Saturday, July 11, 2009

AMB BRISTOL IS THE NEW REP OF GRENADA TO THE OAS

WASHINGTON, DC, July 10, 2009 (OAS) - Ambassador Gillian Bristol presented today her credentials to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza, as the Permanent Representative of Grenada to the institution. The ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Organization in Washington, D.C.

Addressing a group of ambassadors who attended the event, the new representative of Grenada to the regional organization reiterated her government’s commitment to the principles of the OAS Charter. “Grenada, as the other nations that are part CARICOM, shares the principles of democracy, non intervention, respect to the rule of law and human rights that the organization promotes”, she said.

Ambassador Bristol also added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tilliman Thomas, “Grenada will continue to work so that the Americas can truly be a bastion of equality and a shinning light for the rest of the world; and to promote the themes and priorities that affect the small island states.”

Ambassador Bristol, whom before her appointment had worked for more than 15 years in the OAS General Secretariat, declared that her country “remains firm to cooperate with the member states, the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General, in the efforts of strengthening the value and existence of the Organization.”

Welcoming Ambassador Bristol, the Secretary General Insulza, highlighted her “capacity, strength, intelligence, and courtesy in the defense of the interests of whom she represents.”

Insulza also took this opportunity to refer to the leadership role that CARICOM has recently taken in issues related to the hemispheric agenda and remarked that the Caribbean governments “have a clear and constructive vision of the problems that affect the region.” He also affirmed that “given Ambassador Bristol’s broad experience and knowledge of the system and of the Organization, her presence will definitively mark a difference.”

Ambassador Bristol has a law degree from the University of West Indies in Cave Hill, Barbados. Since 1992 she has been involved in matters of hemispheric politics and security. She worked as secretary of several committees of the OAS Permