on and susceptible to external intervention.

Additionally, featuring prominently among Caribbean scholarly thought was the importance of regionalism for the survival of Caribbean states structurally constrained by their small size. The dismantling of the Federation in 1962 may have paved the way for Caribbean regionalism as it exists today. In the 1960s, Caribbean territories made more substantial efforts to maintain and further cooperation in areas which also obtained during the existence of the Federation.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was established in 1973. The region continued to recognise the importance of cooperation with Latin America and continuously attempted to influence US policy toward the Caribbean even after the Cold War, in order to advance the regional agenda.

Caribbean international relations thought therefore centred on a unique historic, ideological and economic context. It was grounded in explaining the

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Chapter 1: In the Beginning - The Academic Precursors to the IIR and the Role of the Swiss Government in the Establishment of IIR (1960-1965)

implications of lingering colonial structures, the dynamics between the colonial masters and (ex-) colonies, and determining endogenous ways of promoting development. The Caribbean was coming into its own in several ways, including gaining consciousness, challenging the imperial powers, seeking independence, thinking for itself, seeking to explain developmental issues, breaking out of monocrop plantation culture, promoting regional cooperation, forging developmental paths and diversifying its economies. This was a period of awareness and revolutionary thought which emerged.

Notwithstanding, it is important to note that, in spite of attempts to take charge of its own internal affairs, the region contributed little in the way of external affairs. Payne and Sutton (1993) suggest that Caribbean nations lacked foreign policy projection. For a region of small, developing states, this highlighted a dire need for understanding of international relations and its implications. It also showed that the formulation of foreign policy and international interaction through diplomacy were vital in order for the Caribbean region to ‘punch’ above its weight in the global environment.

Exploring the Origin of the Institute of International Relations In addition to highlighting the need to seek out

endogenous development strategies, the foregoing discussion underscored an urgent obligation for the Caribbean to begin to defend its interests and assert itself in the global arena. Consequently, the establishment of institutions which would assist the region to attain its developmental and policy goals was imperative.

The IIR was one such institution which came about because of a national and regional academic and policy gap in the area of international relations, and more particularly in Trinidad and Tobago.

It is noteworthy that Great Britain exercised control over Trinidad and Tobago’s foreign affairs until it gained independence on August 31, 1962, even though the country enjoyed internal autonomy since 1956. Hence, upon attaining independence, Trinidad and Tobago was faced with a severe shortage of qualified personnel in the field of international affairs, as was the case with all West Indian countries. Indeed, Trinidad and Tobago had practically no civil servants with training or experience in foreign relations. Two years later, in 1964, Trinidad and Tobago had yet to formulate a clear foreign policy.

Dr Eric Williams

The Founding Fathers and their roles in the establishment of IIR Then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Eric Williams recognised a critical need for Trinidad and Tobago to take control of its external affairs and build the capacity of foreign service officials to ensure their capacity to defend the country’s interests. In an attempt to bridge the human resources gap, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago began exploring various channels for efficient and effective training of foreign service personnel. With Dr Williams’ vision of providing muchneeded diplomatic training to Foreign Service officials in mind, James O’Neill Lewis, then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce, played an intermediary role between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva. He visited the Graduate Institute in 1961, where he had preliminary discussions with Yves Collart, Secretary-General of the Graduate Institute and Erich Messmer, Deputy Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for Cooperation. It was there that the idea

James O’Neil Lewis

Prof. Roy Preiswerk

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

of establishing a similar, but smaller institution in Trinidad was conceptualised.

Dr Eric Williams made his first official visit to Switzerland on June 29, 1962 during which he consulted Swiss authorities on several technical assistance programmes. On his second visit to Switzerland on July 17, 1964, Dr Eric Williams conveyed his desire for the Government of Switzerland to play an advisory role in assisting the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to set up a local training programme for foreign service personnel. Subsequent to these dialogues, Delegate of the Federal Council for Technical Cooperation, August Lindt, sent Roy Preiswerk to Trinidad to advise the Government of Trinidad and Tobago on the establishment of an Institute of International Relations; recommend to the Swiss Government ways of cooperating in this venture; and examine the further potential for technical cooperation between the two governments.

Within the objective of establishing a similar Graduate Institute of International Studies in Trinidad, an initial feasibility exercise was conducted in 1964 by the Technical Co-operation Service of the Government of Switzerland.

Simultaneously, comprehensive analyses were carried out by the Technical Cooperation Services in the field of international affairs throughout the Caribbean, in order to ascertain the extent to which the project could be dispersed without waste of resources. Roy Preiswerk’s 1964 report on the proposed Institute gave concrete evidence in support of concerns previously expressed by Dr Eric Williams by highlighting several areas of need, and gave recommendations to be considered in the establishment of the Institute.

report highlighted that other government officials in ministries such as trade and industry could benefit from training in this field. Further, he observed that there was a general disinterest in and lack of understanding of international affairs among the general public, and global events featured minimally in the media. He therefore suggested that special courses be offered to the public and that media representatives be included in the student body, in an attempt to contribute to the improvement of analytical commentary and by extension promote greater knowledge and understanding across the board.

A Need for Research The report also explained and expressed an urgent need for research to inform foreign policy and Caribbean regional studies. Preiswerk noted Trinidad and Tobago’s clear lack of foreign policy as evidenced by its lack of a policy framework towards the Organization of American States (OAS) and the European and Central American Common Markets. ‘The Institute-to-be, ought to be’, according to Preiswerk, ‘an agent of Caribbean unity’, and the report emphasised a need for research on political and economic issues and comparative interCaribbean analyses. Furthermore, at a 1964 Heads of Mission Conference in Tobago, Preiswerk presented his conclusions that a permanent institute catering to the region was preferable to ad hoc training, and that the Institute should serve regional needs. He also noted that an institute of international relations must be free of government control in order to carry out independent research.

Given the results of that preliminary study, the Swiss government, expressed its support for such a venture, once certain conditions were met and that the original concept would be modified in a number of areas. It was proposed that the Institute to be established would be a postgraduate academic institution, linked to the already existing University of the West Indies; intended to serve regional training needs, and dedicated not only to teaching but to applied research on regional issues, with special attention paid to Latin American Studies and future Caribbean-Latin American relations.The Graduate Institute of International

A Need for Training Preiswerk highlighted a critical need for additional staff and for specific international affairs training. His report noted that in 1964, Foreign Service personnel in Trinidad and Tobago amounted to an insufficient ten officers at head office and 20 serving in nine severely understaffed posts abroad. Of the ten Foreign Service officials, only two were trained specifically in foreign affairs.

In addition to a pressing need for training of Foreign Service staff, Preiswerk’s

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Chapter 1: In the Beginning - The Academic Precursors to the IIR and the Role of the Swiss Government in the Establishment of IIR (1960-1965)

Studies in Geneva would be responsible for executing any commitment made by the Swiss government. The Swiss Government presented these proposals with respect to the functioning of the Institute and subsequently, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago officially announced its agreement to engage in a technical cooperation project to establish an Institute of International Relations, on February 6th 1965.

As a result of the preliminary feasibility analyses, an international agreement was signed on January 7th 1966, between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Swiss Confederation, through which the Institute of International Relations was formally established at The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. The Constitution was also drafted at this time. Construction of the building was completed in summer of that year (1966) and teaching began in the academic year of 1966-1967. IIR was officially opened on February 1th 1967 by Her Royal Highness Princess Alice, Chancellor of The UWI. In accordance with the Agreement which entrusted the responsibility of technical assistance to the Geneva Graduate Institute of International Studies, a second three-year Agreement was signed between this institute and The University of the West Indies establishing the IIR as an affiliate of The UWI in 1966. This agreement focused on several areas including, arrangements for the University’s approval of staff appointments and the importance and applicability of University rules and regulations to admissions, examinations, syllabuses and degrees.

Both agreements were renewed for another three-year period from 1969 to 1972 at the end of the first triennium. The 1969 renewal of the Agreement between the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva and The University of the West Indies specifically referred to the developments which had occurred during the first triennium since the Institute’s inception and highlighted outreach activities including, funding received for special research projects on two occasions from the Inter-American Development Bank and the Organization of American States.

The two Agreements came to an end in 1972, after which the Institute was given independent status and a new Constitution was drafted. Article IV and V stipulate provisions for the composition and functioning of the Board respectively, while Article VI deals with the responsibility of the Director and Article VIII deals with funding.

Inauguration of IIR. In photo Mr. Claude McEachmane , Estate Manager assists Chancellor HRH Princess Alice towards Prime Minister of T&T Hon. Dr Eric Williams. Also on the podium are (facing) US Ambassador and Prof Ulrich Haeflin – First Director of IIR; & Principal, St Augustine Campus Dr. Dudley Huggins (back turned). On the ground are lecturers (l to r) Prof. Heinz Meier, Prof. Roy Preiswerk, Prof. Krishna Bahadoorsingh and Librarian Yola Alleyne

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Teaching and Research at IIR The Institute of International Relations was therefore conceived as an institute for teaching and research, focusing on all aspects of international relations with specific emphasis on Caribbean and Latin American studies. With regard to both teaching and research, the Institute’s intellectual and academic functions rested on critical premises. These included recognition that, the capacity of Caribbean small states to assert themselves in the international arena is commensurate with their understanding of global affairs as well as the region’s resilience and skill in adjusting to international politics, events and shifts in the global arena. Further, IIR’s role must be regional in scope, and potential for the creation of economic, cultural and political linkages with Latin America must be explored. It was also noted that all territories regardless of their degree of autonomy conduct some degree of external relations and therefore require adequate training in this field.

Furthermore, the Institute aimed to offer students a multidisciplinary approach to studying international relations, regionalism and the Developing World and an analytical framework for studying the region.

The provision of training for specialists in the field of international affairs was the foremost objective of Dr Eric Williams and consequently, one of the priorities of the Institute. Her Royal Highness Princess Alice noted in her remarks at the opening of the Institute that the prerogative of such an Institute was not only to inform and educate but train relevant individuals in the effective utilisation of that knowledge. She argued that not only should the Institute train officials of the Foreign Service but also target professionals of both the public and private sector whose organisations operate within the realm of international relations.

Short programmes were also proposed to be offered to Ministries requiring such training. Moreover, Her Royal Highness argued that the Institute should aim to sensitise the general public and the media. Her Royal Highness Princess Alice also acknowledged that ideally, individuals inform policy, and so the Institute’s aim was to contribute to the development of knowledgeable and to tolerant individuals.

At the opening of the Institute, Princess Alice, then Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, also recognised the importance of foreign policy within the context of an increasingly globalising world where international events could severely affect the region and that no country could exist in isolation. Thus, she emphasised the crucial role of the Institute in informing public opinion and government decisions. Princess Alice also declared that the Institute was to be a forum for analytical debate, and not concerned with policy making but with ‘…the acquisition of expert knowledge on which policy can be framed’. On the issue of research, she posited that IIR should also act as a consultant to regional governments and in the future, aim to become a hub for research on Caribbean Studies and a research facility and archive of documentary material for foreign researchers interested in conducting research on the region.

Recognising the importance for the small countries of the region to promote their interests and assert themselves in global affairs, the Institute and its training was geared to addressing the needs of Trinidad and Tobago and cater to the entire Caribbean region. In his speech, at the opening ceremony, Dr Eric Williams recognised the issue of poor representation on the world stage and highlighted the resultant importance and relevance of Institutes such as IIR for developing countries. Bearing this in mind, according to Dr Williams, the Institute was to be an ‘agent for Caribbean solidarity and empowerment, drawing attention to and promoting a mutual understanding of common Caribbean problems, and enabling countries of the region to assert themselves in the current geopolitical context’. Dr Williams also indicated that IIR should aim to highlight the importance of regional and international cooperation by exposing a wide regional cross-section of students as well as the wider population to International Politics and International Economics.

It is important to underscore the technical and financial contribution of The Government of Switzerland to the Institute. Even prior to the Institute’s inception, as a result of discussions held during Dr Eric Williams’ initial visit to Switzerland, the Swiss Government demonstrated its generosity by granting five

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Chapter 1: In the Beginning - The Academic Precursors to the IIR and the Role of the Swiss Government in the Establishment of IIR (1960-1965)

scholarships for training at the Geneva Graduate Institute to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, and sending four experts in the field of tourism, railway traffic and geology to Trinidad. Under the three-year international agreement between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Swiss Confederation, the latter originally contributed technical assistance in the form of academic staff including - one Director and two Visiting Lecturers. Furthermore, through the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva, the academic leadership and management framework was shared with The University of the West Indies.

In terms of financial assistance, the Swiss contributed 770,000 Swiss Francs during the first triennium which covered the cost of salaries for three Professors including the Director and grants for research, the library and scholarships. The Government of Switzerland had agreed to provide two annual federal scholarships for three-year doctoral studies in Geneva to graduates of the Institute. The arrangement was that one of the former students would be Trinidadian and the other, a native from another Caribbean country. Between 1966 and 1972, nine Swiss federal scholarships were awarded and accepted - five students native of Trinidad and Tobago and four students from other countries.

During the second triennium, the Swiss technical and financial contribution remained the same and the IIR received the sum of 770,000 Swiss francs.

In 1971, preliminary discussions were held regarding the permanence and autonomy of the Institute. The Swiss government, recognising that the Institute could not rely indefinitely on foreign assistance and having attained a level of normalcy and stability, expressed the necessity to commence phasing out its contribution.

Apart from the support of the government of Switzerland, it is noteworthy that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago also made a substantial contribution to the functioning of the Institute. In this regard, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago contributed one member of the teaching staff, a Librarian and clerical staff and provided funding to cover administrative costs and the establishment of a suitable building.

From academic year 1966/1967 to academic year 1968/1969, the financial contribution of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago was approximately TT $300,000. During the second triennium (1969-1972), the overall contribution increased with financial assistance doubling to approximately TT $600,000. The government of Trinidad and Tobago committed its responsibility to the Institute and any further expansion thereof on a long-term basis, having made clear its intention for the Institute to operate indefinitely.

The IIR Building (west view) in the early days

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Chapter 2 The Early History of IIR (1966-1971)

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Professor Ulrich Haeflin, Founding Director of IIR

Professor Dr Yves Collart, 3rd Director of IIR

Jacques Freymond Former Head Graduate Institute – Geneva & Former Swiss Acting Director of IIR

The First Directors of IIR As part of the Swiss government’s technical contribution to the Institute, Professor Ulrich Haeflin was appointed the first Director of the Institute of International Relations. He served the Institute from 1966 to 1967. A highly successful ten-week Carnegie Endowment Seminar in Diplomacy was held in academic year 1966/1967 during his tenure. Also influential during the early history of the Institute was Dr Roy Preiswerk, who produced the 1964 report on the proposed Institute examining the local and regional context and presented recommendations for the Institute’s establishment. He served as Director of the Foreign Policy Seminar in 1968. Later, Dr Yves Collart and Jacques Freymond served as Directors in 1970.

The contribution of Dr Hans Geiser to the Institute is also important to note.

Dr Geiser was a member of the Swiss team which assisted in developing the Institute of International Relations and went on to serve as Lecturer from 1972 to 1974 and remained a valuable contributor to the Institute’s teaching until 2015.

Dr Hans Geiser surrounded by his students on the last day of his Human Rights and Sustainable Development class

Early Achievements of IIR With regard to teaching, the IIR offered a programme of courses and supervised research as part of two degrees including a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and a two-year Master of Science degree in International Relations, which began in October 1970. In the Master of Science programme, research was the principal focus and a dissertation formed part of the academic requirements. The syllabus for the Diploma and Master’s Degree centered on a multidisciplinary approach which comprised Methodology, International History and Politics, Theory of International Relations, International Law, International Economic Relations and Institutions, International Organisations and International Relations of the Caribbean and Latin America. Furthermore, several optional research seminars on pertinent regional issues were offered in an attempt to encourage independent research, in addition to the core requirements for the Diploma and Master’s programmes, and at the same time, contribute to the development of new areas.

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Chapter 2: The Early History of IIR (1966-1971)

Table 1 showing details of special teaching programmes offered by the Institute between 1966 and 1969.

Year

Description

Target Group

Location

1967 (April/June)

Ten-week Carnegie Endowment ‘Seminar in Diplomacy’

Civil Servants of any Caribbean country.

Three participants from West African nations were also invited.

St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad

1968 (April/June)

Seminar on ‘The Foreign Policies of Caribbean States’ Sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Civil Servants in any agency dealing with International Affairs, of any Caribbean country.

St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad

1968 (June)

Two-week course on the ‘Formal Procedures of International Relations, Diplomacy & Negotiations’

Jamaican and Belizean Civil Servants

Mona Campus, Jamaica

1969 (April)

Two-week course on ‘The International Situation in the Caribbean’ delivered In French

Nationals of the French-speaking Caribbean territories

St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad

Source: Gill and Thomas (1971), Background Paper The first graduating class of IIR

The Carnegie Endowment Seminar in Diplomacy offered in 1967 was led by staff of the Institute and The University of the West Indies St. Augustine and Mona Campuses, invited Professors and Diplomats, and an expert in International and Regional organizations sponsored by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). The programme included lectures and seminars in International Law, Politics, Economic Relations, Organisations and Development and Caribbean Issues, amongst other themes.

In addition to its regular teaching towards the Diploma Course and Master’s degree, the Institute also held several special teaching programmes. The Institute offered courses of shorter duration which were open to participants from across the entire region. A list of such special courses can be seen in the following table:

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

The Seminar on Foreign Policies of Caribbean states, organised in 1968, introduced participants to the formulation and articulation of the international relations policies of Caribbean States, Caribbean cooperation, Integration with Latin America, cooperation with Europe and Diplomatic practices. A wide range of experts, professors and civil servants from the Caribbean, Latin America, North America and Europe were invited.

The Seminar offered at the Mona Campus aimed to expose civil servants to formal procedures of international relations, diplomacy and negotiations, while the course on the International Situation in the Caribbean, targeted participants with an advanced degree in law, social or economic science, or fields in the Humanities. The goal of the programme was to familiarise participants with the development of neighbouring countries and the existing mechanisms and efforts for attaining regional cooperation.

The academic staff of the IIR also frequently conducted workshops and seminars in International Affairs throughout the region. Such seminars have been held in Barbados, Belize, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Suriname, and the six Associate States.

Furthermore, with the clear understanding that knowledge of international relations is crucial for small state survival, the Institute conducted lectures in schools, with a particular emphasis on secondary school students and teachers, several communities and the media.

Aside from the regular teaching programme and special seminars and workshops, IIR steadily expanded its areas of research. Identified areas of research priority included small state-specific problems, inter and extra-regional relations and the Law of the Sea. During this period, individual members of staff also embarked on individual academic research projects, and two separately-funded, long-term research projects were initiated. The first explored the importance of Latin American integration to the English-speaking Caribbean states. It was jointly funded by the Institute and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). The second

was co-sponsored by the Organization of American States and the Institute. It dealt with the legal and institutional aspects of Caribbean economic integration.

At the same time, a third project was being contemplated on areas of regional conflict, and the problem of regional conflict resolution.

In addition, the Institute published Regionalism and the Commonwealth Caribbean and Documents on International Relations in the Caribbean both edited by Roy Preiswerk. By 1971, the Institute had launched three series of publications including Documents and Source Material, Special Lectures and Monographs and Occasional Papers, and published special lectures on Caribbean Perspectives and The Foreign Relations of Commonwealth Caribbean Countries.

The IIR library in the early years At this time, the Institute of International Relations Library was also established as a specialised library on international affairs, with particular emphasis on Caribbean and Latin American issues. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) provided a special grant to

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Chapter 2: The Early History of IIR (1966-1971)

establish the IIR library, and in addition, the Swiss government contributed 20,000 Swiss francs. Led by Yola Alleyne, IIR’s first librarian, by 1971, the library had a collection of approximately 8,000 registered titles and was subscriber to over 80 journals. Additionally a centre for unpublished or restricted material on the region was created and steadily expanded.

in Puerto Rico. Links were established with the Centre d’Etudes Regionales Antilles-Guyane (C.E.R.A.G.) in Martinique and an agreement was made to allow for student research exchanges with the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University in the United States. Beginning in 1967, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace recognised the Institute as the Caribbean training centre for its Diplomacy programmes.

Relationships with Latin America had also been cultivated as a matter of priority during this period. For two years, a Professor from the Central University in Caracas, Venezuela gave lectures at the Institute on a visiting basis to a number of Spanish-speaking Caribbean students. Much interest was generated at the Inter-American institutions for the Institute’s work. However, even though progress was slow in this area, given the differences in historical background of the two regions, Latin American-Caribbean relations remained a top priority.

Links with The University of the West Indies and other Institutions The Institute-University partnership evolved significantly in the first few years of the IIR’s operation, while benefitting from administrative autonomy, as an affiliated institution. However, the relationship became more pragmatic and closer as the Institute’s scope of activities expanded, especially after October 1970 and the introduction of the Master of Science degree in International Relations.

In a number of ways, the Institute was charged with its own responsibilities.

It garnered its own funds from the Swiss grants and the yearly grants from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, administered by the University’s Bursary.

It made its own decisions concerning its teaching and research policies and expanded its regional networks and activities. It also communicated directly with other governments and institutions.

Nevertheless, the Institute was also heavily involved, within its specific area of activity, in the University’s work. The Director and the academic staff served as members on various university Boards. Admissions, syllabus and examinations, prepared and administered by the Institute, followed the University’s regulations.

The Institute’s programmes also led to University-conferred degrees and the appointments of academic staff were conducted through University regulations.

The Institute became increasingly associated with the Faculty of Social Sciences, given its academic scope and teaching areas which were closely related to the social sciences.

With reference to other institutions, efforts had been made to establish links with other agencies and institutions in the field of international relations. For instance, a joint publication was done with the Institute of Caribbean Studies

The Student Body & Staff Complement of IIR Between 1966 and 1971, the Institute welcomed and trained 117 students from twelve territories of the Commonwealth Caribbean, seven from the nonCommonwealth Caribbean, seven from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and two from Asia, a total of 133 students. 112 of whom completed the Diploma Course, while 20 completed the Master’s degree.

The vast majority of students were awarded scholarships by their respective governments, the Institute or other institutions. From 1970, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace granted fellowships to nationals of the Associated States of The Bahamas, Belize and Suriname to attend courses at the Institute. It is interesting to note that many governments made the successful completion of the postgraduate diploma programme mandatory for the pursuit of a career in the foreign service and this facilitated the expansion of the Institute’s programme.

A total of 73 students participated in special seminars including, 65 from the wider Caribbean region, four from Africa and four from Latin America.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

As mentioned before, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago initially contributed one member of teaching staff, a librarian and clerical staff at the Institute’s inception. The Swiss Government furnished the Institute with one Director and two visiting lecturers. By 1972, the Institute’s local staff complement included two Professors, one Senior Research Fellow, one Senior Lecturer, one Lecturer, one Librarian, one Documentalist, one Research Assistant, one Administrative Assistant, five Clerical Assistants, as well as the Swiss complement of staff.

However, there were several vacant positions. It was noted that, much like several other departments at The University of the West Indies, the Institute faced a recruitment challenge. While the existing staff was deemed adequate, further posts had to be filled in order to improve the efficiency of the Institute’s operation.

The Institute was not only engaged in regular programmatic activity at the time, but it also provided the opporunity for informal interactions and mentoring activities. During this period, it is significant to note that the early political education of the late Patrick Manning, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was influenced by the Institute of International Relations. In 1971, at age 25, having recently returned to Trinidad and Tobago as a graduate in geology from The University of the West Indies, Mona, and having been named as a candidate in the General Elections of 1971, Mr. Patrick Manning came to the Institute of International Relations of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine where the Director, Dr Yves Collart, in response to a request, made an arrangement for two students of the Institute, Dr Carlo Lamur of Suriname and Mr. Frank Clarke of Trinidad and Tobago to have informal discussions with Mr. Manning on the basics of political science – domestic and international.

The discussions with Mr. Manning touched on various topics including - the extent to which the then system of governance, in the context of the British Constitution, was dominated by Parliament; the Cabinet; or the Prime

Minister. These discussions also included the prospects and challenges for regional integration.

The conclusions drawn from discussions between Mr. Patrick Manning, Dr Lamur and Mr. Clarke indicated that regional integration was a preferable option.

The conclusions were positively influenced not only by the then apparent success of the European Integration process that was being used as a model for the Caribbean but also by thought and action emanating from The University of the West Indies in general and from the IIR, UWI in particular at Patrick Manning in the early days before going on that time. to become the fourth and The disclosure of Mr. Manning’s early relations sixth Prime Minister of with the Institute of International Relations, Trinidad and Tobago revealed in a ‘Biographical Note’ written by Mr. Frank Clarke suggests quite vividly that the Institute had to some extent influenced the early political education of potential leaders including Patrick Manning who went on to become the fourth (1991 – 1995) and sixth (2001 – 2010) Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

Towards the Permanence of the Institute By the end of the second triennium, the Institute had achieved much in terms of academic output and research. However, Gill and Thomas, in their 1971 ‘Background Paper’ on the origin, development and future of the IIR noted that infrastructure, recruitment and regional funding for the purpose of best fulfilling its regional objectives, were areas that needed to be addressed in order to improve the Institute’s future operation.

At that time, the ‘experimental or launching phase’ was coming to an end, and it was recognised that the Institute had put down roots sufficiently deep to

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Chapter 2: The Early History of IIR (1966-1971)

be established on a permanent basis, with systems and structures befitting its requirements, suited to the realisation of its goals and mission and guided by the lessons of the first six years of its operation.

In 1971, the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva, acting on behalf of the Swiss Government, instructed the Director of the Institute to engage in discussions with The University of the West Indies, concerning the Institute’s permanent establishment. These preliminary deliberations which took place throughout 1971 and early 1972, were held in consideration of several factors. In the first place, it was important to start making arrangements sufficiently ahead of the expiration of the existing agreements in October 1972.

Secondly, the Institute could not be considered to be indefinitely dependent on foreign technical assistance and the Swiss Government needed to be aware of local intentions in order to plan the phasing out of its contribution. Further, the Institute had attained an adequate level of stability and recognition and needed to be formed on a more permanent basis. Additionally, the academic partnership shared with The University of the West Indies and the Graduate Institute for International Studies in Geneva could not be extended indefinitely.

Consequently, a working paper was prepared which informed deliberations, with the aim of establishing the permanent status of the Institute, among the parties initially engaged in its creation. This paper presented a review of the goals and accomplishments of the Institute and outlined the premises on which its permanent structure should be created.

All parties agreed on a set of principles which were formally approved by the Senate of The University of the West Indies and by a Cabinet decision of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The main points included the view that the Institute demonstrated its relevance and importance and should be sustained for the benefit of the entire region. Additionally, it was recommended that the Institute should be established as an autonomous academic institution on a permanent basis, affiliated with The University of the West Indies and that the management of the Institute should be conferred on a Board of Directors. It also

recommended that the regional nature of the Institute, inherent in its activities and aims should be highlighted and reflected in the composition of the Board and that specifically, provision should be made for other Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth countries in the region to contribute towards the financing and management of the Institute. This reflected the thinking on the widening of the engagement and collaboration with the non-Ensglish speaking Caribbean.

Various steps were taken to implement the agreements reached and an Ordinance was drafted regarding the Institute’s permanent affiliation to The UWI which was adopted by Senate in addition to the Finance and General Purposes Committee in May 1972. A constitution was drafted bearing in mind all the agreements made. Simultaneously, the government of Trinidad and Tobago engaged in negotiations with the Swiss Confederation with a view to renewing initially for a period of two years the Swiss contribution to the finances and operation of the IIR. Since provisions had to be made well in advance to ensure a smooth transition between the initial phase and the introduction of the permanent structure, the Director of the Graduate Institute requested that a meeting of an ‘interim board’ be convened, comprising only the approved members and representatives of the original parties responsible for the Institute’s existence. The Director also expressed a willingness to delegate all responsibilities to that Board heretofore conferred on the Geneva institute for the remaining duration of the Agreement.

A meeting of the interim Board was therefore convened in July 1972. Its first plan of action was to formally receive the Constitution of the Institute; establish the regulations for its operation; institute the strategy for the nomination of co-opted members on the Board; approve the estimates of the Institute for the academic year 1972/1973; determine and execute the procedure for the appointment of the next Director; and perform all other duties conferred upon it according to the Constitution.

The early history of IIR from 1966-1971 saw the introduction and delivery of several valuable seminars and programmes on relevant topics, targeting a wide

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

range of participants and expert facilitators. Much progress was made through innovative teaching, research and publications. The Institute contributed to improved regional training and expanded its networks locally, regionally and internationally. A great level of stability was also attained, permitting IIR to move towards permanent establishment. As a result, the early history of the Institute can be described as a resounding success.

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Chapter 3 IIR in Transition The Era of Restructuring & Challenges (1972-1980)

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Francis (former Acting Director of IIR on two occasions) ‘to pass the baton’ to the leadership of the Caribbean, all parties agreed that IIR would continue as an entity with an independent and autonomous status guided by a constitution which would in turn govern the future activities of the Institute.

Dr Anthony Gonzales who later became Acting Director of IIR on two occasions, recalls that Professor Yves Collart took an active leadership role as the then Director in ensuring that the Institute continued its activities, and for the purposes of sustainability, became officially affiliated with The University of the West Indies (The UWI). Against this background, it must be noted that the Swiss did not withdraw its support from IIR, but fulfilled its obligations of funding, leadership, training, and advisement, and equally important, the conceptualization and development of a proper succession plan.

The new Constitution of the young six-year old Institute outlined and covered the agreed principles of organization including – the Status of the Institute; its Objectives; administration ; membership of its Board and its functions. The new Constitution also addressed the roles of the Director of the Institute and its staff; the finances and its relationship with The University of the West Indies. It is also important to note that the new Constitution, brought with it several fundamental structural changes to the governance of IIR. For instance, the governance of the Institute was now vested in a Board of the Institute of International Relations which was responsible for determining its general policies, chaired by the ViceChancellor of The University of the West Indies. The general, and day to day administration and management of the Institute was vested in a Director who was to be responsible to the Board for the proper discharge of his functions.

In addition, the revenue of the Institute under the new Constitution was now derived predominantly from an annual contribution by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as, contributions made by other governments in the Caribbean region and grants for special research or teaching projects.

Additionally, fees were determined from time to time by the Board or The University of the West Indies and payments for consultancy services provided and

A New Constitution for the Institute of International Relations In 1972, after a series of discussions and negotiations, under the leadership of the third and last Swiss Director, Professor Yves Collart, the Institute of International Relations adopted a new Constitution. This new Constitution came about primarily because the International Agreement between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Swiss Confederation (Government of Switzerland) ceased with effect from September 30, 1972, and further, the agreement between the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva and The University of the West Indies also ended on October 9, 1972. The time had come for the Caribbean region to take both ownership and responsibility for an institution that was structured and originally organised by the Swiss, but was created to be a Caribbean resource for the development of diplomacy, public policy, professional development, research and analysis. After the completion of two three-year agreements between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Swiss Confederation, IIR had reached a stage of early adolescence, a transitional period that would see it move from one stage of development to another in preparation for its future role in service of Caribbean sustainable development.

After the first six years of operation (from 1966 – 1972), it is important to highlight, that all parties involved, including the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the Swiss Confederation, the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva and The University of the West Indies, agreed that IIR was worthy of continuation by virtue of the service it provided to the people of the Caribbean region and beyond in terms of diplomatic training, graduate teaching and research and the study of international relations with particular emphasis on the Caribbean and Latin America regions, among other areas. They agreed that it would be best for the Institute of International Relations to become a permanent institution. However, with both agreements coming to an end in 1972, and the stated intention of the Swiss Confederation, in the words of Mr. Anselm

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Chapter 3: IIR in Transition - The Era of Restructuring & Challenges (1972-1980)

the sale of its publications were thereafter to be made directly to the Institute of International Relations. This was markedly different from the previous provisions made for revenue generation under the International Agreement between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Swiss Confederation (1966–1969, and then 1969–1972) which articulated that finances came principally from the Swiss Government and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Against this background, it can be argued that by 1973, the Institute of International Relations more fully embraced a regional character in terms of its finances, as the governments of Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, and Jamaica all began to contribute financially to its activities for the benefit of their respective countries and by extension the wider Caribbean region.

Also important to note is that the new Constitution established, in an official way, the parameters of the relations between the Institute of International Relations and The University of the West Indies. Besides the fact that the ViceChancellor was now the Chair of the IIR Board, which in itself demonstrated the close affiliation of IIR and The UWI, the Constitution also articulated that the Director and members of the academic staff of the Institute should be eligible to serve on Boards and/or Committees of the University. It also outlined the conditions under which the Institute could engage in teaching undergraduate programmes in International Relations and that the approval of courses and syllabuses taught by the Institute for any certificate, diploma, degree or other qualification had to be approved by the University. Further, the constitution mandated that the appointment of examiners for any certificate, diploma, degree, or other qualification must be selected by the University.

a Senior Lecturer, after returning from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada where he held the rank of an Associate Professor. Dr Linton recalls that he ‘was looking for an opportunity to once again work in the West Indies, not only to contribute to its growth and development, but also because he believed in the original concept of Federation; a united Caribbean, and that in some way he would help to keep it going’.

It is interesting to observe that as IIR’s transition period unfolded under the leadership of Dr Neville Linton, at the same time, the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) was created, having been established by the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4 1973, in Chaguaramas, Trinidad. Significantly also, the Treaty of Chaguaramas was originally signed by the same four Caribbean countries which financially supported the Institute of International Relations Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica.

IIR appoints Acting Director for Transition Period The transition period, which saw the Swiss relinquish directorship of the IIR, was first guided by Guyanese born, Dr Neville Linton from 1973 to 1974. Dr Linton was the most senior Caribbean national on the staff of the Institute at the time and was appointed acting Director. He first joined the Institute in 1969 as

(L-R): Halcyon Lawrence, Jessica Jones, Neville Linton, Jonelle Watson, Nicole Parris, Kari Levitt and Gale Rigobert at an IIR event

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Tobago agreed to bear 75 percent of the Institute’s operating cost. The remaining 25 percent was financed through the equal contributions of the Governments of Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana.

Apart from the financial commitment of the Caribbean countries, another main goal during the transition period was to ensure that the work of the Institute was deepened and broadened beyond the scope of training foreign service personnel. It was felt that restricting training only to foreign service personnel was significantly limited and not sustainable. During this period, the Institute was therefore challenged to be of greater service to the countries of the Caribbean region and began to study and analyse some of the prevailing problems and issues of the region including Caribbean integration, small size, vulnerability, economic development, and independence among other areas.

Signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas (L-R): Errol Barrow, Forbes Burnham, Dr Eric Williams and Michael Manley

IIR appoints its first Caribbean Director In the transition from Swiss leadership, in 1974, the Institute appointed its first Caribbean Director in Haitian-born Professor Leslie Manigat, who later, in 1988 served as the President of Haiti, the first independent country in the Caribbean region. He was a well-recognized academic and intellectual who taught at several universities around the world including Europe, North America and Latin America.

Professor Leslie Manigat, Professor Manigat came from France where he IIR Director, 1974-1978 was teaching at the time, and led the Institute of International Relations from 1974 to 1978. During this period, he is credited with broadening the Institute’s outreach both linguistically and geographically, particularly because of his Haitian roots and extensive regional and international background.

In addition, as the first Caribbean Director of the Institute, Professor Manigat

Although IIR did not play a significant role as it relates to the development of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, and consequently, the establishment of CARICOM in 1973, several members of the Institute’s staff subsequently played major roles as advisors and in other capacities relating to regional integration issues including Professor Emeritus Vaughan Lewis, the late Professor Emeritus Norman Girvan, Professor Emeritus Ramesh Ramsaran, Dr Raymond Mark Kirton, as well as Dr Debbie Mohammed and Dr Matthew Bishop, among others.

During the Institute’s transition period, Dr Linton recalls that the commitment of the regional governments was especially crucial since the Institute, though affiliated with The UWI, was financed independently and had its own budget.

In order to keep the activities of the Institute alive, the more developed countries (MDCs) of the Caribbean region, chiefly Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana contributed towards financing the Institute. Because the Institute was located in Trinidad, and therefore this country stood to benefit the most through the training of its human resources, the government of Trinidad and 32

Chapter 3: IIR in Transition - The Era of Restructuring & Challenges (1972-1980)

was wholeheartedly committed and dedicated to Caribbean research, writing, scholarship and publishing. In that era, IIR began to publish, The Caribbean Yearbook of International Relations in 1975, a publication which concentrated and documented some of the most important and relevant international relations issues impacting the Caribbean region at the time. His encouragement led to publications from other academics in IIR and further afield including Basil Ince, Anthony Gonzales, and Henry Gill among others.

After Professor Manigat left in 1978, another Caribbean national in the person of Dr Basil Ince from Trinidad and Tobago took up the post of acting Director of the Institute of International Relations from 1978-81. Before he assumed the office of acting Director, Dr Ince joined the staff of the Institute in 1972 as a Senior Lecturer to teach International Relations of the Caribbean.

He came to the Institute with both academic and practical experience having taught in several universities across North America, in addition to serving in the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations. Although Dr Ince did not spend much time as acting Director, under his leadership, the Institute focused on an intensive outreach programme to attract and educate people across Trinidad and Tobago about current and external affairs and the work of the Institute. While Dr Ince supervised and managed this outreach programme as the acting Director, he promoted the involvement of the Insitute’s postgraduate diploma students who visited and interacted with secondary school students as well as government agencies throughout the country.

As acting Director, Dr Ince also continued the focus on research, writing and scholarship as key features of a rapidly emerging academic and research institution begun under Professor Manigat’s leadership. Like Professor Manigat, he encouraged and motivated the academic staff of the Institute, along with associate faculty of the Institute to produce scholarly articles on relevant Caribbean issues of international relations. Dr Ince affectionately regards the 1970s and 1980s as a time of great ferment in Caribbean scholarship as it was

Professor Basil Ince Acting Director, 1978-1981

Professor Basil Ince is known as a senator, sportsman, government minister, diplomat, author, editor and a university professor.

He served Trinidad and Tobago in the capacity of Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Sports for the period 1981 to 1984 and 1984 to 1985 respectively.

His tenure in the foreign service began in 1964 and as High Commissioner to the UK from 1985 to 1986.

Professor Ince taught at the Institute of International Relations, The University of the West Indies and the State University of New York at Binghampton and Bucknell University and other North American Universities. He has authored and edited several books on International Relations, among them, Decolonisation and Conflict in the United Nations; Contemporary International Relations of the Caribbean; Issues in Caribbean International Relations, Essays in Race, Economics, and Politics in the Caribbean as well as scores of articles in learned periodicals.

Professor Ince represented Trinidad and Tobago at many regional and international sports events. He was named Victor Ludorum at QRC Sports in 1952, and MVP at Tufts University in 1959. At the Pan American Games, Chicago, 1959, Ince won Gold and Silver medals, representing the British West Indies. He also served as manager of the national track team to the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and President of the NAAA for the period 1975 and 1976.

Professor Ince graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Tufts University and a Ph.D, and M.A. in Political Science from New York University. He was president of the Caribbean Studies Association in 1972 and the International Studies Association, Caribbean Section in 1971. Dr. Ince is married to Laurel Barnwell Ince, a former lecturer in English Literary Studies at Valsayn Teachers’ College and is the father of Dr Avery Ince and Stirling Ince. He has three granddaughters, Amaia, Ianthe, and Ayo.

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Chapter 4 IIR in Transition The Era of Expansion (1981-1997)

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Professor Anthony Bryan Acting Director, 1981-83 & Director, 1983-91

Professor Anthony T. Bryan, Ph.D. served as the tenured Professor of Latin American International Relations and the Director of the Institute of International Relations at The University of the West Indies for a decade.

He is a leading scholar on regional security issues in Central America and the Caribbean, and a scholar and independent consultant on energy development (oil and natural gas), energy security, and energy geopolitics in the Latin American and Caribbean region.

During his academic career Dr Bryan was also a tenured professor of Latin American History at the University of Rhode Island, and the Director of the Caribbean Studies Program at the North South Center of the University of Miami. He has been a visiting professor at several major U.S. and European universities including The University of Texas at Austin, Indiana University at Bloomington, Georgetown University, and the Graduate School of International Studies at the University of Geneva.

Dr Bryan’s ‘think tank’ career included attachments as a Senior Associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Residential Fellow in the Latin American Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at the Smithsonian, and a Senior Associate in the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. He has been a member of several Cabinet appointed committees in Trinidad and Tobago on reviews of foreign policy and the restructuring of the diplomatic service.

He has testified on U.S.-Caribbean trade and security issues before U.S. Congressional Committees on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on several occasions.

Dr Bryan is the author/ editor of 10 books and numerous articles. His perspectives have appeared in energy publications such as Latin-American Energy Advisor; Energy Caribbean; Petroleum World; and Upstream; and in business/ trade publications such as Latin Finance; Latin American Monitor; and the Economist. His Op-Ed columns appear regularly in Business Journal; Business Guardian (Trinidad), and Caribbean 360.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago and educated there and in the United States, he received his Ph.D. in Latin American History from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Currently, he is a Senior Fellow at the Institute of International Relations at UWI-St. Augustine and an Emeritus Professor at the University of Miami.

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a period of intense examination of the region by its brightest scholars.

It was with the departure of Dr Basil Ince that Professor Anthony Bryan was invited to serve as acting Director of the Institute in 1981. Professor Bryan had joined the Institute of International Relations in 1976 from the University of Rhode Island where he had spent eight years. He joined the Institute as a Senior Lecturer at a time when Professor Manigat held the Directorship of the Institute.

After serving as acting Director for two years (1981-83), Professor Bryan was appointed Director in 1983 and served in that capacity until 1991, making him the longest serving Director of the Institute of International Relations in its 50 years of existence.

IIR renews its curriculum with a focus on ‘West Indianness’ During the tenure of Professor Bryan, the professional staff had mixed academic backgrounds and formal training in international relations. Professor Bryan was trained in North America, Henry Gill and Anthony Gonzales were trained in Geneva (Europe), and Herb Addo was trained in Canada. At the time, the Institute therefore had a wide diversity of views and perspectives on international relations. However, Professor Bryan emphasized that Caribbean issues should be brought to the forefront, as the Institute, although influenced by the Swiss with a European

Chapter 4: IIR in Transition - The Era of Expansion (1981-1997)

oriented system, was essentially a Caribbean institute and thus should be firmly rooted in the economic, political, social and cultural reality of Caribbean society.

During the period 1981 to 1991, the curriculum of the Institute was therefore adjusted accordingly to reflect and represent important aspects of Caribbean society. There were a number of strong advocates for this renewal of curriculum and ‘West Indianization’ by the staff of the Institute. Staff members including Rosina Wiltshire, Henry Gill and Anthony Gonzales, along with Professor Anthony Bryan were also strong advocates for introducing the Latin America perspective on Caribbean issues as a further extension of ‘West Indianization’ because of the close geographic proximity of the Latin American sub-region.

It is worth noting that Henry Gill, a former staff member and student of IIR, later became the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Latin America Economic System (SELA), in Caracas, which in itself demonstrated how deeply involved and interested the Institute had become in the international relations issues of Latin America.

Related to the revision of the curriculum, was also the need to examine the extent to which the Institute was offering postgraduate programmes that were relevant. This is because, the emphasis of the Institute at the time was on the postgraduate Diploma in International Relations, as prominence was given to training diplomats for the Caribbean region. This emphasis on diplomatic training, however, conflicted somewhat with the academic foundation of the Institute. While some viewed diplomatic training and the Diploma programme as ‘pedestrian’; others viewed it as the lifeline that would keep the Institute alive as it related to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other related ministries.

However, there were also persons interested in advanced degrees such as the Master of Science degree and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in international relations, although the latter was not yet established.

It was not until after wide consultation, that the Master of Science Degree, as well as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Relations were introduced in 1988. It was also at this time that the library of the Institute

successfully acquired the Dr Adrian Roy Preiswerk collection. Dr Preiswerk was one of the founding Swiss Directors of IIR and the chief author of the Roy Preiswek 1964 Report which proposed the establishment of the Institute of International Relations in Trinidad and Tobago.

Professor Bryan recalls that improving and expanding the physical infrastructure of the Institute was also a major priority at this time. The physical space occupied by the Institute was a relatively small two-storey linear building running from East to West. When he assumed Directorship of IIR, Professor Bryan emphasised that it could not operate efficiently within such limited space and raised the issue on more than one occasion with the then Vice–Chancellor Aston Preston who was also Chairman of the IIR Board. Professor Bryan presented the view to VC Preston that the effectiveness of the IIR and the delivery of its programmes was constrained by the limited infrastructure including the building and facilities, noting that the Institute ‘needed suitable space to greet diplomatic representatives as well as adequate office space for academic and administrative staff, a Document Centre and board room’. The IIR library, however was the exception as it was always considered by all who used the facility to be a ‘first-class’ library and the library’s excellence was First librarian at the Institute of exemplary due to the excellent service of the IIR library staff and International Relations, Ms. Yola Alleyne at work in the IIR Library the first librarian, Ms. Yola Alleyne.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

In order to successfully generate the necessary funding for the expansion project, Professor Bryan approached the private sector for support and thereafter, the IIR raised the requisite funding, not only to build a new north-south wing for the Institute, but in addition, the offices, lecture rooms, the Secretariat, the Director’s office were all renovated and refurbished with the support of the private sector.

some degree of flexibility in this regard.

In short, through creative funding mechanisms, Professor Bryan and the team at IIR were able to build a new north-south wing for the Institute of International Relations which was a major achievement for the Institute. The opening ceremony for the new wing of the IIR took place in the new IIR Board Room, and with the first Distinguished Lecture at the Institute being delivered by Sir Alister Mc Intryre. Consequently, the Distinguished Lecture Series at the Institute of International Relations continued with lectures from several eminent persons including the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth and Chancellor Emeritus of The University of the West Indies, Sir Shridath Ramphal, the former President and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency A. N. R. Robinson, the first and only female Governor-General of Barbados, Dame Nita Barrow, and the former Secretary-General of CARICOM and President of the Caribbean Development Bank, William Demas among many others.

The north-south wing of the Institute of International Relations constructed under the Directorship of Professor Anthony Bryan It must be noted that the expansion of IIR in the 1980s took place at a time when University-private sector partnership for infrastructure development was not a common practice.The development of this corporate culture only became popular several years later. While the Director (Professor Bryan) did not necessarily want to impose strict business practices on the Institute and by extension the university, the autonomous status of the Institute allowed him

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Chapter 4: IIR in Transition - The Era of Expansion (1981-1997)

Sir Shridath Ramphal standing at podium delivering IIR Distinguished Lecture.

Others in photo are Professor Anthony Bryan and VC Preston.

IIR – Staying connected to Issues of International Relations During Professor Bryan’s tenure as Director of the Institute, several important regional and international events also took place, including the invasion of the Falkland Islands by Argentina triggering the Falklands War in 1982, and the US-led invasion into Grenada in 1983. In addition, in 1985, Brazil returned to civilian rule after 21 years of dictatorship, and the fall of the Berlin Wall occurred in 1989, which signified ‘the beginning of the end’ of the Cold War. These issues were not only used as discussion points in classes conducted at the Institute in courses such as International History and Politics, International Relations of the Caribbean, and International Relations of Latin America, but the impact of these issues on the Caribbean region were also examined and analyzed by the academic staff of the Institute. In 1984, the Institute held a major conference on the US-led invasion into Grenada which saw many Caribbean and US academics and practitioners assemble at The UWI St. Augustine Campus, which resulted not only in rich discussion, debate and discourse but the conference proceedings also provided a repository of knowledge for use by various stakeholders in the region and beyond.

Former President and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Arthur N.R. Robinson (R) greets former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar and former Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur at the Hilton Hotel before delivering an IIR Distinguished Lecture

The Beginning of Financial Challenges During the period of the 1980s, the Institute began to experience financial challenges resulting from the withdrawal of financial contributions by governments of the region. The government of Barbados was the first to withdraw its financial support in 1984. On the other hand, while Jamaica did not withdraw its financial contributions to the Institute until 1995, at the time it was considering the establishment of its own institution for the delivery of courses in international relations.

Professor Anthony Bryan noted that for every country that withdrew its financial contribution to the Institute, the Board of the Institute attempted to

Her Excellency Dame Nita Barrow, former Governor-General of Barbados and William Demas, former Secretary-General of CARICOM & former President of the Caribbean Development Bank. Both individuals delivered IIR Distinguished Lectures.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Changing Leadership at IIR after a Decade Towards the end of his decade of service as the Director of the Institute, Professor Anthony Bryan left the Institute to become the Director of the Caribbean Studies Program at the North-South Center of the University of Miami.

Mr. Frank Barsotti was invited to serve as acting Director of the Institute of International Relations from 1990 and Professor Bryan tendered his resignation to the Institute in 1991. Consequently, Mr. Frank Barsotti continued to serve as acting Director of the Institute until 1993.

Mr. Frank Barsotti Mr. Barsotti had joined the Institute Acting Director of IIR as Visiting Fellow in 1986. Thereafter he 1990 - 1993 was appointed as Senior Fellow in 1990.

Although Mr. Barsotti only held the position of acting Director for a short period, the Institute of International Relations, as well as the St. Augustine Campus and by extension the regional University of the West Indies benefitted substantially from his regional and international business experience and expertise. Mr. Barsotti was also the Head of the Trinidad and Tobago Public Service and subsequently Chairman of Republic Bank and a Governor on the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Mr. Carl Parris assumed the role of Director of the Institute of International Relations on August 1st 1993. By this time, the Institute was recording an enrolment of over 60 students on an annual basis. In the academic year 1992/93, thirty-one students were registered for the Diploma in international relations, six were registered to the MSc degree, five for the MPhil degree, and there were twenty-one continuing students for the MSc, MPhil and PhD degrees.

either include another contributing country or deepen the relationship with other contributing countries.

In the 1980s, as Director of the Institute, Professor Anthony Bryan also visited Georgetown to discuss Guyana’s financial position with the Institute with the then President of the Cooperative Republic, Forbes Burnham. At the time, Guyana was overdue in its financial commitment to the Institute. However, like other Caribbean states, Guyana at that time was keen to continue its participation in the regional institution. Professor Bryan recalls, ‘after just a few months, the government of Guyana eventually met their outstanding financial commitments to the Institute. Indeed, the trip to Georgetown, Guyana to attend the meeting was successful and brought great dividends to the Institute’.

It has also been noted that during this period, the continued success of the Institute was due to the efficiency of the staff of the Secretariat in particular, Administrative Assistant, Ms. Norma Fererria and Secretaries Cynthia Baptiste and Jeanne Callendar.

(L-R): Ms. Norma Fererria, IIR Administravtive Assistant; Cynthia Baptiste and Jeanne Callendar, IIR Secretaries

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Chapter 4: IIR in Transition - The Era of Expansion (1981-1997)

The academic year 1992/1993 was a special year for the Institute, as both staff and students recorded several achievements. For instance, Dr Ramesh Ramsaran was conferred the title of Reader in International Relations, while Dr Herb Addo was named among the four most outstanding Political Scientists produced by Carelton University in its fifty years of existence.

Dr Herb Addo Reader, IIR 1975-1996 (L-R): Sir Alister McIntyre, Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of IIR Board and Mr. Carl Parris, Director of IIR (1993-1998) at a meeting in the IIR Board Room

Dr Herb Addo, Reader, served at the Institute of International Relations from 1975 to 1996.

He lectured in International Relations Theory and Methodology and Global Political Economy of Development. He was well known internationally for his contribution to critical theories on imperialism, social transformation and the global development problématique. Addo was a collaborator with renowned International Relations scholars such as Galtung, Wallerstein and Andre Gunder Frank. Addo’s major writings include: Transforming the World Economy? Nine Critical Essays on the New International Economic Order (1984); Development as Social transformation: Reflections on the Global Problématique (1985) and Imperialism (1986).

Dr Ramesh Ramsaran (L) receiving an award from Brigadier Joseph Theodore (deceased) (R) at IIR in the early days

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

IIR celebrates its first PhD Graduate In November 1992, the Institute also recorded and celebrated its first PhD graduate in International Relations in Dr Keith Nurse. The topic of the thesis was ‘The Development Role of ExportOriented Industrialization in the New International Division of Labour: The Case of CARICOM countries’. Dr Nurse entered the Institute to pursue the post-graduate Diploma in International Relations after graduating with a BSc in Economics from the University of Western Ontario. He then went on to successfully complete the Dr Keith Nurse – MSc and later pursued the MPhil/PhD IIR’s first PhD graduate programme at IIR under the supervision of in 1992 Dr Herb Addo. Dr Nurse had returned to the region hoping for a deeper grounding in a developing country perspective to development and global relations. At the Institute, he not only found this perspective, but he was also introduced to a transdisciplinary approach. In his own words, Nurse noted, ‘this allowed me to think in critical and constructivist terms. This way of thinking about the world has served me well in my career as an academic, consultant and social entrepreneur. I am able to come up with outof-the-box solutions that are implementable. My interactions with the students in the diploma class was the foundation of this process as we were all grappling with conceptions of the ‘New World Order’ in the Post-Cold War and Third World Debt Crisis context. The development equation changed and we were forced to ‘un-think’ received knowledge and epistemologies. Our lives were changed forever and for the better’.

IIR maintaining its Relevance & Responsiveness to stakeholders In the early 1990s, the Institute continued to extend significant and relevant service to the countries of the Caribbean region.

In 1992, the Institute in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat, hosted a ‘BrainStorming Symposium’ on the decision taken by the Heads of CARICOM governments at their Special Session to establish the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). This forum was attended by several prominent academics, intellectuals and practitioners from throughout the English-speaking Caribbean. It is interesting to note that Professor Norman Girvan, when the ACS was eventually established Professor Emeritus and in 1994, Professor Norman Girvan was Professorial Research Fellow, appointed its first Secretary-General and IIR & former Secretary-General of ACS later served as Professor Emeritus and Professorial Research Fellow at the Institute of International Relations.

In addition, the Institute continued with their outreach programme by bringing awareness to the population at large on contemporary issues of national and regional importance such as trade liberalization, Caribbean-Latin America Relations, the implementation of the Common External Tariff (CET) and its impact on Caribbean economies, democracy in Haiti and the future of Caribbean integration. This was done not only through the participation of IIR faculty on radio and television programmes, but also through lectures at a number of institutions and local civil society organisations including the Marabella Businessmen’s Association, St. Augustine Rotary Club, Chaguanas Rotary Club, Central Lions Club, Caribbean Conference of Churches and

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Chapter 4: IIR in Transition - The Era of Expansion (1981-1997)

the Oilfield Workers’ Trade Union. Several diplomatic training programmes were also delivered by the faculty of the Institute, led by Mr. Anselm Francis then coordinator of the Diplomatic Training Programme at the Institute. The programmes were designed for and delivered to mid-level Caribbean diplomats, including the training of foreign service officers from Grenada on the request and sponsorship of the Government of Grenada.

The Documentation Centre of the Institute also continued to serve its clientele by providing valuable resources on Caribbean issues of international relations to academics, researchers, readers and policy makers from throughout the Caribbean region and internationally. By December of 1993, all systems (including the telephone lines, modem and cable) were in place at the Library of the Institute to enable on-line connections to databases nationally, regionally and internationally.

area of research. The Institute also continued to welcome distinguished visitors including His Excellency, Dr Cheddi Jagan, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, the Right Honourable, Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados, Ambassador Burelli Rivas of Venezuela who later became Venezuela’s Foreign Minister, and Sr. Roberto Gonzalez, Foreign Minister of Cuba.

IIR Building External Linkages In an effort to build and raise the regional and international profile of the Institute, several initiatives were undertaken with regional and international partner institutions. Among these was the signing of a formal agreement in November 1993 with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean. The Institute also initiated discussions with several entities including the Universidad Simon Bolivar in Venezuela, the Latin America and Caribbean Centre at the University of Florida, the Universidad del Valle and the Fundacion Universidad de Bogota in Colombia, and the Centre for Foreign Policy Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada facilitated by Professor Timothy Shaw, who later became IIR Director in 2007. In addition, the Institute established formal relations with CARICOM to involve the Institute more directly in the work of the CARICOM Secretariat, and agreements were also signed with the other institutions which had been established with support from the Swiss government in Malta, Kenya and Cameroon. Most of these initiatives were focused primarily on exchange of staff and students and collaboration in the

Director of IIR, Mr. Carl Parris (R) welcomes His Excellency, Dr Cheddi Jagan, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (L) to UWI St. Augustine on his visit to deliver a Feature Address (1994) Finances at IIR – A Cause for Concern At the beginning of the academic year 1995/96, the financial challenges of the Institute became more critical as a result of the decision by the Government of Jamaica to end its status as a contributing country to the Institute of International Relations. By letter dated July 26, 1996, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Director of IIR, Mr. Carl Parris (R) welcomes the Right Honourable, Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados (C) to IIR to deliver Distinguished Lecture (1996)

Nonetheless, in an effort to increase the finances of the Institute, the student enrolment for the Diploma and the Master’s Degree programmes was increased.

This was done by increasing the number of places for students applying for the programmes. This strategic initiative to increase enrolment in an effort to create additional revenue alleviated, in part, some of the financial pressures on the Institute. By 1997/1998, the Institute had more than 100 students registered in the various programmes including the Postgraduate Diploma, the MSc, the MPhil and PhD programmes in international relations.

of Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Trade of Jamaica notified the Chairman of the Board of the Institute of this decision, with effect from August 1, 1995. The Government of Jamaica also apprised the governments of the region of its decision to withdraw its financial support to the Institute at the meeting of the Standing Committee of Ministers Responsible for Foreign Affairs in Antigua. At that meeting, the Government of Guyana also indicated that it was reviewing its future participation as a financial contributing country to the Institute. It is in this context that the financial situation at the Institute became a cause for serious concern. Consequently, on the withdrawal of the Government of Jamaica, 16.7% of the Institute’s budget, representing the former contributions of both the Governments of Jamaica and Barbados (who withdrew in 1984) was lost. This meant that the Institute had to operate on a smaller budget. The remaining 83.33% was met by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (75%) and the Government of Guyana (8.33%).

Electronic Embassy established at IIR May 6 1996, was a proud day for the Institute of International Relations. On that day, the Chairman of the IIR Board officially opened an Electronic Embassy immediately following the Board Meeting. This Electronic Embassy was the outcome of a request made to Professor Dietrich Kappeler, Director of Programmes in Diplomacy at the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva by the Directors of the International Relations Institute of Cameroon (IRIC), the Institute of Diplomacy and International Studies of the University of Nairobi (IDIS), the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies at the University of Malta (MADS), and the Institute of International Relations at The UWI St. Augustine Campus at a Colloquium in Yaoundé, Cameroon to connect the five institutions in order to share their resources and collaborate on joint projects. The institutions which made the request to Professor Dietrich Kappeler were all institutions that had been established with Swiss assistance.

The Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva through the leadership of Professor Dietrich Kappeler responded positively to the request and sourced the requiste funding for the project. The Institute received two Local Area Network (LAN) Service Computers, eight Workstations, one Laser Printer, two Modems, one Scanner, and ten Mouse Pads. In addition, from its own resources the Institue acquired one overhead projector, a tripod screen, seven comptuer tables and a network card. It must be noted, however, that to

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Chapter 4: IIR in Transition - The Era of Expansion (1981-1997)

accommodate the new equipment, some physical adjustment was necessary, and therefore the Documentation Centre was integrated into the IIR Library.

The new Electronic Embassy established at the Institute allowed IIR to offer courses in several areas including – the use of the internet, software applications, database construction and web page develepment. In addition, the Institute now had the ability to enegae in virtual conferenceing, website development and distance learning. To this end, the setting up of the Electronic Embassy at the Institute brought IIR into the technological era. Both staff and students were now trained in the use of the many software applications and the Institute was now much more connected to partner entities and institutions locally, regionally and internatonally.

Director of IIR, Mr. Carl Parris (L) shows members of the IIR Board around the new Electronic Embassy - May 1996

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Chapter 5 IIR in Transition The Era of New Challenges & Opportunities (1998-2007)

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

The financial challenges of the Institute also brought with it a decline in student enrolment from other countries in the region. While the Institute was originally established to serve the entire Caribbean region and did fulfil that mandate in the early years, by the 1990s the number of regional students started to decline.

For the most part, this can be attributed to the loss of funding in the form of scholarships not only from the Swiss government which had funded students from the OECS countries, but also because of the loss of funding from the governments of the region which also provided scholarships to students from their respective countries to complete IIR programmes.

Mr. Francis, who was acting Director of the Institute at the time, recalls that many of the governments of the region, especially the smaller islands, were not in a position to send their staff members to train at the Institute for an entire year. Because of the small size of their staff complement, many found it difficult to release staff members for long periods. It is for this reason that the governments of the region, particularly those from the OECS, began to request shorter courses and programmes for their staff.

On June 1 2000, Dr Anthony Gonzales, a distinguished graduate of the Institute was appointed acting Director. Dr Gonzales entered the Institute as a student in September 1967 and was a Research Assistant from December 1968 to June 1969 before being awarded a Swiss government scholarship to pursue a doctoral degree at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva specializing in International Economics.

He returned to the Institute as a Lecturer and then Senior Lecturer at the Institute of International Dr Anthony Gonzales – Relations from 1973 to 1978 and then from 1982Acting IIR Director 2003 respectively. He taught international trade and 2000 - 2003 & international business courses while at the Institute.

2011-2012

Mr. Anselm Francis

Acting IIR Director 1997-2000 & 2006-2007

In 1997, Mr. Anselm Francis was appointed acting Director of the Institute of International Relations when Mr Carl Parris proceeded on sabbatical leave.

After Parris’ sabbatical leave, he did not return to the Institute, and so, consequently, Mr. Francis, a national of Grenada who had joined the Institute in November 1979, assumed the position of acting Director for a further two years until 2000.

Managing the Institute in a Challenging Financial Environment This period (1997–2000) was indeed a challenging one as the financial outlook of the Institute continued to be unfavourable. This period also saw the withdrawal of Barbados and Jamaica as contributing countries to the Institute and at the same time, the government of Trinidad and Tobago also started to fall behind in its financial commitments to the Institute. While the government of Trinidad and Tobago did not withdraw as a financial contributor to the Institute, the country’s financial environment did not allow for release of the agreed financial contribution to the Institute in a timely manner.

During the ensuing years, it was The UWI St. Augustine Campus which provided support to the Institute of International Relations by facilitating the payment of staff salaries and financially supporting special events, projects and programmes of the Institute. Indeed it can be concluded that during the 1990s, the goodwill of The UWI and in particular the PVC and Campus Principal George Maxwell Richards and the Campus Management team, allowed the IIR to continue its programme delivery in a timely and efficient manner.

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Chapter 5 - IIR in Transition: The Era of New Challenges & Opportunities (1998-2007)

When Dr Gonzales assumed the role of acting Director of the Institute in 2000, the financial challenges persisted and were considered as the ‘long distance hurdles’ of the Institute. The funding challenge also confronted the IIR library in a significant way and at the end of 2002, the finances of the IIR library were frozen resulting in reduced journal subscriptions and book orders. To address this shortage of resources, the library of the IIR embarked on an arrangement with the main library of The UWI St Augustine Campus which allowed for use of that library’s resources by staff and students.

The financial challenges of IIR persisted throughout this period because the government of Trinidad and Tobago, the main contributor to the Institute continued to face its own financial challenges under structural adjustment programmes imposed by the various international financial organizations. The Institute was therefore forced to manage its affairs with much prudence and diligence, while it approached several partner institutions for support. In spite of the financial challenges that continued throughout this period, the Institute was generally able to achieve its objectives.

In early 2000, the Institute refurnished the Electronic Embassy and renamed it the Information Technology (IT) Unit and for the first time provided all academic staff members with their own computers, all geared to improving the delivery of its programmes.

centres in Latin America.

CENLAC is therefore a product of collaboration between the Institute of International Relations and the Faculty of Humanities and Education with the main goal of promoting research and cooperation among academic centres in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Launched in January 2003, CENLAC was headed until 2016 by Dr Lancelot Cowie from the Department of Liberal Arts, and provides a space for Opening of the Centre for Latin America language learning, comparative and the Caribbean (CENLAC). (L-R): Dr research and networking with Anthony Gonzales, Acting IIR Director Latin American centres.

(2000-2003), Professor Ian Robertson, Dean Professor Dennis Gayle was of the Faculty of Humanities and Education appointed interim Director of and Dr Lancelot Cowie, Director of CENLAC the Institute with effect from (2003-2016) July 1, 2003. On assuming office, Professor Gayle began to chart a new direction for the Institute with a renewed focus on the human resource development needs of the Caribbean region, which was articulated in the IIR’s Operational Plan (2003-2004).

To this end, although financially challenged, the Institute continued to embark on a series of workshops aimed at providing human resource training for governments and private sector organizations of the region. During that period, IIR hosted a workshop entitled, ‘Negotiating Techniques for Multilateral Trade Negotiations’ in 2004. Participants included personnel from the Ministries of

Moving Closer to Latin America In early 2003, the Institute, in an effort to engage the sub-region of Latin America in a more sustained manner also established the Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean (CENLAC). While the Institute offered courses on Latin American issues, both in the postgraduate Diploma and Master’s degree programmes, Dr Gonzales and the staff were of the view that the Institute needed a deeper relationship with Latin America and with the agreement of the Faculty of Humanities and Education through Professor Ian Robertson, the Institute initiated an outreach programme to universities, institutes and research

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Trade and of Foreign Affairs, and the Attorney General’s Office. Topics covered in the workshop included, Techniques of Multilateral Trade Negotiations and Small States in the WTO; Simulation of a Multinational Negotiation Exercise - WTO Negotiations; Analyzing the Trade Issues; and IT Tools for Trade Negotiations: Demonstration of Cyber Negotiations. The Institute also hosted a 3-day conference in 2004 entitled, Size, Power and Development in the Emerging World Order Professor Dennis Gayle which addressed issues affecting small states such as – Interim Executive Security, Global Architecture and Governance, Size, Director of IIR 2003 - 2006 Viability and the Emerging International Political Economy, all of which were seen as challenges posed by a changing world economic order. The keynote address at this conference was delivered by Sir Dwight Venner, the former Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

By 2004, the Institute of International Relations was known for its impressive and unique mix of academic scholars and practitioners. Among the senior staff members were Professor Emeritus Norman Girvan, former Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States, Professor Emeritus Vaughan Lewis a former Prime Minister of St. Lucia, and Professor Emeritus Ramesh Ramsaran, a prolific Caribbean scholar.

Professor Emeritus Norman Girvan was Professor Emeritus of The Norman Girvan University of the West Indies and until his passing he Professorial Research was Professorial Research Fellow at The UWI Graduate Fellow at IIR Institute of International Relations. In 2010 he was appointed as the United Nations Secretary General’s Personal Representative on the Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy. In 2002-2011 he was a Board Member of the South Centre and served as Vice - Chairman from 2006 to 2011. In 2009 he was appointed a member of the United Nations Committee on Development Policy. He served as Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States, Professor of Development Studies and Director of the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies at The University of the West Indies, and Head of the National Planning Agency of the Government of Jamaica. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University College of the West Indies and his PhD in Economics from the London School of Economics. He published extensively on the political economy of development in the Caribbean and the Global South and was the recipient of several honours and awards. He died in 2014, after a tragic accident during a family vacation.

Vaughan Lewis, Professor Emeritus of The University of the West Indies and former Prime Minister of St. Lucia also made a valuable contribution to research and teaching at IIR. During a distinguished career as a Caribbean intellectual and policymaker, he served as the first Director General of the Organisation of

Sir Dwight Venner – Former Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (1989 - 2015) delivering the Keynote Address at the Conference entitled, ‘Size, Power and Development in the Emerging World Order’ hosted by IIR 50

Chapter 5 - IIR in Transition: The Era of New Challenges & Opportunities (1998-2007)

Eastern Caribbean States (1982-1995), and in various positions within the government of St Lucia. As an academic, he published many monographs and articles on a wide range of issues related to Caribbean politics and international relations, small states, regionalism and regional integration.

In order to satisfy a growing demand, in the academic year 2004/2005, the Institute of International Relations introduced an evening Master of Science Professor Emeritus (MSc) degree programme. The introduction of this Sir Vaughan Lewis, evening programme was part of a broader Campus former Professor at IIR initiative to increase access to higher education for the ‘working student’ and was championed by the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI St. Augustine Campus at the time, Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie (2001-2007).

In the same academic year, a review of the Institute by the Quality Assurance Unit (QAU) on the St. Augustine Campus coordinated by Mrs. Sandra Gift, Senior Programme Officer, was also conducted. The Review team comprised Professor Thomas Biersteker, Director of the Watson Institute for International Studies, Brown University; Dr Jessica Byron Senior Lecturer, Department of Government, UWI Mona Campus; and Mr. Patrick Edwards, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister.

The report identified a number of strengths of the Institute, which included student-centered academic staff members, the Library collection, its publications, and the Institute’s IT unit. The report also identified several weaknesses including the absence of on-line courses, classrooms without builtin multimedia equipment, and the dependence of the Institute on a single source of funding – the Government of Trinidad and Tobago.

Students of the IIR Postgraduate Diploma Class 2005/2006 IIR Celebrates 40th Anniversary In January 2006, the Institute launched its 40th anniversary celebrations with an alumni reception held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Trinidad themed, ‘Caribbean Perspectives on the World: UWI Graduate Institute of International Relations @ 40’. This grand occasion brought together several cohorts of distinguished alumni from across the Caribbean region, in addition to distinguished staff and faculty members of the Institute who were able to reconnect, celebrate the contributions of the Institute over its forty-year history and recommit to serving the Caribbean region and beyond.

Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) and distinguished graduate of the Institute, Hon. Orville London on that occasion noted that, ‘the Institute not only prepared people for diplomatic service but it trained people

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

for life’. Another distinguished graduate of the Institute, Ambassador Deborah Mae Lovell warmly recollected the fine mentorship and influence which the IIR and its Directors had on her professional life. She remarked that ‘Dr Basil Ince as her mentor, cultivated a zeal for international relations and a desire to offer service to country and the region’.

In addition, it was on the 40th anniversary of the Institute, that Dr Keith Nurse was welcomed to his new responsibilities as Coordinator of Student Affairs at the Institute. The appointment of a Coordinator Chief Secretary of the Tobago of Student Affairs, satisfied one of the key House of Assembly and recommendations of the Report of the Quality distinguished graduate of Review team which noted, IIR, Honourable Orville ‘The Coordinator should be the main point London speaks at IIR’s 40th of contact for student concerns, and the main anniversary celebrations source of advice and counseling. He or she would keep the Institute’s Executive Director, and other colleagues, regularly informed regarding teaching and learning issues of concern to students. The Coordinator should, of course, be assisted by members of the Secretariat, who appear to have a good rapport with the student body’.

As the Institute celebrated its 40th anniversary, it therefore not only renewed its commitment to serving the region, but it also accelerated its effort towards a student-centered approach.

Professor Norman Girvan (R), Professor Dennis Gayle (L), & Hon. Orville London (C) chat at IIR’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

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Chapter 6 The Dawn of a New Era (2008-2016)

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

It is interesting to note that the Institute also boasted a record number of 87 graduates in the academic year (2008/09). Of this total, 67 were based at the St. Augustine Campus, and for the first time in the Institute’s history, 20 students graduated from an off-campus programme as a result of the Institute’s first MSc degree programme which was delivered at the Anton de Kom University in Suriname. This distance MSc programme was made possible through a partnership between the Institute of International Relations and the newly established Institute of Graduate Studies and Research (IGSR) of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. It is also significant to note that in September 2010, a similar MSc in Global Studies was successfully offered in Guyana to a cohort of 21 students. Both programmes were coordinated by IIR Senior Lecturer, Dr Mark Kirton.

Professor Timothy Shaw Director of IIR 2007-2011

Professor Timothy Shaw, eager to stimulate and re-orient the Institute of International Relations, commenced his tenure as Director in mid-2007.

As Director, Professor Shaw worked to reconnect the Institute with its network of alumni, friends, regional and international organisations, local and global companies, media and policymakers, thus attracting and training more postgraduate students than ever before. Consequently, in 2008/2009, the Institute, welcomed its largest intake of students with a marked increase in the MSc and MPhil programmes offered by the Institute. In 2008/2009 there were 131 registered students of which 60 were registered for the MSc and 27 for the MPhil and PhD programmes.

Table 2: Registered Students of IIR for Academic Year 2008/2009 No. of Registered Students

Graduating Students

Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations

44

31

Master of Science (MSc) in International Relations

60

54

St. Augustine

40

34

Suriname

20

20

Programme

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in International Relations

17

PhD in International Relations

10

2

Total Number of Students for the academic year (2008/2009)

131

87

Source: IIR, The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, Annual Report 2008-2009

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Chapter 6 - The Dawn of a New Era (2008-2016)

Student Overseas Visits As part of its off-campus training programme, the Institute also began to organize several educational and academic overseas visits for its students. The IIR provided the opportunity for the students to visit Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, Panama, Cuba, Costa Rica and Washington D.C., USA. These exercises all provided another platform for the students to gain practical experience and offered them new perspectives on the strategies used by CARICOM states and regional and international organizations in the context of international relations.

In November 2008, the Institute of International Relations organized a study tour for 40 graduate students to Guyana. The students were accompanied by five staff members, led by Dr Mark Kirton. In Guyana, the students were given the opportunity to observe the discussions of the CARICOM Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED). This was the first occasion on which university students were permitted to view the debates and discussions at an official COTED meeting. In addition, they visited the CARICOM Secretariat and attended briefings at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as private sector companies. The students were also able to meet and engage in discussions with then President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo.

The first graduating class (2008/09) of the MSc programme in IR delivered by IIR in collaboration with the newly established Institute of Graduate Studies and Research (IGSR) of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname

Postgraduate students of IIR pose with President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo (between flags) at the Office of the President, Guyana (2008).

The 2010/11 Guyana cohort of the MSc in Global Studies

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Postgraduate students of IIR engage the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo at the Office of the President, Guyana (2008) Postgraduate students of IIR pose for a group photo at the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad before leaving for their historic visit to Cuba on the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution (2009)

On another occasion in March 2009, 60 postgraduate students accompanied by four faculty members embarked on a visit to Cuba which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution. While cohorts of IIR students had previously visited a number of Caribbean and Latin American countries, this visit to Cuba was unprecedented since it was the largest UWI student group to visit Cuba. While in Cuba, the group was warmly hosted by the prestigious University of Havana.

Not only did the IIR receive briefings on the current state of the country’s international relations and on the state of race relations and issues related to participatory democracy, but they also visited cultural and historical sites in addition to the Trade Facilitation Office and the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago. The overseas exercises were all designed to build the students’ awareness of the transnational nature of international relations issues and develop their capacity for critical analysis of the challenges and opportunities for Caribbean states in their international relations through a practical experience. These student overseas visits have continued and according to the students “have added another dimension to our IIR experience”.

Staff of the Centre for Advanced Studies of Cuba (Nanotechnology and Biotechnology Complex) with IIR students and staff - August 2014

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Chapter 6 - The Dawn of a New Era (2008-2016)

(L-R): Ms. Ekana Mc Alister, Ms. Lynelle Clarke, Dr Mark Kirton, Dr Milagros Martínez Reinosa, Dr Jacqueline La Guardia Martínez at the La Plaza de la Revolución in Cuba - August 2014

IIR staff and students at the Caribbean Association of Residents in Cuba – August 2014.

PhD Candidate at IIR, Lynelle Clarke poses in a ‘Cocotaxi’ in Havana, Cuba – August 2014

IIR Students visit the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Embassy in Venezuela - May 2007

IIR students at a Maroon Village in Suriname - November 2007

IIR students at the United Nations-mandated University in Costa Rica - May 2008 57

IIR Students on the steps of the Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. USA - March 2010

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

2009 – The Year of the Summits In 2009 Trinidad and Tobago hosted both the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April and November respectively.

These two events provided the Institute of International Relations an opportunity to host critical pre- and post-summit debates and reflections on both the Fifth Summit of the Americas (SOA) and the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM). In the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, the Institute in association with the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI), the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI), the

Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit (CPSU), the Commonwealth Women’s Network (CWN), and the Royal Society (RCS), hosted a pre-CHOGM workshop entitled ‘The Commonwealth in the Second Decade of the 21st Century: Inter& non-state contributions to global development/governance’ in November, in the IIR Boardroom. Eduardo del Buey, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Commonwealth Secretariat delivered the keynote address on ‘Virtual Diplomacy in the New Century/Decade’. A second keynote address was delivered by Professor Jane Kelsey, of the University of Auckland, Law School on ‘The Political Economy of Trade in Services Agreements: serving whose interests?’.

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Patrick Manning (L) & President of the United States of America, Barack Obama pose for a photo at the Fifth Summit of the Americas held in POS, Trinidad – April, 2009

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Patrick Manning (L) & Queen Elizabeth II (2nd from L) at the Opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in POS, Trinidad – November, 2009 58

Chapter 6 - The Dawn of a New Era (2008-2016)

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Dr Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele is greeted by the Director of IIR, Professor Timothy Shaw on his visit to the Institute of International Relations – November 2009 Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Commonwealth Secretariat, Eduardo del Buey delivers Keynote Address on the first day of ‘The Commonwealth in the Second Decade of the 21st Century: Inter- & non-state contributions to global development/ governance’ workshop hosted by IIR as a pre-Commonwealth Heads of Government forum – November 2009

Professor Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland Law School delivers Keynote Address on the second day of ‘The Commonwealth in the Second Decade of the 21st Century: Inter- & non-state contributions to global development/governance’ workshop hosted by IIR as a pre-Commonwealth Heads of Government forum – November 2009

The Institute also welcomed the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Dr Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele along with his delegation and while at the Institute, he met staff, students, signed the visitors book and toured the Institute’s facilities.

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Dr Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele (R) signs the visitor book in the Boardroom of the Institute of International Relations – November 2009

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

(L to R): Director of IIR, Professor Timothy Shaw, Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat & President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo after President Jagdeo’s lecture – November 2009

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Dr Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele (C) visits the IIR Library– November 2009 In addition, the Institute of International Relations together with the Office of the Campus Principal co-hosted a Distinguished Lecture by the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo in November 2009 on the topic ‘Sustainable Development or Climate Change: Preparing for the Copenhagen Summit’ as a prelude to the United Nations Climate Change Conference which was held in Copenhagen, Denmark at which a framework for mitigating climate change beyond 2012 was debated.

President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo (C) – engages IIR students after his lecture at The UWI St. Augustine Campus November 2009

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The Institute also hosted the 22nd Academic Council on the United Nations System’s (ACUNS) Annual General Meeting entitled, ‘Small, Middle and Emerging Powers in the UN System’ in 2009. This was the first time in 20 years that the ACUNS Annual Meeting was held in the Caribbean. Critical issues of importance such as the international financial crisis, global governance, security, the fight against HIV/AIDS, the role of small states in the UN system, and the shifting global order were all addressed by an interesting mix of former Ministers, Ambassadors, Heads of UN agencies, academics, policy officers, postgraduate students and UWI alumni. The Director General of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Dr Len Ishmael delivered the Keynote Address, while the first and only Trinbagonian to hold all three of the highest offices in Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson was given a tribute for his seminal role in the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

(L-R): Professor Timothy Shaw – Director IIR and Mr. Geert Laporte – Deputy Director ECDPM display signed copies of MOU – October 2009 In October 2009, the Institute also hosted a seminar entitled ‘The Future of Caribbean-European Union Relations’, the purpose of which was to define an agenda for Research into issues pertinent to Caribbean-EU relations. The seminar led to a Memorandum of Understanding which was signed on the first day of the session by Professor Timothy Shaw, Director of IIR and Mr. Geert Laporte, Head of Institutional Relations and Partnerships of the European Centre for Development and Policy Management (ECDPM) in the presence of Professor E. Nigel Harris, then UWI Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Board of IIR. The MOU sought to structure a mutually beneficial relationship to advance the inter-regional debate about Caribbean-European Union relations.

The seminar was attended by a mix of academics and representatives of NGO’s including Geir Myrstad, Special Adviser on Workers Activities of the

Professor Timothy Shaw (C), IIR Director & Mr. Geert Laporte (R) sign the MOU while Professor E. Nigel Harris (L), UWI Vice-Chancellor looks on - October 2009

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The Institute of International Relations, aims to provide learning not only in the classroom but also through participation in model simulations of international organizations designed to widen and deepen students’ knowledge of neighbouring countries and trading partners in the hemisphere. It is within this context that IIR students represented, not only the Institute, but the English-speaking Caribbean, with distinction at the First Global Model United Nations. Six postgraduate students - Stefan Alfonso, Crystal Bastien, Ornal Barman, Julianna Baptiste, Elizabeth Encinas and Kobina Wilson - participated in the conference which was organized by the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI) in partnership with the World Federation of UN Associations (WFUNA). The theme of the conference was ‘The Millennium Development Goals: Lifting the Bottom Billion out of Poverty’ and it took place in Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland in August 2009. These IIR students joined more than 1,000 other university students from 60 countries around the world. Participants were drawn from member states where national Model United Nations programmes are organised. Through the Model United Nations process, students were exposed to the workings of the organisation and also developed leadership, research, writing, problem-solving, and negotiation skills which can be used throughout their lives. The conference was a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly, plenary sessions and the Assembly’s main committees and delegates role-played as foreign diplomats and participated in the simulated sessions.

International Labour Organization, Brian de Fereire, Foreign Service Officer V of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nelcia Robinson, Co-ordinator of the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action and Stylianos Christopoulos, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Commission Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago. The strategic partnership between IIR and the European Centre for Development and Policy Management (ECDPM) aims to stimulate reflection and create awareness in the region, establish a regional network of policy research institutes, elaborate a multi-annual programme proposal for research and dialogue, develop a funding strategy and partner and connect research and civil society with northern partners.

IIR Students take part in First Global Model United Nations

Diplomatic Dialogues at IIR The Diplomatic Dialogue Series at the Institute of International Relations aims to institutionalise the regular interface between the Institute, diplomats and heads of international organizations and presents a forum for discussion, debate and presentations on contemporary world issues.

The Diplomatic Dialogue Series of IIR was inaugurated in February 2011 and featured the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Trinidad and

IIR students who took part in the First Global Model United Nations Conference at a debriefing exercise hosted at the IIR Library

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Tobago, His Excellency Stefan Schlüter and Dr Raymond Mark Kirton who both spoke on the issue of ‘Conflict Prevention and Peace Building’.

Thereafter, the Institute continued the Diplomatic Dialogue Series with the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Yang Youming and Chargé d’ Affaires of the High Commission of South Africa, Mr. Karabo Letlaka who both addressed the theme, ‘How many BRICS?’. In addition, the Institute hosted the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, His Excellency Samuel Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Insanally, the President of the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, His Excellency Vuk Jeremić, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, the Honourable Frederick Mitchell, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Dr José Serulle Ramia, and Ambassador of Japan to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Mitsuhiko Okada among others. The Diplomatic Dialogue Series is a model that promotes information and knowledge sharing between IIR, the diplomatic community across the Caribbean region and its diverse stakeholders.

Diplomatic Dialogues at IIR; “How Many BRICS?” - March 2011 (L to R): Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Yang Youming, Director of IIR, Professor Timothy Shaw, Chargé d’ Affaires of the High Commission of South Africa, Mr. Karabo Letlaka

Diplomatic Dialogues Distinguished Lecture – President of the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly - March 2011. From L to R: Sir Edwin Carrington, Former Secretary General of CARICOM, Ms. Margaret Parrillon, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Vuk Jeremić, President of the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly, Honourable Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago, Professor Andy Knight, IIR Director, Ambassador Dennis Francis, Director, Multilateral Relations Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trinidad & Tobago

Diplomatic Dialogues at IIR: ‘Conflict Prevention & Peace Building’ - February 2011. Left - Dr Mark Kirton, Senior Lecturter, IIR. Right - Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Stefan Schlüter.

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In the academic year 2010/11, the Institute accomplished many ‘firsts’ including the hosting of the first and only EDULINK Network for Regional Integration Studies (NETRIS) workshop outside of Africa.The Institute also hosted a summer institute/school for the first time. During this year, Dr Mark Kirton received grants for consultation on topics such as perceptions of insecurity and case studies in collaboration with Vanderbilt University and the late Professor Emeritus Norman Girvan served as the United Nations Representative for the Guyana-Venezuela dispute and also served on the Board of the South Centre in Geneva.

that the IIR officially launched its Mentorship Programme at a fundraising brunch at the Office of the Campus Principal in February 2010 coordinated

by Dr Annita Montoute.

The Mentorship Programme is aimed at empowering students for effective leadership and enhancing their professional capacity by providing direction and guidance through mentorship and internship opportunities. It involves strengthening Dr Annita Montoute ties with IIR alumni and other stakeholders such IIR Lecturer & as UN agencies and regional organisations based in Coordinator of IIR’s Mentorship Programme Trinidad and Tobago, the business sector, the media, civil society groups and other non-governmental organisations. Students benefit from assistance in developing personal goals and career plans, the development of interpersonal skills and self-confidence and the building of practical knowledge of the job market.

Professor Emeritus Norman Girvan with UN Secretary General, H. E. Ban Ki-Moon IIR’s Mentorship Programme Launched The Institute of International Relations continued to recognize that students are at the core of its business and as a consequence accelerated ways to enhance the programmes and the postgraduate experience. It is against this backdrop

Director of IIR, Professor Timothy Shaw sharing Christmas cheer with IIR Office Attendant, Harriett Modeste and Office Assistant, Mr. David Ramjattan (who is now retired having served IIR for 44 years)

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In 2011/2012, Dr Anthony Gonzales was engaged once again to serve as the interim Director of the Institute of International Relations to replace Professor Timothy Shaw who chose to return to North America at the end of his contractual period.

2009/2010 IIR Student Group Photo

Interim Director of IIR, Dr Anthony Gonzales speaking from the podium at an IIR event - 2011 Dr Gonzales from the onset ensured that the Institute was guided with a strategic plan which worked in tandem with the strategic plan of The University of the West Indies. The IIR strategic plan informed the work programme and guided academic procedures which ensured the productivity of all staff and students in the 2011/2012 academic year. The plan saw the achievement of goals throughout the period and ensured a smooth transition to the incoming Director, Professor W. Andy Knight.

Interim Director of IIR, Dr Anthony Gonzales (C), poses with visitors to the Institute Sir Ronald Sanders, now Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and the Organisation of American States for Antigua and Barbuda (2nd from L) and then British High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Arthur Snell (R) 65

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IIR welcomes Professor W. Andy Knight On January 1st 2013, the Institute of International Relations welcomed its new Director, Barbadian-born Professor W. Andy Knight. An internationally recognized scholar of global governance and Professor and former Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, Professor Knight was appointed as Director on secondment from the University of Alberta for a period of three years.

The newly appointed Director began his Professor W. Andy Knight – tenure by connecting with IIR’s diverse and Director of IIR 2013 - 2015 key stakeholders. It is interesting to note that Professor Knight arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Christmas Day 2012, and on that day met with representatives of Wuhan University from China at the Hilton Hotel. At this meeting, they discussed several areas of cooperation between the Institute of International Relations and Wuhan University as both institutions were desirous of signing an MOU to build linkages for the benefit of their respective students and faculty.

An Exchange Agreement between the Institute and Wuhan University was consequently signed on February 23 , 2014. This signing took place when Professor Knight was invited to be part of an official delegation of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago for a state visit to China in February, 2014.

The agreement was signed by then Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat on behalf of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, and Professor Knight on behalf of IIR, and Professor Feng Youmei, the Executive President of Wuhan University, and Professor Yan Shuangwu on behalf of the School of Political Science and Public Administration.

During his tenure Dr Gonzales led the IIR’s thrust to improve throughput times of MSc and PhD students. To this end, IIR introduced a management structure and guidelines which streamlined processes and procedures, for both students and staff which allowed students to reduce the time spent in their programmes.

In particular, a set of guidelines and a code of conduct for IIR graduate seminars were introduced with the intention of providing more information on performance and academic requirements.

As Interim Director, Dr Gonzales was also concerned with the modernization of IIR to enhance its capability and capacity. During this period, the modernization of the IIR included the creation of ‘smart’ classrooms and a ‘smart’ boardroom so that the Institute could facilitate live streaming of lectures, meetings and classes and provide for interactive sessions.

In May 2011, although the Institute of International Relations did not offer a structured diplomatic training programme on a consistent basis, it offered diplomatic training on demand. For instance, in May 2011 the Institute conducted a Diplomatic Training Course for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago entitled, ‘Developing a Global Mindset for New Diplomats’.

During this special diplomatic training programme, over 30 employees of the Ministry were equipped with new knowledge and skills to function in diplomacy in a new competitive international environment. The programme lasted for two and a half months. The Institute also negotiated and coordinated the delivery of diplomatic training for mid-level CARICOM diplomats through a partnership with Australia (AUSAID) and CARICOM. In addition, a conceptual paper on the need to establish a diplomatic training centre with the Institute taking the lead was completed. This paper laid some of the ground work and justification for the eventual establishment of a Diplomatic Academy at the Institute in 2014.

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The aims and objectives of the Exchange Agreement were, ‘to facilitate interchange of faculty, to promote collaborative research, and to create opportunities for students at each international relations school to study the international relations of the country’. The Agreement is also intended to increase the number of students from Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean region who are interested in travelling to China (Wuhan University) to explore its politics, culture, art, music and more broadly, the emerging international relevance of China on the global stage. Shortly after the signing, the Institute sent a student, Ms. Raeisa Perreira, to Wuhan University, China. She spent one full year as an exchange student, and in addition, Dr Matthew Bishop (senior lecturer at IIR) was invited as a Visiting Fellow at Wuhan University in January 2014.

Early in Professor Knight’s tenure, he was invited to pay a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, the Hon. Winston Dookeran to discuss avenues to strengthen the relations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Institute, in service of national and regional development.

Minister Dookeran and Professor Knight were joined by Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Rodney Charles, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Margaret Parillon, and Dr Johann Geiser of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Apart from discussing matters pertaining to the foreign policy options for Trinidad and Tobago in Latin America, the role of the Diaspora, CARICOM’s perspective on the Palestine issue, and the possibility of internships at the UN and other multilateral agencies for students of IIR, the possibility of establishing a world-class journal that would marry the knowledge resident in the Institute’s world of academia and the Ministry’s practical world of diplomacy was also discussed. In the words of Professor Knight, ‘if the Institute wanted to seriously be considered as a globally recognized institute, it would have to compete with many globally recognized think tanks and therefore it cannot be limited to the Caribbean region. The region has to be the door to the rest of the world. The IIR

Professor W. Andy Knight, Director of IIR (R) and representatives of Wuhan University, China at IIR in Trinidad and Tobago (2013)

Principal Sankat and Executive President of Wuhan University, Mme. Feng Youmei sign MOU at Wuhan University in China - February 2014

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therefore sought to partner with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago to initiate a publication that would appeal to academics and capture the attention of diplomats and representatives of regional and international agencies.

(L to R): T&T’s Ambassador to the UN, Rodney Charles, Dr Johann Geiser, Permanent Secretary Margaret Parillon, Professor Andy Knight and the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Dookeran - February 2013

to connect with practitioners, the Institute felt it necessary to project scholarly work in the area of practical diplomacy. Accordingly, the Journal was re-christened to also focus on matters related to the practice of diplomacy.

The quarterly CJIRD was supported and published jointly by the Institute of International Relations and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trinidad & Tobago.

It is managed by an editorial board of distinguished academics and practitioners and seeks to contribute to the deepening of linkages and the creation of synergies between both communities, academics and practitioners. The CJIRD seeks to contribute to debates on the broad range of problems facing the Caribbean, provide timely analysis of contemporary regional and international issues and offer a unique Caribbean perspective on global affairs.

The mandate of the CJIRD is one that is interdisciplinary and is made available in both hard copy and through the open-access e-journal.

Launch of the Caribbean Journal of International Relations & Diplomacy (CJIRD) The Caribbean Journal of International Relations and Diplomacy (CJIRD) was launched in February 2013. In some ways, the CJIRD can be considered as a rebirth of the Journal of Caribbean International Relations launched in 2005 by the Interim Director, Professor Dennis Gayle, with the inaugural issue comprising seminal articles by three of the region’s Prime Ministers including, Percival James Patterson of Jamaica, Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago, and Owen Arthur of Barbados. However, with the Institute’s deliberate intention

Launch of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (DAOC) In strengthening the relations between the Institute and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, Professor Andy Knight also worked very closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago to establish the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (DAOC). The view from all stakeholders was that ‘diplomacy was no longer an activity that was limited to foreign affairs, but rather one that people must be engaged in across all sectors both public and private sector. In addition, it was agreed that the DAOC would also provide refresher courses for the diplomatic community in the region.

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It is also important to note that since its inception, the Institute had devoted itself to the teaching and training of diplomats, government officials and NGO representatives, and while the IIR has attracted a significant number of postgraduate diploma, MSc, MPhil and PhD students who are trained in international relations and diplomacy, over the years the IIR had gradually shifted its focus toward a more academic and theoretical programme with respect to its teaching and its research.

It is against this background that in May 2014, the Institute launched a new diplomatic training centre - the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (DAOC) with the support of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago contributed TT$10 million to the Institute as seed funding for the DAOC related to the construction of a building and the provision of material.

Vice-Chancellor of The UWI, Prof. E. Nigel Harris speaking at the launch of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean - May 2014 The Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean, the first of its kind, has reached out to a cross-section of target groups and beneficiaries involved in international cooperation, negotiations and transactions in the Caribbean Community and beyond. While it is an integral part of The UWI and its Institute of International Relations, the DAOC was established with a separate identity, mandate, programme, staffing and budget, which has been reviewed.

The DAOC was designed to meet a clearly felt need, in the absence of any regional training and learning facility, to offer programmes in diplomacy at various levels and on diverse subjects relevant to the 21st century socio-political and economic environment. It was established initially on a two-year project basis and has continued based on the demand for its programmes.

The modern day diplomatic academy provides learning and training not only to diplomats in foreign affairs ministries and national government officials but also to much wider target groups including ministries of trade, tourism, planning, gender, national security, state agencies, educational institutions,

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Winston Dookeran (L), Minister of Tertiary Education & Skills Training, Senator Fazal Karim (second from L), ViceChancellor, UWI, Prof. E. Nigel Harris (3rd from L), IIR Director, Prof. Andy Knight (2nd from R), and Principal Sankat (R) at the Launch of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean - May 2014

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NGOs, and business. It mobilizes its target groups and beneficiaries of its programmes through regional Ministries of Foreign Affairs, advertisements in regional and international media outlets, as well as through digital and public relations communications. The DAOC also pursues partnership arrangements with prominent and renowned diplomatic academies and schools of international affairs around the world.

Some of the key persons who worked steadily to translate the vision of establishing a Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean into a reality include, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Winston Dookeran, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Margaret Parillon, Dr Hans Geiser and Ambassador Dennis Francis from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with the executive management of The UWI led by Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris and the faculty of IIR led by Professor Andy Knight. At the launch of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in a message delivered via video praised the commitment of Trinidad and Tobago to advance 21st century diplomacy in order to ‘enhance the understanding and practice of contemporary diplomacy with a distinctive Caribbean perspective’.

From left to right: Prof. W. Andy Knight, Ambassador Colin Granderson Assistant Secretary-General, Foreign and Community Relations, CARICOM

United Nations Secretary General His Excellency Ban Ki-moon delivering greetings via video message at the launch ceremony

Prof. W. Andy Knight – Director of the Institute of International Relations greets Brigadier General Anthony PhillipsSpencer, then Vice Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force A cross-section of the specially invited guests

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In August 2015, just one year after the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean was launched, it celebrated another milestone with the official opening of the Academy’s new building at The UWI St. Augustine Campus. The event was witnessed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Winston Dookeran, the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat, the diplomatic corps, alumni of the Academy and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The University of the West Indies.

The new home of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (above) Logo of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (below)

Reception marking the Academy’s one-year accomplishments since its establishment on May 6, 2014 and the official opening of the new home for the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean (August 2015). From L to R: Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Trinidad and Tobago, HE Marcelo Salviolo, the Hon. Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs, PVC & Campus Principal, Professor Clement Sankat and Director of IIR, Professor Andy Knight

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By April 2016, the DAOC has trained over 450 participants in twelve (12) training modules, two ‘teasers’ and eight repeat sessions of the highly popular ‘Protocol and Diplomatic Law: Rules and Procedures’ which has also been offered in Barbados, Jamaica and Antigua and Barbuda.

Other modules include, - Contemporary Diplomacy: Issues and Processes; Climate Change Diplomacy: the SIDS scenario; Understanding the United Nations; Intelligence, Statecraft and Multi-dimensional Security in the Caribbean; Summit Diplomacy: G7/8, G20, CARICOM, Summit of the Americas, CHOGM; the Rise of China and its Impact on the Caribbean; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Business, Politics, Culture; Regional Hemispheric and International Security; Disaster Management and Risk Reduction in the Caribbean (Teaser); Looking Towards Latin America: Growing Together; Labour Diplomacy; the Art of Diplomatic Communication; and Digital Diplomacy (Teaser).

Module 1 - Contemporary Diplomacy: Issues and Processes

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Participants of the 2nd Module of the Diplomatic Academy with ACS Director of Sustainable Tourism, Mr. Julio Orozco (Front Centre) and facilitators Mr. Lawrence P. Dunham (standing on right of ACS Directorate) and Mr. Gary R. Biggs (standing on left of ACS Directorate) and DAOC staff Mrs. Debra Coryat-Patton (2nd from R, front row)

Front row (L to R): Professor Andy Knight, Director of IIR, Professor Andrew F. Cooper (facilitator), Mr. Timothy Hamel-Smith, President of the Senate, H.E. Anthony Carmona, SC, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Clement Sankat, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, The UWI St. Augustine Campus and Professor. Jorge Heine pose with the graduating cohort of the inaugural module of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean

Caribbean Child Rights Observatory Network In striving to make the Institute of International Relations a think tank that is not only regionally known, but also internationally respected, IIR embarked on an approach to widen ite operational and research base. One such issue of relevance both to the Caribbean and the world is that of the Rights of the Child.

All member states of CARICOM have signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This means that all member states of CARICOM have committed themselves to respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of all children in their respective countries. As part of strengthening the coordination and evaluation of the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its optional protocols, the Committee on the Rights of the Child suggested ‘the establishment of a cross-sectoral Child Rights Observatory, consisting of both national and regional authorities and NGOs, for policy coordination’.

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Signing of MOU between IIR and UNICEF for the establishment of the Caribbean Child Rights Observatory Network. From L to R: Mrs. Khin Sandi-Lwin, UNICEF Representative, Barbados, Professor Andy Knight, Director, Institute of International Relations and Senator Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Minister of Planning and Development - January 2014

Professor Andy Knight, Director, IIR speaking at the Official Launch of the Caribbean Child Rights Observatory Network at IIR - May 2014 To reduce establishment and operational costs of a new structure, a virtual network with the IIR serving as a ‘hub’ was seen as the most practical approach and the Caribbean Child Rights Observatory Network was officially launched at the Institute of International Relations in May 2014. It was agreed that such a network, comprised of all universities of the region, could build on the existing network of the four UWI campuses linking them to other state or private universities such as those in Guyana, Belize and Grenada. An example of such a hub already exists in the region, with the University of Belize functioning as a Child Observatory with support from UNICEF Belize. It is envisaged that any capacity gaps at IIR could be filled either through direct technical assistance provided by UNICEF and other UN agencies or through increased South-South cooperation. The network also proposes to connect with various government

In January 2014, the Caribbean Child Rights Observatory Network (CCRON) was established through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of International Relations of The UWI, and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for the Eastern Caribbean area after an assessment of IIR’s capacity for data use, equity-focused analysis and reporting on Children’s rights was made by an independent group. One over-arching goal of the proposed Caribbean Child Observatory is to provide an accurate analysis of the situation of children in the region. Other goals of the Caribbean Child Observatory include giving feedback and support to member states in developing evidence-informed policies for children as well as serving as an advocate for children’s issues, thus giving a voice to the most vulnerable groups in the region.

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statistical offices/services in order to support and strengthen their respective efforts in improving social statistics, analysis and presentation of data using tools.

The Institute of International Relations also continued to raise its visibility through the expansion of the Diplomatic Dialogues series with lectures from the Scientific Advisor of the State Council of the Republic of Cuba, Professor Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart who spoke on the ‘Global Challenges in Science and Innovation for Sustainable Development: Remarks from a Cuban Perspective’, and the former Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Honourable Owen Arthur, who spoke on ‘Caribbean Regionalism in the Context of Economic Challenges’ among others. IIR also maintained its presence at major University events across the region such as the highly anticipated Caribbean Youth Speak which featured UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who engaged young citizens of the Caribbean on the theme, ‘The World We Want Post 2015’.

Principal Sankat shares a light moment with the former Prime Minister of Barbados, The Right Honourable Owen Arthur at his distinguished lecture.

Director of the IIR, Professor Andy Knight looks on - January 2015

Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart, Scientific Advisor of the State Council of the Republic of Cuba delivers distinguished lecture at The UWI St. Augustine Campus - July 2014

IIR Director, Professor Andy Knight greets and welcomes UN Secretary General H. E. Ban Ki-moon to the UN Youth Symposium entitled, ‘Caribbean Youth Speak’ hosted at The UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados - July 2015

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Upon the completion of Professor Knight’s three year secondment as Director of IIR and his subsequent return to the University of Alberta, Canada, The University of the West Indies announced the appointment of Dr Mark Kirton as Acting Director with effect from January 1, 2016 to July 31 2016. A citizen of Guyana, Dr Kirton had been involved in administration and teaching at the tertiary level in the Caribbean for more than 30 years. He has been a member of staff at the Institute of International Relations for 12 years.

Apart from his new responsibility to manage the affairs of the Institute Dr Kirton had the pleasure of leading the Institute as it began its 50th anniversary celebrations in 2016. Dr Kirton was therefore tasked with conceptualizing and planning a series of events to mark the golden jubilee of the Institute together with the staff of IIR. To initiate the 50th anniversary celebrations, the IIR hosted a formal dinner at the University Inn and Conference Centre in April, 2016. Part proceeds of this event went towards the IIR Student Development Fund, which is aimed at defraying the costs of students’ participation in international and regional events. His Excellency Brigadier David A. Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and IIR alumnus delivered the feature Acting Director of IIR, Dr Raymond Mark Kirton (January – July 2016) address.

His Excellency Brigadier David A. Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and IIR alumnus delivers the feature address at IIR’s 50th anniversary black-tie dinner - April 2016.

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Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Trinidad & Tobago, Hon. Dennis Moses brings greetings on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago at the IIR’s 50th anniversary black-tie dinner - April 2016.

Chapter 6 - The Dawn of a New Era (2008-2016)

From L to R: IIR Librarian, Mrs. Cherill Farrell; children of Norman Girvan (Alexander and Alatashe), Principal Clement Sankat, Acting Director of IIR, Dr Mark Kirton, Ambassador of Cuba to Trinidad and Tobago, HE Guillermo Vazquez Moreno, and Director of Sustainable Tourism, ACS, Mr. Julio Orozco at IIR’s 50th anniversary naming ceremony - June 2016

From L to R: Professor Andrew Jupiter, Principal Clement Sankat, President of Guyana, HE David Granger, Chairman Ewart Williams, Director (Ag.) IIR, Dr Mark Kirton and Campus Registrar, Mr. Richard Saunders at the IIR’s 50th anniversary dinner - April 2016 As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, the Institute in June 2016, also hosted a formal ‘Naming’ ceremony for three spaces at the Institute including the IIR library, the IIR boardroom and the boardroom of the Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean in honour of three distinguished scholars who contributed significantly to the Institute’s development and to the development of international relations of the Caribbean region, regionalism and Caribbean development. The library was renamed the “Norman Girvan Library” in honour of the late Professor Emeritus Norman Girvan; the IIR boardroom was renamed the “Yves Collart Boardroom” in honour of the late Professor Yves Collart; and the DAOC boardroom was renamed the “Hans Geiser Boardroom” in honour of the late Dr Hans Geiser.

In addition, the Institute also hosted the event ‘IIR and Friends Can Cook’ as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. This food fair which took place in June 2016 was an effort to raise funds for the IIR’s Student Development Fund and provide the opportunity for informal interaction among staff, students and the community.

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IIR students pose with H.E. Dr Lancelot Cowie (C), Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Havana, Cuba - August 2016

Former acting IIR Director & IIR alumnus, Dr Anthony Gonzales being served at the IIR & Friends Can Cook Fundraiser - June 2016 The Institute also continued its off-campus training programme through its regular educational and academic overseas visits. In August 2016, 27 students and staff of IIR visited Cuba and were warmly received by His Excellency, Dr Lancelot Cowie, Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to Cuba.

Staying connected to its diverse stakeholders is a priority of the Institute of International Relations as the world continues to change at a rapid pace.

It enables the Institute to be responive and to remain relevant. The Institute engages the wider community through special visits from members of the diplomatic community, government and private sector representatives, scholars from regional and international universities and think tanks, representatives from NGOs and civil society and its international network of alumni. In 2016, among its visitors, distinguished alumna and former IIR faculty member, the Honourable Dr Gale Rigobert who now serves as the Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development in the Government of St. Lucia visited the IIR.

Senior Lecturer, IIR, Dr Mark Kirton (L) and Lecturer, IIR, Dr Jacqueline Laguardia Martinez (3rd from L) with H.E. Dr Lancelot Cowie, Ambassador Embassy of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Havana, Cuba (3rd from R) & staff of the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago in Cuba - August 2016

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Dr Mark Kirton welcomes the new IIR Director, Professor Jessica Byron-Reid August 2016

Acting IIR Director, Dr Mark Kirton (R) welcomes and congratulates distinguished IIR alumna and former faculty member, Dr Gale Rigobert on her appointment as Minister of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development in the Government of St. Lucia (2016)

On August 1 2016, in the year of its golden 50th anniversary, the Institute of International Relations welcomed its new Director, Professor Jessica ByronReid. She is not only the first female Director of the Institute, but she is also an alumna of the IIR and former Head and Professor in the Department of Government, Faculty of Social Sciences, UWI Mona Campus. The Institute of International Relations and the wider community of The University of the West Indies and its many diverse stakeholders look forward to continued growth and development as it remains committed to serving and supporting the development aspirations of the Caribbean region, the Americas and the global community under the leadership of Professor Jessica Byron-Reid.

(L-R): Dr Mark Kirton, Professor Jessica Byron-Reid and H.E. Guillermo Vรกzquez Moreno, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago at the signing of the book of condolences for Fidel Castro, former President of the Republic of Cuba - December 2016

79

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Staff of IIR on its 50th anniversary (August 2016)

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50

Chapter 7

Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

H.E. Brigadier David A. Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

Dr. Mark Kirton presents a gift on behalf of IIR to H.E. Brigadier David A. Granger the first IIR alum to become Head of State

Brigadier David Granger was sworn in as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on 16th May 2015.

Brigadier Granger is a former Commander of the Guyana Defence Force and National Security Adviser to the President. He received his military training at the Mons Officer Cadet School and the School of Infantry in the United Kingdom, the Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil and the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria.

He was a member of several defence and security agencies. He held the chairmanship of the Central Intelligence Committee and co-chairmanship of the Border and National Security Committee and was a member of the Guyana Defence Board, National Drug Law Enforcement Committee and the Disciplined Forces Commission.

H.E. Brigadier David A.Granger in his days as an IIR student

He is a graduate of the University of Guyana

a member of the University of Guyana Council,

editor, with Winston McGowan and James

where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s

Association of Caribbean Historians, Caribbean

Rose, of Themes in African-Guyanese History

Degrees, the University of the West Indies

Studies Association, Guyana Press Association

and is former publisher of Guyana Review

where he received the post-graduate Diploma

and Guyana Book Foundation and is currently

and Emancipation magazines.

in International Relations and the University of

a member of the Guyana Legion and the Board

He received various academic awards

Maryland where he was a Hubert H. Humphrey

of Trustees of the Guyana Veterans Foundation.

including the President’s Medal for the best

Fellow.

Brigadier Granger has written extensively

graduating student; Dennis Irvine Prize;

He also attended the Urban Policy

on national defence and public security issues.

Council of the University Prize; Elsa Goveia

Development Workshop at the University of

He is the author of National Defence: A Small

Medal of Excellence; Guy de Weever History

California, Los Angeles; the Defense Planning

State in the Subordinate System; Public Security:

Prize; Earl Attlee History Prize; Mary Noel

and Resource Management course at the

Criminal Violence and Policing in Guyana

Menezes Award for History; Department of

National

and Public Policy: The Crisis of Governance in

History Prize and others, from the University

Guyana.

of Guyana.

Defense

University,

Washington

DC and the Counter-Terrorism Educators’ Workshop at the Joint Special Operations

He has also written several monographs

David Granger was born in Guyana

University, Florida, USA. He was also an adjunct

including Guyana’s Independence, 1966; Five

on July 15, 1945. He is married to Sandra

professor of National Security Affairs at the

Thousand Day War: The Struggle for Haiti’s

(née Chan-A-Sue) and is the father of two

Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies at the

Independence, 1789-1804; The British Guiana

daughters. He is the holder of three national

NDU.

Volunteer

Guyana

awards—the Efficiency Medal (1976), the

Force,

1948-1966;

The

David Granger has served in several public

National Service, 1974-2000; The Guyana

Military Service Medal (1981), and the

organizations. He was elected to the presidencies

People’s Militia, 1976-1997; The Queen’s College

Military Service Star (1985) for distinguished

of the History Society, Guyana Heritage Society,

Cadet Corps, 1889-1975; Guyana’s Coinage,

military service.

University of Guyana Guild of Graduates and the

1808-2008; The Era of Enslavement, 1638-1838

Guyana Chess Federation. He was also formerly

and The Village Movement, 1839-1889. He is co-

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Senator The Honourable Dennis Moses

The Honourable Major General Edmund Dillon

Prior to being sworn in as Senator and Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic

Major General (Ret’d) Edmund Dillon was appointed Minister of National Security of the Republic

of Trinidad and Tobago in 2015, Dennis Moses served as Representative of the OAS General

of T&T on 9 September 2015. Prior to his appointment, he was the Director, Corporate Security

Secretariat in the Commonwealth of Dominica after a similar tenure in Guyana for eleven years.

at Atlantic LNG Trinidad and Tobago. He retired as the Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and

Prior to that, Moses served in Barbados as the Deputy Representative of the Inter-American

Tobago Defence Force in 2005. Prior to his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff, he held the

Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

position as the Commanding Officer of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment. He served as a member

In 1990 Minister Moses joined CAB International at its headquarters in the United Kingdom.

of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force for just over thirty-six years, beginning his career as an

He later moved to Trinidad and Tobago as the Regional Representative of CAB International for the

enlisted member of the Coast Guard before accepting a position as a commissioned officer in the

Caribbean and Latin America based in Trinidad and Tobago.

Regiment.

Senator Moses also worked, as a career diplomat, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad

Minister Dillon holds a Certificate in Management Studies and a double major Bachelor of

and Tobago during the period 1980 to 1990 which included a posting to the T&T mission in

Science degree in Sociology and Government from The University of the West Indies. He also holds

Belgium.

a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and a Master of Science degree in International

He studied at The University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus (1972 to 1975) and at

Relations from the Institute of International Relations, UWI. In addition he holds a Diploma in

the Universidad de Costa Rica - Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza (UCR-

Military Studies and a Masters in Military Arts and Science from the US Army Command and

CATIE) in Costa Rica from 1977 to 1979 obtaining a BSc. degree in Agriculture, a MSc. Degree in

General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, USA.

Agronomy and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations (1981-1982).

He has received several awards and accolades. Among them, the Medal of Merit Gold -

Minister Moses is fluent in French and Spanish, is married and has two children.

National Award for Outstanding and Meritorious Service in the sphere of Public Service, the Naval Order of Merit Medal for Distinguished Service in the First Category from the Dominican Republic for his contribution in the fight against narco-trafficking in the Region, the United States Army Commendation Military Medal of Merit for Operation ‘Restore Democracy’ Haiti 1994, and the 1990 Coup Medal for demonstrated anti-terrorist action during the attempted coup.

Minister Dillon is married to Ava Dillon and they have three children – Cleavon Dillon, Adeisha Dillon and Toni Dillon.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

The Honourable Orville London

Rear Admiral (RTD) Gary Anthony Rodwell Best

The Hon. Orville Delano London was born in Parlatuvier, Tobago. He pursued an undergraduate

Gary Best is a retired Rear Admiral and an Attorney-at-Law who served as Chief of Staff of the

degree at the University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine Campus, graduating with Honours

Guyana Defence Force and Chairman of the Joint Services Coordinating Council (2007 – 2013).

in History and Sociology.

Rear Admiral Best holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nautical Science from the Merchant Officer’s

Mr. London then embarked upon a teaching career which spanned twenty-three years,

Academy in Brazil; a Bachelors Degree in Law from the University of Guyana; a Legal Education

climaxing with a six year stint as Principal of the Signal Hill Senior Comprehensive School. He also

Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago; a research Masters of

taught International Relations at various secondary schools throughout Tobago, and lectured at The

Science Degree (Dist) in Global Studies from The University of the West Indies (2011) which

UWI School of Continuing Studies, Tobago Campus, after successfully completing postgraduate

focussed on Sustainability and the Influence of Environmental Governance on Guyana’s Low

studies in Education and International Relations at his alma mater, UWI St. Augustine.

Carbon Development Strategy and a Masters Degree in Law from the University of London (2015).

Mr. London has always been passionate about sports and has held key positions in the Tobago

Rear Admiral Best is also an alumnus of the National Defence University in Washington D.C. and

Football, Cricket and Lawn Tennis Associations over the years. His wide interests also extend to

the Harvard Kennedy School of Government in Boston, USA.

journalism, and as a past Sports Editor of the Tobago News, he was able to marry these two passions

Rear Admiral Best has a published article titled ‘Sustainability of a Small Island Development State: The Influence of Global Environmental Governance on Guyana’s LCDS’ in Selected Essays on

in one career.

In 1995, Mr. London was appointed a Senator in the Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad

Contemporary Caribbean Issues. In addition, Rear Admiral Best has presented several papers at

and Tobago, and in 2001 he began his first term of office as Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of

Academic Conferences which include: ‘Sustainable Funding of Climate Change Adaptation Plans:

Assembly. Mr. London is currently serving his fourth consecutive term as Chief Secretary.

Prospects and Challenges for Regional Integration’ hosted by the Institute of International Relations (UWI); ‘Climate Adaptation Costs: Uncertainties and Variations in Modelling’ hosted by the Institute of International Relations (UWI) and the LIRDS THINK TANK GROUP, ‘The International Climate Change Regime: Bilateral Relations and Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy’ hosted by the University of Havana, Cuba (December, 2014) and more recently ‘Towards Sustainable Futures: Key Ingredients in Determining Adaptation Finance for Small Island Developing States’ co-hosted by the Australian National University and the University of Canberra (December, 2015).

Rear Admiral Best is the Presidential Advisor on the Environment to the Government of Guyana and is currently reading for a PhD at The University of the West Indies and his research focuses on climate change financing in the context of Small Island Developing States.

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Professor Jacqueline Braveboy-Wagner

Professor Jessica Byron

Jacqueline Braveboy-Wagner is Professor of Political Science in the Colin Powell School of Civic and Global

Jessica Byron was born in St. Kitts and Nevis and obtained the postgraduate diploma at

Leadership at the City College and Professor in the Graduate School and University Center of the City

the Institute of International Relations in 1978-79 after completing a B.A. in French and

University of New York. She is a specialist in foreign policy, diplomacy and global development, particularly

Spanish (First Class Hons) at UWI Cave Hill. Doctoral studies were done at the Institut

with respect to small states (and specifically Caribbean states) as well as the nations of the global south in

Universitaire de Hautes Etudes Internationales, University of Geneva and her PhD. awarded

general. She has authored or edited ten books, and another is forthcoming in 2016. Recent and forthcoming

in 1990, was on regional groupings and conflict management in Central America and

books include: Diplomatic Strategies of Leading Nations in the Global South (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016);

Southern Africa.

Institutions of the Global South (Routledge, 2009); Small States in Global Affairs: The Foreign Policies of

Jessica Byron worked for six years as a foreign service officer with the government of St.

the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) (Palgrave-Macmillan 2007); and The Foreign Policies of the

Kitts and Nevis. Two of those years were spent with the OECS at the Eastern Caribbean High

Global South: Rethinking Conceptual Frameworks (edited; Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2003). She has

Commission in London from 1988 – 1990. She lectured for seven years in both full time and

published numerous articles and analytical pieces in books and journals, the latest being ‘Opportunities

adjunct capacities on International Relations and on Human Rights at the Institute of Social

and limitations of the exercise of foreign policy power by a very small state: the case of Trinidad and

Studies in The Hague. Professor Byron served as the first female Head of the Department

Tobago’, Cambridge Review of International Affairs, 23: 3, September 2010: 407-427; and ‘The Non-Aligned

of Government 2010-2013 and also as Professor of Caribbean International Relations and

Movement: Collective Diplomacy of the Global South.’ In B.J.C. McKercher, ed., Routledge Handbook of

Diplomacy, in SALISES at The UWI Mona Campus in Jamaica. She coordinated a tripartite

Diplomacy and Statecraft, London and New York: Routledge, 2012: 274-289. She has presented more than

B.Sc./M.Sc. programme in Politics and International Cooperation involving The UWI,

120 papers at national and international conferences and workshops, has served as a consultant on United

Universite Antilles-Guyane and the University of Bordeaux IV and served on the Executive

Nations/Caricom, United States, Caribbean, and Latin American government/intergovernmental projects

Board of the Institute of International Relations, UWI St. Augustine. She has been Visiting

(including chairing the Trinidad and Tobago Review of Foreign Policy committee and the committee for the

Lecturer at the Universite Antilles-Guyane, at the National University of Colombia and

Establishment of a Diplomatic Academy between 2006 and 2010), and has participated in many activities

in Suriname and collaborates with the academic networks of FLACSO and CLACSO.

of various Washington think tanks. She served as president of the Caribbean Studies Association (1992-3);

She was the Caribbean representative on the Executive Committee of a research and

as the United Nations-NGO representative of the International Studies Association (1995-2010); and since

advocacy programme ‘Building Global Democracy’ (www.bgd.org) based at the University

2011 has been serving as founding chair of the ISA’s Global South Caucus in Singapore in 2015. She was

of Warwick 2008 - 2012. Her current research agenda focuses on Caribbean and Latin

a fellow and assistant to the director of training at UNITAR, a visiting professor at Tokyo Metropolitan

American regionalism, and small developing states in the global political economy. She has

University, and director of the MA program in international relations at the City College from January

published over fifty journal articles, book chapters and technical reports.

1999-2002. Awards include recognitions for her service to the CSA as newsletter editor, vice president and president; and the Ladd Hollist award for significant service to the International Studies Association (2011); and an inaugural UWI Distinguished Alumni Award (2011).

85

Professor Byron has been appointed to the position of Director of the Institute of International Relations and is the first female to head the IIR.

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Mr. William Cox

Mr. Roger-Mark De Souza

William Cox is a member of the graduating class of 2011 of the Institute of International Relations,

Roger-Mark De Souza is a recognized analyst, author, and speaker on linking social and policy

University of the West Indies having earned a Master’s of Science Degree (with Distinction) in Global

aspects of resilience, environment, human health and population in research, advocacy, and

Studies. He is also the holder of an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of

evaluation. Roger-Mark’s experience is grounded in building NGO and government partnerships,

Guyana and a post-graduate diploma in International Relations from the same university.

implementing field programs, and engaging the philanthropic community. Currently, Roger-Mark

Mr. Cox has worked for over thirty years in the public sector of Guyana and is presently

is the Director of Population, Environmental Change and Security at the Woodrow Wilson Center

employed as the Political Assistant to His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, President of the

in Washington D.C. He leads programs on climate change resilience, reproductive and maternal

Cooperative Republic of Guyana. He has the distinction of having served as an assistant to three

health, environmental security, and livelihoods.

Executive Presidents of Guyana.

From 2007 to 2010, as the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at the Sierra Club,

He is married and is the proud father of a son.

he planned, led and implemented a multi-million dollar foundation and corporate fundraising program for the Club’s climate recovery work.

Prior to working at the Sierra Club, Roger-Mark directed the population, health and environment program at the Population Reference Bureau for 10 years where he designed and implemented research projects, capacity building programs, and communications initiatives in the United States, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Previously, he worked at the World Resources Institute and the Pan American Development Foundation. He is a member of the Global Resilience Academy and serves on the U.S. National Science Foundation Advisory Committee for Environmental Research and Education.

Roger-Mark holds graduate degrees in international relations and development policy from the George Washington University and The University of the West Indies. He is fluent in French and Spanish.

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Justice Mira Dean-Armorer

Professor Georges Eugene Fouron

Justice Dean-Armorer was awarded an Additional National Scholarship in 1979, obtained her LLB

Georges Eugene Fouron, a native of Haiti, is Professor of Education and Social Sciences at the State

(Upper Second Class Honours) from The University of the West Indies in 1982 and obtained her

University of New York at Stony Brook. He graduated from the University of Haiti in International

LEC from the Hugh Wooding Law School in 1984 and a Diploma in International Relations from

Affairs in 1969, obtained a Diploma in International Relations from The University of the West

The University of the West Indies in 1994. Prior to joining the Judiciary, she worked at the Office

Indies, Trinidad in 1970, and an Ed.D from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1985.

of the Solicitor General between 1984 and 1999, having held the post of Assistant Solicitor General.

His research focus is transnationalism and its effects as experienced by Haitians in Haiti and

Her experience included civil litigation with special emphasis on public law and foreign and local

those of the Haitian Diaspora. He has published many peer reviewed articles in scholarly journals

negotiations, on behalf of Government.

such as: Identities, Ethnic and Racial Studies, Comparative Urban and Community Research, the American Ethnologist, and many more. His latest book, authored with Nina Glick Schiller, Georges

Justice Dean-Armorer also sat on a Presidential Commission of Enquiry in 1999 and sat on the

Woke up Laughing: Long-Distance Nationalism and the Search for Home, was published by Duke

Board of Directors at TSTT between 2000 and 2002.

University Press in 2001. His latest manuscript is New York Haitian Transmigrants’ Long Distance

Justice Dean-Armorer holds a special interest in Constitutional Cases in respect of human

Nation Building Initiatives in the Post Duvalier Era.

rights and the environment.

She is married to Attorney-at-Law, Gregory Armorer and is the mother of three children.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Mr. Carl A. Francis

Dr Cary Fraser

Mr. Carl A. Francis, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Security, also served in similar

Cary Fraser is a native of Guyana. He was educated at Queen’s College and entered the University

capacities in the Ministries of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development and Trade and

of Guyana in 1972. He was awarded the B.A. in History in 1976 and was admitted to the Institute

Industry as well as in the Office of the Prime Minister, with responsibility for protocol for the 2009

of International Relations at The University of the West Indies in 1977. He was awarded the

Fifth Summit of the Americas.

Diploma in International Relations in 1978 and was awarded the M.Sc. in 1984 for a thesis on the

Prior to these appointments, he served briefly as Deputy Permanent Secretary and as a career

Nationalization of the Bauxite Industry in Guyana. He was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship by the

diplomat for over two decades. During his postings to Trinidad and Tobago Embassies in Brussels,

Swiss Federal Government in 1983 and received his Ph.D. in 1990 from the Graduate Institute of

Belgium; Washington DC. USA; and Pretoria, South Africa, he was instrumental in securing the

International Relations of the University of Geneva.

interests of both Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

Dr Fraser currently serves as a Visiting Faculty member at the Appalachian State University in

His supervisory management and leadership abilities have been enhanced by extensive

North Carolina. He has been a Visiting Fellow at Cornell University, the University of Maryland,

experience and training in negotiation, international trade, foreign policy, social and economic

Princeton University, and the University of Rochester, and taught at the Pennsylvania State

issues and national, regional and extra-regional security issues.

University from 1996-2011 and served as the President of the University of Belize from 2011 to

Mr Francis has led national delegations to international meetings and has chaired both national

2014.

and international Committees in the areas of foreign affairs, labour, trade and security and, has

His academic publications and essays in public media have been published in Canada, the

also served on State Boards. At the then Tourism and Industrial Development Company Limited

Caribbean, the United Kingdom and the USA.

(TIDCO), he acted as Vice President and was involved in the development of the Technology Park at Wallerfield. Mr. Francis graduated from the Institute of International Relations with a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations in 1984.

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Professor Humberto García-Muñiz

Dr Anthony Peter Gonzales

Humberto García-Muñiz is Research Professor, Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS), University of

Anthony Peter Gonzales is a graduate of the University of the West Indies where he completed a

Puerto Rico (UPR), and has been Visiting Professor at Rutgers University and FLACSO-Dominican

Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Sociology as well as a post-graduate Diploma in International

Republic. He has a B.A. in Political Science, UPR, M.Sc. in International Relations, IIR, UWI St.

Relations by 1968. He pursued his doctoral degree at the Graduate Institute of International Studies

Augustine (1980), and a Ph.D. in Latin American History, Columbia University.

in Geneva specializing in International Economics. He worked as a Lecturer and then Senior

He was a Fulbright Scholar and is a member of the Academia Dominicana de Historia. His

Lecturer at the Institute of International Relations beginning in 1973-1978 and from 1982-2003

research areas are contemporary US-Caribbean security studies, Caribbean sugar histories, and

where he taught international trade and international business.

migration and social movements. He has offered master lectures on ‘West Indian Migration and

In the period 1978-1982 he worked as an Expert at the ACP Secretariat in Brussels and actively

Garveyism in the Dominican Republic’ (Universidad Central del Este) and on “Eric Williams´ Pan

participated in the negotiation of the Second Lome Convention. He also worked part-time in

Caribbean Project” (Universidad de la Habana).

Trinidad and Tobago from 1983-1984 as an investment promotion officer for the ACP-EC centre

As ICS director (1998-2015), he organised the Conferencias Caribeñas on-line lecture series.

for the development of industry based in Brussels. He has been a consultant to several public and

His book La ayuda militar como negocio: Estados Unidos y el Caribe won The Gordon K. & Sybil

private sector bodies. He specializes in international trade and investment policy, in particular

Lewis Award for Caribbean Scholarship. His most recent book is Sugar and Power in the Caribbean:

economic integration, trade strategy, trade agreements and foreign investment. He has published

The South Porto Rico Sugar Co. in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, 1900-1921.

several articles on these topics.

He offers courses on ‘Caribbean Geopolitics’ and ‘Oral History Theory and Methodology’ at

Anthony Gonzales is also a former Acting Director of the Institute of International Relations of

UPR graduate history programme. He has served as consultant of the Association of Caribbean

the University of the West Indies at St Augustine from 2000 to 2003. From June 2003 to March 2007,

States, and as OAS election observer in Costa Rica.

he was the WTO Director and Representative of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery.

Before that, he was an RNM Associate and Vice-Chair of the Smaller Economies Consultative Group in the FTAA. He was also Chairman of the ACP High Level Trade Advisory Group.

From 2007 to May 2011 he worked as a consultant to several national, regional and international organizations and from June 2011 to December 2012 he served as the Interim Director of the Institute of International Relations at UWI, St Augustine.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Dr Tim Gopeesingh

Ms. Susan Gordon

Dr Tim Gopeesingh was re-elected on September 7, 2015 to the House of Representatives as the

As a Foreign Service Officer from 1975 to 2010 Susan N. Gordon served at the bilateral, regional,

MP for Caroni East, having previously been successful on May 24, 2010 (when he was appointed

hemispheric and multilateral levels and was particularly involved in trade and development

Minister of Education) and in 2007 when he served in Opposition. Previously Dr Gopeesingh

negotiations and integration initiatives. She served at our diplomatic missions in New Delhi, to

served as a Government Senator in the 6th Parliament (2001). During the Eighth Parliament, Dr

the United Nations in New York and to the European Communities in Brussels and headed the

Gopeesingh served as a Temporary Senator until being appointed an Opposition Senator in 2004.

key Divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for CARICOM and Caribbean Affairs, Multilateral

Dr Gopeesingh is a gynecologic oncologist, and has worked extensively in the field of medicine

Relations, Administration and International Economic Relations.

in Trinidad and Tobago and internationally over the last 40 Years. He was an Associate Professor

During the course of her career Ms Gordon was closely involved in CARICOM and hemispheric

(Senior Lecturer) at the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the University of the West Indies, St.

integration initiatives and the negotiations for the African, Caribbean, Pacific - European Union

Augustine up to 2007. He served as Clinical Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences from 1994 to

ACP- EU Cotonou and Economic Partnership Agreements. Her earlier experience included

1997.

regional trade negotiations and decolonisation, anti-apartheid and humans rights issues.

Dr Gopeesingh obtained an Executive MBA from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate school of

Ms Gordon is a Certified and practising Mediator and the Secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago

Business and a Masters in International Relations (Distinction) from the University of the West

Transparency Institute.

Indies. He also represented Trinidad and Tobago in cricket at an international level.

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Ambassador Colin Granderson

Ambassador Henry Gill (deceased)

A career diplomat in the Foreign Service of Trinidad and Tobago who attained the rank of

Ambassador Gill served from December 1974 to January 1983 as Research Fellow at the Institute

Ambassador, Colin Granderson is presently serving as the Assistant Secretary-General, Foreign

of International Relations, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. His focus was mainly

and Community Relations, at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat.

on foreign policy, international trade, regional integration and Latin American issues. He served

In addition to his national and regional public service, he has served internationally, heading a

two successive terms as Vice-President of the West Indies Group of University Teachers (WIGUT)

joint OAS/UN human rights observation mission in Haiti; serving on a UN advisory panel on peace

before leaving IIR, UWI in January, 1983.

operations; and chairing a UN international Commission of Inquiry into human rights violations

Ambassador Gill also served as Senior Director of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating

in Côte d’Ivoire. He has also headed election observation missions in the Region for the OAS and

Machinery (CRNM) (now Office of Trade Negotiations) and played a pivotal role with respect to

CARICOM. Experienced in mediation and conflict resolution, he played a key advisory role in

the regional strategy pursued by the Caribbean Forum of African, Caribbean and Pacific States

the CARICOM mediation efforts in early 2004 to broker a negotiated settlement to the political

(CARIFORUM) in its negotiations with the European Union (EU) for the Economic Partnership

impasse between the Haitian government and the opposition.

Agreement (EPA).

He is a graduate of the University of Bordeaux (1968), the University of Ghana (1972), and holds

Additionally, Ambassador Gill served on the Permanent Secretariat of the 27-member state

a Diploma in International Relations from the Institute of International Relations, St. Augustine

Latin American Economic System (SELA) with headquarters in Caracas. He was elected Deputy

Campus (1978).

Permanent Secretary for the period 1986-1990 and during that time, he also served as President of

He was awarded the Trinidad and Tobago Chaconia Medal (silver) for public service in 1994,

SELA’s pension fund. For his distinguished service during his tenure, he was conferred the Order

and was conferred with the Order of Bernardo O’Higgins in the Degree of Grand Cross by the

of the Liberator, Venezuela’s highest national award, for ‘service to the cause of Latin American and

Government of Chile in April, 2013.

Caribbean unity’.

Ambassador Gill provided technical counsel to a number of regional institutions including the CARICOM Secretariat and the West Indian Commission as well as a range of inter-governmental bodies including UN agencies, the OAS and the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB).

91

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Dr Christopher Hackett

Professor Sir Kenneth Hall ON, G.C.M.G, O.J

Dr Christopher Hackett has worked in the field of International Affairs for close to 50 years. His

The Most Honourable Professor Sir Kenneth, former Governor-General of Jamaica, is a well-

last position was that of Permanent Representative of Barbados to the United Nations at New York

known and respected Caribbean academic who utilized the skills of his profession to analyse the

(February 2004 to May 2010). He was vice-President of the UN General Assembly at its 63rd session.

main factors leading to the success of the Caribbean Integration process and has detailed in many

He was also Barbados’ principal delegate to the UN Economic and Social Council during Barbados’

publications why such success is a necessity for the prosperity and development of the region and

membership of the Council (2007 to 2009), and was a member of Barbados’ official delegations to a

the fulfilment of the potential of its peoples.

number of global conferences, including the annual sessions of the UN General Assembly, the UN

Professor Sir Kenneth joined his academic work to a passion for education and has held

Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (2005), meetings of

positions of Chairman of the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC), Pro Vice-Chancellor and

the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), South-South Co-operation, and Climate Change.

Principal UWI Mona, Chancellor, University College of the Caribbean and Deputy Secretary-

Prior to his position of Barbados’ Ambassador at the UN, Dr Hackett worked as an economist

General, Caribbean Community.

in the UN Secretariat, as well as at the UNDP, where he was for a number of years the Chief of the

He currently holds positions on a number of Jamaica’s premier institutions including that of the

Caribbean Division providing overall policy direction and management of the UNDP’s development

Chairmanship of Jamaica’s Tertiary Education Commission, member of the Board of Governors,

assistance national and regional programmes in the Caribbean.

Bank of Jamaica and Member of the Board of Directors of LASCO Distributors.

Since his departure from his government position in mid-2010, Dr Hackett has worked as an

He is a Distinguished Research Fellow of The University of the West Indies and has authored

international development consultant, focusing on the areas of diplomatic theory and practice

some forty-five books addressing issues relating to History, Caribbean Regional Integration and

including negotiations; global governance; sustainable development, particularly including climate

International Relations.

change and renewable sources of energy. He was one of the main organizers of the Australian

Professor Sir Kenneth holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in History from the Queen’s

sponsored training programme for Caribbean Diplomats which was held at the School of Diplomacy

University in Ontario, Canada.

of the Australian National University over the period 2010 to 2013, consultant to the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), and senior Adviser to the Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency.

Dr Hackett holds a BSc in economics from the UWI, Mona Campus (1967), a post graduate Diploma from the Institute of International Relations, St. Augustine campus (1968), a MA from the School of International Affairs, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada (1970), and a PHD in urban economics from New York University (1988).

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Ambassador Sandra Honoré

His Excellency, Dr Kevin M. Isaac

Sandra Honoré has been the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations

Dr Kevin M. Isaac is a career diplomat with more than two decades of experience. Currently, he

and Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), since July, 2013. Ms

is St. Kitts-Nevis’ High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland; Permanent

Honoré has had extensive experience as a career diplomat with the Trinidad and Tobago Foreign

Representative to the International Maritime Organization and Governor of the Board of the

Ministry. She held the positions, of Director of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and

Commonwealth Secretariat.

Caribbean Affairs Division from 2005 to 2007 and of Chief of Protocol in 2007. She was posted to

Previously, he served as Minister Counsellor, Deputy Permanent Representative/Charge

the Embassy to the United States (1997-2000) and to the Embassy to Brazil (1983-1989). She also

d’Affaires for St. Kitts-Nevis to the United Nations; Minister Counsellor, Deputy Chief of Mission/

served in the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, directing its International Affairs

Charge d’Affaires at its Embassy to the United States of America and, Alternate Representative and

and Protocol Unit from 1994 to 1996. She was appointed Ambassador in 2007. She was Ambassador

Interim Representative of St. Kitts- Nevis to the OAS. His Excellency was also Political Advisor to

to Costa Rica (2009-2012), with non-resident accreditation to Guatemala and Panama.

the OAS Assistant Secretary General and Coordinator for the OAS’ 28 Country Offices throughout

She was the first female Chief of Staff in the General Secretariat of the Organization of American

Latin America and the Caribbean.

States when assigned as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General (2000 to 2005),

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in French and Spanish from the University of the West Indies

during which she supervised many aspects of the General Secretariat’s work on Haïti, including the

(Cave Hill); a Post-Graduate Diploma from the Institute of International Relations, (St. Augustine);

OAS Special Mission for Strengthening Democracy in that country.

MA in Diplomacy and Statecraft (University of Birmingham) and LLM in International Economic

She is the holder of a Licènce-ès-Lettres Modernes (Université de Besançon, 1975); a Maîtrise-

Law (Warwick University) both in the United Kingdom. High Commissioner Isaac holds an

ès-Lettres Modernes (Université de Bordeaux III, 1976); a Diploma in International Relations

honorary Doctorate from the University of Birmingham.

He has published three Poetry Collections: Whispers of Silence (1998); Memories in Serenade

(University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, 1978) and a Diploma in Conference Interpretation

(2010), Breakfast with my Fathers (2014).

(Polytechnic of Central London (now University of Westminster), 1982). She has had specialized training in trade both in India and in the United States and in International Law in Brazil.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Ms. Ann-Marie P. Layne

Ms. Resa A. Layne

Ann-Marie Layne is a career diplomat with twenty-two years of experience in the Foreign Service

Resa A. Layne, a serving member of the Barbados Foreign Service, is currently assigned to Brasília,

of Antigua and Barbuda. She assumed the post of Consul-General at the Consulate General of

Brazil as First Secretary at the Embassy of Barbados since June 2011 and normally assumes the role

Antigua and Barbuda in Toronto, Canada in 2013 having previously been posted to the Embassy

of Chargé d’Affaires in the Ambassador’s absence.

and Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Layne commenced her public service career in November 1999 at the Barbados Immigration

In addition to a post-graduate diploma (Hons) in International Relations from the Institute

Department and has since served at the Office of Public Sector Reform before joining the Foreign

of International Relations, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Ms. Layne holds a Masters

Ministry in 2005. Prior to her present appointment, she served as the Consul at the Consulate

of Arts Degree in International Relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts

General of Barbados in Miami.

University, and a Bachelors of Arts Degree in International Development Studies from Saint Mary’s

A graduate of the University of the West Indies, Ms. Layne successfully read for a Bachelor

University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

of Arts Degree in Spanish (minor French) with Honours from the Cavehill Campus in 1999. In

In her previous capacity as Minister Counselor/Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy

2009 she was awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from the Institute

and Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda in Washington, D.C, Ms. Layne was part of the

of International Relations, St. Augustine Campus, which has been of immense value to her

Antigua and Barbuda delegation that negotiated a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with the

performance in the Diplomatic Service.

US. She was also on Antigua and Barbuda’s negotiating team for the Cross Border Internet Gaming

Ms. Layne has a penchant for Latin American and Caribbean affairs and over the years has

dispute with the US. At the OAS, she played a leadership role on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda

served as a member of the CARICOM Consular Corps of Miami and plays an active role in the

Mission related to the strengthening of the OAS Development agenda and as the Alternate Delegate

Group of Seconds of the Americas of the Embassies in Brasília.

for Antigua and Barbuda at the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM).

Ms. Layne is married to Richard E.M. Campbell and is the mother of a nine (9) year old son.

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Ambassador Peter Laurie

Her Excellency Dame Deborah-Mae Lovell

Peter Laurie served thirty years in the Barbados diplomatic service, including posts as Ambassador of Barbados to the United States, China and Cuba. He was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1989 until 1999.

He was elected as a member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in 1999.

Since retiring, he has written four plays staged in Barbados. He also wrote three children’s books; and books on the Barbadian rum shop, on the street food of Barbados, on Barbados, and on the 25 greatest West Indies cricketers (all for Macmillan Caribbean). he was a weekly columnist for the Barbados Advocate and the Sunday Sun, and currently writes for Barbados Today. he has self-published two e-books: The Joys of Weird, a compilation of humorous columns, and Waiting and The Confession, two one-act plays. He also self-published a Caribbean One Pot Cook Book, all on Amazon.

He has written a Caribbean edition of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream for students - available free to anyone in PDF online at issuu.com. he was awarded the Barbados Gold Crown of Merit in 2001, and is married to Pamela Thomas Laurie. They have one son, Christopher.

Dame Deborah-Mae Lovell, Antigua and Barbuda’s former Ambassador to the US and that country’s former Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) is a proud alumna of the Institute of International Relations (Postgraduate Diploma-1980).

During her career spanning some thirty-two years, Ambassador Lovell having served in London, (1983-1988 –Third Secretary), Ottawa (First Secretary-1988-1994), New York (MinisterCounsellor, United Nations, 2000-2001) and Washington DC (Minister-Counsellor 1994-2000 and Ambassador 2004-2014).

Throughout her tenure as ambassador, Ambassador Lovell worked indefatigably to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States of America. At the OAS, Ambassador Lovell was a passionate advocate for youth, afro-descendants and women.

In 2010, Ambassador Lovell was bestowed a knighthood, the highest honour of Antigua and Barbuda. Upon her imminent departure from Washington DC, she received a tribute in the United States Congress. She has also received commendations by the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, the Maryland House of Delegates, among others. Under Ambassador Lovell’s leadership, the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda had been selected as one of the top ten embassies in Washington D.C.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Dr Michele A. M. Lowe

Judge Anthony Lucky

Michele Lowe joined the CARICOM Secretariat Office of Trade Negotiations (formerly

Born on May 11, 1940 Judge Anthony Lucky was educated at the Council of Legal Education, Gray’s

Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (CRNM) in 1998 and currently holds the position

Inn, London (1958–1961). He also holds a Post Final Practical Training Certificate, a Postgraduate

of Senior Co-ordinator for Hemispheric and Bilateral negotiations. She is also a technical

Diploma and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the Institute of International Relations,

advisor on Trade Facilitation and Trade and Environment.

University of the West Indies, and a Certificate in Legislative Drafting from the Commonwealth

Dr Lowe is an experienced negotiator and has wide-ranging expertise in Caribbean and

Secretariat.

international trade policy due to specialized training and her involvement in trade negotiations

Judge Lucky has served as a Part-time Lecturer in Law at the Extra-Mural Department, University

between CARIFORUM and the European Union for an Economic Partnership Agreement

of the West Indies, and later as a Magistrate in the Magistracy of Trinidad and Tobago. He also served

(EPA), the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), and bilateral negotiations between

as an In-House Counsel for the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Limited and Legal Advisor for the

CARICOM and Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Canada.

Royal Bank Trust Company, General Finance Corporation – Associated Companies of Royal Bank.

Dr Lowe is an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Government at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. She was also a regional co-lecturer for the three month UWI/

He has been Secretary and Legal Advisor at Caribbean Banking Corporation, and Secretary and Legal Advisor to R & M Holdings, both in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

WTO Caribbean Regional Trade Policy Course for Senior Trade Officials held at The UWI,

Judge Lucky was admitted to practice as Barrister and Solicitor in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Mona Campus from 2004-2008 and has served as a regional facilitator for the World Trade

in 1987, and served as Judge of the Supreme Court of Trinidad and Tobago from 1987 to 2003, Justice

Organisation (WTO) Secretariat in the Trade Facilitation National Self-Assessment exercises

of Appeal in the Court of Appeal of Trinidad and Tobago from 2000 to 2003, and Ombudsman for

for selected CARICOM countries. Between 1997 and 2001, she lectured at the Caribbean

the Caribbean Association Council for Engineering and Technology (CACET) from 2010 to present.

He has been a Member of the Tribunal since September 2003, and was President of the Chamber

Institute of Media and Communications (CARIMAC).

Michele was educated in the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. She pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Hull, England where she received a MA (distinction)

for Marine Environment Disputes from 2005 to 2008 and 2011 to 2014. He has also been the President of the Chamber for Fisheries Disputes since October 2014.

in Contemporary International Studies. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Upper Second Class

In addition, Judge Lucky has served as a member on the Board of Directors of the Academy of

Honours) in Communication with (Spanish) Language and Literature from The University of

Tertiary Studies, Trinidad and Tobago (Chairman 2003–2012), and the Commonwealth Magistrates’

the West Indies Mona, and a Post-graduate Diploma (Distinction) in International Relations

and Judges’ Association. He was President of the Scout Association of Trinidad and Tobago from 2005

from the Institute of International Relations, UWI St. Augustine.

to 2012, and is a member of the Governing Council and Editorial Board (Case Notes Editor), and the

Michele is fluent in Spanish, with four years’ experience as a Foreign Language Trainer. She

International Association of Legislative Drafting and Law Reform Lawyers from 2010 to present.

In 2013, Judge Lucky received the Chaconia Medal Gold from Trinidad and Tobago.

was a Drummond Wolff Scholar (United Kingdom) and received the Kemlin Lawrence Prize for Spanish from The University of West Indies in 1987.

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Mr. Ruben Martoredjo

Ambassador Francis A. McBarnette

Ruben Martoredjo is currently serving as Programme Associate at the UNDP Country Office in

Francis A. McBarnette has an academic background in business management, quantitative

Suriname. He holds a Master of Science degree in International Relations from the Institute of

economics, international relations and development. He has worked for over fifteen years in the

International Relations of The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus (pass with

foreign service of Trinidad and Tobago and has also served in the United Nations System and the

distinction, 2009) and a Doctorandus degree (candidate to doctorate) in Commercial Economics,

Organization of American States (OAS).

from the Anton de Kom University of Suriname (1992). He has also completed with distinction the

As a diplomat he represented Trinidad and Tobago on United Nations bodies in New York,

Virtual Development Academy (VDA) organized by the United Nations Development Programme

Geneva and Vienna on issues of economic and social development, technical cooperation,

(UNDP) at the Jones University (2004).

transnational corporations, science and technology and the Law of the Seas. In New York, he also

His current research interests include globalisation, regionalism, regional integration, Latin

represented Trinidad and Tobago on the Fifth Committee (Budgetary and Administrative Matters)

America and Caribbean development, and social development. Mr. Martoredjo is also pursuing

of the General Assembly and was a member of the Committee for Programme and Coordination

doctoral studies at the Institute of International Relations, UWI St. Augustine Campus.

(CPC), a quasi-expert body of the United Nations.

Since 1992, Mr. McBarnette has serviced as Country Representative for the OAS in Grenada and Barbados and has been successful in facilitating the execution of numerous projects and activities funded by the Organization. He has also served as a member of several OAS Election Observation Missions in the Caribbean, including Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana. In 2011 Francis McBarnette was awarded the Outstanding Performance Award, Department Level by the Organization of American States.

He believes that his experiences have allowed him to acquire a deep appreciation, passion and abiding understanding of the challenges and prospects of Developing States, particularly those in the Caribbean Region. Mr. McBarnette was awarded the postgraduate diploma from the Institute of International Relations in 1979.

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Mr. Colin Murdoch

Dr Keith Nurse

Colin Murdoch is Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and

Dr Keith Nurse is the first PhD graduate from IIR and a former member of teaching faculty at

Immigration, in Antigua and Barbuda.

IIR, the Department of Government, UWI St. Augustine and the Institute for International

Before assuming the position, Murdoch served the Government of Antigua and Barbuda

Development and Cooperation, University of Ottawa. He is currently Senior Fellow at the Sir

in various capacities including as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and

Arthur Lewis Institute for Social and Economic Studies and the World Trade Organization Chair at

Commerce (2009-2014), Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization (2013-2015),

The University of the West Indies.

and Ambassador to Cuba (Non-Resident) (1997-2004).

He has recently been appointed as an Expert Panel member of the UN Committee for

Murdoch holds a Masters degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts

Development Policy, a subsidiary body of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. He has

University, USA (1986), a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations for the Institute of

served as the Executive Director of the UWI Consulting Inc. and Director of the Shridath Ramphal

International Relations, UWI St. Augustine (1981) and a Bachelor’s degree from The University of

Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services, UWI, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados. He is

the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus (1976).

also teaching faculty at the Arthur Lok Jack School of Business, Trinidad and Tobago.

As a reflection of his service, Ambassador Murdoch has been bestowed with several honours

Dr Nurse has published on a broad range of topics including trade policy, aid for trade,

and awards including the Most Outstanding Civil Servant Prime Minister’s Award in 2013.

diasporic entrepreneurship, creative economy, tourism, innovation governance, global value chains and climate change.

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Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Mr. Desmond Richard Parker

Ambassador Brigadier General Anthony W. J. Phillips-Spencer

Desmond Richard Parker was born in Trinidad and Tobago on 17 February, 1950. He is a

Brigadier General Anthony W. J. Phillips-Spencer is currently Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to

seasoned diplomat and specialist in Modern Languages (French and Spanish) and International

the United States of America. Prior to this appointment he was the Vice Chief of Defence Staff of

Relations. He had his early education at the Barataria E.C. School and St George’s College,

the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. He has more than 34 years of military experience. Brigadier

Barataria, Trinidad and Tobago, before pursuing further education at the University of Toronto

General Phillips-Spencer has also served as an international peacekeeper in Haiti, as Aide-de-Camp

(Mississauga), Canada; the University of Dijon, France; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria,

to the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and in both bilateral and multilateral defence

Nigeria and the Institute of International Relations, University of the West Indies, St Augustine,

diplomatic assignments as a Defence and Military Attaché accredited to the Canada and the United

Trinidad and Tobago.

States of America, and as the Chief of the Delegation of Trinidad and Tobago to the Inter-American

He has spent the past thirty five years in a variety of positions in education; (Ahmadu Bello

Defense Board (IADB). Brigadier General Phillips-Spencer has also represented Trinidad and Tobago

University, Nigeria, 1978 -1985) in diplomacy; (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1985 – 1994) and

on several international, hemispheric and regional security cooperation assignments at the United

the international public service; (United Nations, 1996 – 2012).

Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS), and within the Caribbean Community

Mr. Parker possesses wide and in-depth experience in the fields of peacekeeping and

(CARICOM).

protocol and has honed this experience in some of the most challenging political situations

Brigadier General Phillips-Spencer holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics and, a Post-

while working in several countries across the globe with the United Nations. Mr. Parker was

Graduate Diploma as well as a Master of Science Degree in International Relations (MSc IR), all from the

appointed Chief of Protocol of the United Nations by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in

University of the West Indies. His other professional education and training includes Strategic Project

February 2010. He served that Organization in various capacities (mainly in peacekeeping) for

Management, the Design and Management of Social Policy and Programmes, Alternative Dispute

seventeen years prior to his retirement in February 2012.

Resolution, and Public Policy Analysis. A graduate of the Canadian Forces Combat Training Centre,

Mr. Parker continues to serve the international community and is currently based in Doha,

the United States Army Infantry School and the Canadian Forces College (CFC), Brigadier General

where he works as an Adviser to the Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery

Phillips-Spencer has also attended senior national and international security executive seminars and

and Legacy, the organizing committee for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Tournament in Qatar. Mr.

programmes at the United States National Defense University (NDU), the George C. Marshall European

Parker is married and has four adult children and eight grandchildren.

Center, the National Defence College of the People’s Republic of China, the Inter-American Defence College (IADC), and the Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Proficient in both French and Spanish, Brigadier General Phillips-Spencer has also focused on international security cooperation, strategic security decision-making and public policy and administration. Brigadier General Phillips-Spencer is married to Joanne, and together they are the proud parents of three young men currently aged 24, 21 and 20.

99

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Ms. Loїza A. Rauzduel

Mrs. Lucretia Patricia Elisabeth Redan

Born and raised in Guadeloupe, Loїza A. Rauzduel studied in Paris and Guadeloupe, where she

Lucretia Patricia Elisabeth Redan was born June 21, 1962 in Paramaribo, Suriname. After graduating

attained two Bachelor’s Degrees in English and Law, respectively. In 2007, she graduated from the

from High School, she went into the Police Academy for four years. She served for 25 years in

Institute of International Relations (IIR) in Trinidad, with a Postgraduate Diploma in International

different functions, growing into Assistant Commissioner in the Suriname Police Force.

Relations. She then gained experience working at the Association of Caribbean States and at the

After 25 years of service in the Police Force, Mrs. Redan worked as Deputy Permanent Secretary

United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC), in

for Consular Affairs at Suriname’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She was appointed as Permanent

the areas of Trade Development and Economic Relations, Sustainable Tourism, and Disaster Risk

Secretary and later she was appointed as Charge d’Affaires to the Netherlands for Suriname. As the

Management.

representative for Suriname at the International Organization for Migration she also worked on

Loïza has been working as a Technical Officer at the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute

several projects regarding migration and the diaspora.

(CANARI) since 2010 and has contributed to the Institute’s work to engage Caribbean stakeholders

She has served 35 years in several areas for the Suriname government. She completed the

in developing a resilient and inclusive model of economic development under the Green Economy

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management and also obtained a Master’s Degree in Public

programme of work. Her work also focuses on Communications, Climate Change and Biodiversity

Administration and in 2009 obtained a Master of Science Degree in International Relations from

Conservation in the Caribbean islands.

The UWI.

The holder of a Master’s Degree in Political Science, Co-operation and Development, from the

Mrs. Redan is convinced that when the history of the IIR is completed, this book will represent

University of the Antilles-French Guyana, Loïza is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Political Science.

a turning point in our approach to development, where the value of partnership and unity will be

She is also passionate about the many ways to achieve sustainable human development in the

recognized and applauded.

Caribbean small island developing states and has a keen interest for Haiti.

A native French speaker, Loïza has acquired an excellent command of the English language, which she sometimes uses as a free-lance translator (English to French). She also speaks Creole and has a working knowledge of Spanish.

100

Ms. Leah-Mari Richards

Mrs. Stacy Richards-Kennedy

Ms. Leah-Mari Richards is the Senior Director of Programs at Population Services

Stacy Richards-Kennedy is currently the Director of Development in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at The

International (PSI) based in Yangon, Myanmar. Ms. Richards has designed and

University of the West Indies. Prior to this, she was the Assistant Resident Representative of the United Nations

implemented programs tackling some of the most challenging public health problems

Development Programme (UNDP) for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten, where she

including inadequate access to HIV Treatment, increasing child mortality trends, slow

served as Head of Agency for UNDP on the UN Country Team and UN Security Management Team between

uptake of modern family planning methods, multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB)

2014 and 2016. As Assistant Resident Representative, Mrs. Richards-Kennedy provided strategic direction

transmission, among others. Her work has spanned a number of regions across the globe

to the UNDP Country Office on programme formulation, implementation, project assurance and resource

- Latin America, Asia, Africa – but Ms. Richards remembers fondly the five years that

mobilization. She was responsible for the technical coordination of several UNDP publications and also led

she spent in her home country (Trinidad and Tobago) working firstly with PAHO/WHO

the preparation of the new Country Programme Document for Trinidad and Tobago 2017-2021.

as their HIV/STI Advisor and then with UNFPA as the Assistant Representative and opening their first office in the country.

Mrs. Richards-Kennedy has over 20 years’ experience in development management and development financing. Her previous appointments include Senior Programme Manager, UWI St. Augustine Campus;

Following the completion of the post-graduate Diploma in International Relations

Chief Technical Advisor, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Washington DC; Consultant, The World

with Distinction, Ms. Richards went on to Harvard University where she received a

Bank, Washington DC; and Programme Specialist, UNESCO, Paris. Over the course of her career, Mrs.

Master’s in Public Health in 2005. There, she established the first Latin American and

Richards-Kennedy has made significant contributions to policy formulation, project design, evaluation and

Caribbean Student Association to discuss public health problems and to mobilize funding

execution as well as the management of development trust funds, working in collaboration with a wide range

for organisations working in the region. She has now made a career of her fundraising

of development partners in Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and Africa.

strengths by leading a Health Innovations Team at PSI whose mandate is to offer new

Mrs. Richards-Kennedy holds an M.B.A. (International Finance) and M.Sc. (Development Management)

solutions to common health problems in a more cost-effective and sustainable way. To

from American University, Washington DC, USA where she received the Ernest M. Aiken Award for the most

date, Ms. Richards’ fundraising tally has reached $40 million for development projects in

Outstanding International Scholar (2002). She also has a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations

various countries.

(Distinction) and a Bachelor’s degree (Hons.) in Foreign Languages from The University of the West Indies,

Married with one daughter, Ms. Richards enjoys writing poetry and maintains a blog that features the latest innovations in health.

St. Augustine.

Fluent in Spanish and French, Mrs. Richards-Kennedy was the first Caribbean recipient of the IDB Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion of Social Inclusion (2005) and received an Employee Excellence Award from The UWI St. Augustine Campus (2014). She is an alumna of the prestigious US Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (2009).

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A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

The Honourable Dr Gale Tracy Christiane Rigobert

Ambassador Patricia Elaine Joan Rodgers

Dr Gale Tracy Christiane Rigobert is currently the Minister for Education, Innovation,

Patricia Rodgers was one of the first recruits to the Bahamas’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which she joined shortly

Gender Relations and Sustainable Development in the Government of St. Lucia,

after graduating from Aberdeen University [MA (Hons) English] in 1970. In keeping with her government’s

constituency representative for Micoud North in the House of Assembly, and Deputy

policy of training young graduates in preparation for independence in 1973, she was granted an in-service

Political Leader of the United Workers Party.

training award to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma course in International Relations at this Institute, obtaining

Dr Rigobert pursued her tertiary education at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community

a Diploma with honours and was a recipient of a Swiss government scholarship to pursue doctoral studies in

College. Thereafter, she taught for two years at the Corinth Secondary School before

Geneva, Switzerland. In January 1977, she had the distinction of being the first person in her year to complete and

moving to Trinidad & Tobago in 1993 to read for a degree in government at The

successfully defend her doctoral thesis “mid-ocean archipelagos and international law: a study of the progressive

University of the West Indies (UWI), St. Augustine, graduating with first class honours.

development of international law”, which was subsequently published in 1981.

In 1996, she was awarded a Swiss scholarship which allowed her to pursue a post graduate Diploma in International Relations at the Institute of International Relations

While in Geneva, she maintained close contact with the ministry and was a member of the Bahamas delegation to the 3rd UN conference on the law of the sea in Caracas, 1974 and Geneva, 1975.

at St. Augustine. It was within that period that she won a National Cambridge

She was the first Bahamian female to be given a senior diplomatic appointment when she was posted

Commonwealth Scholarship which afforded her the distinguished opportunity to

as counsellor/consul to the Bahamas embassy, Washington DC in 1978, where she also served as alternate

pursue a Master of Philosophy degree in international relations at the University of

representative to the OAS and as adviser to the Bahamas delegation at meetings of the IMO and the World Bank.

Cambridge (1998), where she was awarded the title of Sir Patrick Sheehy Scholar. In

She played a key role in setting up the Bahamas’ first High Commission in Ottawa, Canada where she

2007 she received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in International Relations from UWI

subsequently became the first Bahamian career foreign service officer to be appointed High Commissioner in

St. Augustine.

1986. From 1988-1992, she served as high commissioner to the court of St. James, as permanent representative

Dr Rigobert who lectured at The University of the West Indies, previously served

to the IMO and as non-resident Ambassador to France, Germany, Belgium and the European Economic

as advisor for National Development in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs and

Commission. While in London, she played an active role in Commonwealth affairs, including serving two terms

National Development and as a member of the Senate.

as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the CFTC.

On 1 February 2014, Rigobert was appointed Leader of the Opposition in

In 1992, she was appointed Chief of Protocol. In 1993, she was a member of the Commonwealth Observer

parliament. In so doing, she made history by becoming the youngest and the first

group to elections in Lesotho. She served as Permanent Secretary in the ministries of Tourism and Aviation;

female Leader of the Opposition in St. Lucia.

Foreign Affairs and Immigration; and the Cabinet Office from 1995 to 2013, retiring from the public service in

Dr. Rigobert is author of the book Bridging the Digital Divide? Prospects for Caribbean Development in the New Techno-economic Paradigm.

July 2013.

In September 2015, she was the first recipient of the Janet Bostwick award for women in the Foreign Service in recognition of exemplary service.

102

Dr Ana Teresa Romero

Ambassador Noel Sinclair

Ana Teresa Romero worked in various professional and director-level positions in the Office

Ambassador Noel Sinclair joined the Foreign Service one month after Guyana’s independence in

of International Labour Organization (ILO), where she served at ILO Headquarters (Geneva,

1966. He was selected to participate in the first Diploma Course in International Relations. Upon

Switzerland), the ILO Office for the United Nations (New York, USA) and the ILO Office for

graduation in 1967, he started what developed into a life-long career in national, regional, inter-

the Caribbean (Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago). She was a member of the ILO Task Force

regional and international diplomacy. Highlights include postings to Caracas, Washington D.C.,

on the Country Studies on the Social Dimension of Globalization, the UN Millennium Project’s

Lusaka as Deputy High Commissioner, non-resident Ambassador to Mexico and Nicaragua, and

Task Force on Poverty and Economic Development and ILO’s Principal Representative in the UN

New York as Permanent Representative to the UN, presiding over the Security Council on two

Development Group (2012-2014).

occasions.

A past student of St François Girls’ College, Dr Romero holds a PhD from the Graduate

In 1987 he was appointed as Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was also

Institute of International and Development Studies (Institut de hautes études internationales et du

non-resident High Commissioner to the other CARICOM states. In 1990 he was elected as Deputy

développement), University of Geneva, Switzerland (1988); a Postgraduate Diploma (Distinction) -

Permanent Secretary of the Latin American Economic System (SELA), and following a number

1978 and MSc in International Relations – 1980 from the IIR, UWI. She also holds a certificate in

of consultancies with regional organizations, was appointed Head of the United Nations Political

Sustainable Community Development (Colorado State University, USA, (2013)).

Office on Bougainville, Papua New Guinea representing the UN Secretary General in the post-

Her areas of expertise include the social dimension of globalization, multilateral negotiation,

conflict negotiation, peace-building and disarmament processes.

programming planning and policy coherence.

From 2007 to 2013 he served as CARICOM Permanent Observer to the United Nations and most recently, Deputy Chef de Cabinet to the President of the General Assembly (68th Session) with

Having retired from the ILO in 2015, Dr Romero is now an International Development

special responsibility for Security Council Reform and Revitalization of the Work of the General

Consultant and Part-time Senior Lecturer in International History and Politics at the IIR, UWI.

Assembly.

103

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Ambassador Chandradath Singh

Ms. Elizabeth Solomon

Ambassador Chandradath Singh has served in the Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Service for 30

Elizabeth Solomon is a certified mediator and has spent 15 years as a conflict prevention and

years, with a break from 2003 to 2010 when he was employed as a Special Project Manager by

peacebuilding expert with the United Nations. Elizabeth’s work in post conflict countries has focused

Broward County in Florida, to help build the ICC’s first certified cricket stadium in the USA and to

on supporting local efforts to build resilient democratic national institutions in Kosovo, Bosnia, and

promote the game in the county and the rest of the USA.

Somalia. Her work on human rights and development has been in Guyana, Brazil and India. She

Ambassador Singh completed the postgraduate Diploma in International Relations at UWI

spent five years in The Netherlands where she worked with academic institutions including The

in 1978 and before that, a History Honors degree at Delhi University under a Commonwealth

Institute for Social Studies in Den Haag and the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights in Utrecht.

Scholarship. His career has also benefited from studies in International Law and Diplomacy, from

She spent two years as a Senior Political Affairs officer in the Department of Political Affairs at UN

the Indian Institute of International Law and Diplomacy, New Delhi; World Logistics Congress,

headquarters in New York before taking up her post as Deputy Coordinator of the Good Offices in

Miami; International Relations Seminar, New Delhi; International Management seminar New

Cyprus where she was a member of the UN mediation team in the negotiations between the Greek

Delhi; Senior Commonwealth Diplomat’s Workshop, New Delhi; USIS Foreign Policy Fellowship;

and Turkish Cypriots. Elizabeth took up a post as the Peace and Development Adviser in Sierra

International Negotiation Seminar, UWI; International Negotiation Technique Seminar, Montreal.

Leone to support the transition from Peace Keeping to the development mandate of the United

He also completed major studies for the Master’s program in International Relations at Carleton

Nations Country Team.

University, Ottawa.

Elizabeth completed a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations in1988 and also holds

Ambassador Singh is well known for his efforts to mobilize and empower T&T’s diaspora

degrees in journalism and in law with post-graduate specialization in Human Rights. She started her

communities at his diplomatic assignments in London, Ottawa, Miami, India and China. He was

working life as a journalist winning seven awards in print, radio and television. She has a broad base

chosen as T&T’s first Consul General in Miami and also as T&T’s first Ambassador to open the

of experience in human rights, development and political affairs and has worked extensively in the

T&T Embassy in China. During his stint as Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he

field but also at headquarters with the United Nations and with other International Organizations,

introduced several programs aimed at creating a greater rapport between his Ministry and the rest

including OXFAM.

of the Public Service.

Elizabeth is a national of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Ambassador is proud to have been a student of the Institute of International Relations at the St. Augustine Campus of The University of the West Indies and has extended congratulations Photo by: Mark Lydersay

to the staff and faculty for their outstanding contributions to Diplomacy and Diplomatic Life in the Caribbean over the past 50 years.

104

Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Dr Diana Thorburn

Ambassador Sonja Pedra Joan Welch

After completing the Postgraduate Diploma in 1994 and the Master of Science in International

Sonja Pedra Joan Welch was born on March 30, 1951 in Barbados.

Relations at St. Augustine in 1997, Dr Thorburn joined the faculty of the Department of Government

She attended Westbury Junior School and Queen’s College and then later The University of

at UWI, Mona as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant. She was awarded the inaugural Rex

the West Indies (on Barbados Scholarship), Bristol University, UK (BA, Honours – Spanish and

Nettleford Fellowship in Cultural Studies in 1997.

Portuguese), the Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil (Studies in Brazilian Literature), the

In 1998 she entered the PhD programme in International Relations and International

Institute of International Relations (Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations), The UWI

Economics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in the Western

Cave Hill Campus (LL.B Honours – Law). She also completed numerous courses in Public-Private

Hemisphere Studies Programme . Upon completion of her doctorate, Dr Thorburn returned to the

Partnerships; all aspects of Management; Development issues; International Relations.

UWI Department of Government as a lecturer in International Relations.

Sonja Welch served the Barbados Foreign Service from 1973 – 2004. Highlights include

In 2007 she was seconded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica as

Acting High in London, Ambassador of Barbados in Venezuela, with concurrent non-resident

an adviser to the Minister. In 2012 Dr Thorburn left academia to pursue a career as a consultant,

accreditation to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. From 2004 – 2008 she

freelance editor and writer. She is a team member at Expand Jamaica Consulting as a Public Policy

served as the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Attorney General; from 2008 – 2012 as Permanent

and Foreign Trade Specialist, and continues to do editorial work for the Caribbean Policy Research

Secretary, Ministry of Social Care, Constituency Empowerment and Community Development;

Institute (CaPRI), a public policy think tank based at UWI Mona; she was a founding member of

and from February 2012 to present as Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office.

CaPRI from its inception as the Jamaica Economy Project.

Ambassador Welch has considerable experience in regional and multilateral issues including

During her time in academia Dr Thorburn was a member of the International Studies

CARICOM; United Nations; Commonwealth; Non Aligned Movement; ACP/EU; OAS; SELA;

Association, the Latin American Studies Association, and occupied elected leadership positions in

FTAA negotiations, and others. She speaks Spanish; Portuguese; French and her interests include

the Caribbean Studies Association, including Programme Chair for the annual conference in 2009.

Music; Collecting Fans; Poetry; Cooking; Latin America and International Relations.

She published several articles and book chapters on gender and international relations, and on

Ambassador Welch remembers from attending IIR, Herb Addo with his challenging “world-

various aspects of Caribbean and small state foreign policy.

view” approach to international relations and his one page exam question; Ramesh Ramsaran with his Balance of Payments conundrums; Henry Gill with his “Alternative Atlas” approach; and Lennox Ballah with his “Cost the Options” approach to issue and problem-solving which has served her at every stage of her personal and professional life.

105

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

Mr. Anthony Wilson

Mrs. Jeanelle van GlaanenWeygel Jeanelle van GlaanenWeygel is currently the OAS Country Representative in Jamaica having

Mr. Anthony Wilson is currently the Chief Editor for the Business Guardian at Guardian Media

been appointed to that post in 2014. She joined the Organization of American States in 2006 as

Limited in Trinidad and Tobago. As Chief Editor he is responsible for the management of the

a senior specialist in the Department of Human Development and from 2012 as the Coordinator

highly successful Business Guardian, published on Thursdays, and the portfolio of occasional

of the OAS Scholarships and Training Programs. She contributed to: the expansion of the OAS

business publications, such as the Sunday Business Guardian and the Business Traveller. Mr. Wilson

Consortium of Universities in North America and the Caribbean, which includes the negotiation

manages a team of an associate editor and three reporters as well as the work of photographers, sub-

and implementation of an historic cooperation agreement with The University of the West Indies;

editors and page designers. He is also responsible for managing business news and features across

OAS partnerships with Governments and educational institutions in observer states and the

television, radio and the internet. Prior to serving as Chief Editor - Business, he served as Editor

development and management of the OAS Scholarship Program for Haiti.

of the Guardian Newspapers between 2008 and 2012 and was chiefly responsible for managing the

The OAS awarded her an Outstanding Performance Award in 2010 for her exceptional

editorial department, managing a staff of over 60 staffers and freelancers with a budget of close to

leadership and organizational skills.

US$1 million.

Before joining the OAS, she headed the Division of International Organizations of Suriname’s

Mr. Wilson holds a BA in History from The University of the West Indies (Mona and

Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also served as one of the first Board members of the Institute of

St. Augustine), and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations from the Institute of

International Relations, University of Suriname.

International Relations, The UWI. In addition, he has been a Fellow of the CNN Digital Leadership

Jeanelle van GlaanenWeygel completed the Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations in

Fellowship programme (2015), the USIS Trade Fellowship programme (1998) and the Japanese

1996, and the MSc in International Relations in 1999.

Government Fellowship programme (1997).

Jeanelle van GlaanenWeygel is Surinamese and is married to Gordon Shirley. They have one

Mr. Wilson has also been bestowed with several awards including the 2012 Capital Markets

son, Gabriel.

Pioneer award from the Securities Dealers Association of Trinidad and Tobago, the 2007 Luminary of Journalism-Gold from BP T&T, and the 2000 Journalist of the Year award from RBC/RBTT and the Media Association

106

Chapter 7 - Celebrating 50 Distinguished Alumni for 50 Years of Service

Ambassador Marilyn Zonicle Ambassador Zonicle is the eldest child of twelve daughters and one son (deceased), born to Bishop Joseph A. Zonicle and Estella Bell Zonicle, 29 March, 1949.

Her academic and professional training include: B.A. Hons Summa cum Laude (French and Spanish), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario Canada; Post-Graduate Diploma (International Relations, Consular Law), and, Master of Science Degree (International Relations, Major: International Law), Institute of International Relations, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago); the Advanced Diploma in Public Administration and Policy Management, Bahamas Department of Public Personnel (Valedictorian); and, the UN Senior Mission Leaders Course.

Her Public Service Career culminated in the substantive post of Senior Under Secretary and Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bahamas.

Ambassador Zonicle’s Foreign Service Career included postings to the Permanent Mission of The Bahamas to the United Nations (three); the Republic of Haiti, and The Bahamas High Commission, London.

Diplomatic Career highlights include: participation in seminal international and regional achievements, such as the Drafting Process which produced the UN Convention on The Law of the Sea; appointment as Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Specialist Officer on Haiti to coordinate CARICOM/OAS/UN and Third State assistance to Haiti, preparatory to the first democratic elections in Haiti; Chief CARICOM Negotiator on reform of the UN Scale of Assessments; drafting of the Charter of Civil Society, Revision of the Treaty of Chaguaramus; and, appointment as Ambassador-at-Large in June, 2013.

Ambassador Zonicle has been a Resource Person, Lecturer and Participant in national and international Seminars, Conferences and Documentaries, as well as contributed to United Nations and Commonwealth publications.

107

Milestones

IIR’s 50th Anniversary Timeline

29th June, Dr Eric Williams makes first official visit to Switzerland to consult Swiss authorities on several technical assistance programmes

1965

1966

17th July Dr Eric Williams makes second trip to Switzerland and conveys his desire for the Government of Switzerland to play an advisory role in assisting the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to set up a local training programme for Foreign Service personnel

7th January IIR founded by an international agreement between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the Government of Switzerland

Preiswerk Report on the feasibility of the establishment of the Institute of International Relations, Trinidad and Tobago completed

Agreement between IIR & UWI establishing IIR as an affiliate of The UWI is completed

Heads of Mission Conference in Tobago takes place at which Preiswerk presents conclusions of his report 6th February T&T officially announces its agreement to engage in a technical cooperation project

1967

1st February Official Opening of the IIR by Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice, Chancellor of The UWI

1972

1973

IIR given Independent Status and adopts a new Constitution

Guyanese born, Dr Neville Linton appointed acting IIR Director to oversee transition period of moving IIR from Swiss leadership to Caribbean ownership

Summer 1966 Construction of IIR Building completed

September Teaching begins at IIR

IIR celebrates its 40th anniversary

IIR celebrates its first graduating class of the MSc programme in IR delivered by IIR in collaboration with the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research (IGSR) of the Anton de Kom University of Suriname

2006

2008/09

Historic student overseas visit to Cuba on the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution IIR hosts important pre and post forums for the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government both hosted in Trinidad and Tobago

2009

IIR celebrates its first Guyana cohort of the MSc in Global Studies

IIR launches its Student Mentorship Programme

2010/11

2010

,

1962

,

1974

1980s

1992

1996

2003

2004

IIR appoints its first Caribbean Director in Haitian-born Professor Leslie Manigat

IIR building is expanded with a new North-South wing constructed under the leadership of Professor Anthony Bryan

IIR celebrates its first PhD Graduate in International Relations in Dr Keith Nurse

Electronic Embassy established at IIR with support from the Graduate Institute of International Studies, Geneva

IIR establishes the Centre for Latin America and the Caribbean (CENLAC)

IIR introduces an evening MSc programme in International Relations

IIR launches 50th anniversary celebrations with IIR’s 50th anniversary black-tie dinner

IIR appoints its first female Director in Professor Jessica Byron-Reid

2016

,

,

Opening of the DAOC’s new building

Caribbean Journal of International Relations and Diplomacy launched

Diplomatic Academy of the Caribbean launched

2011

2013

2014

2015

,

Diplomatic Dialogue Series inaugurated

IIR celebrates its 1st alumni becoming Head of State in His Excellency Brigadier David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana

2016

,

A History of the Institute of International Relations: 50 Years & Beyond

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Bryan, Anthony Francis, Anselm and Cherill Farrell Gonzales, Anthony Ince, Basil Knight, Andy Linton, Neville Shaw, Timothy

ISBN: 978-976-637-944-5

9

789766 379445 >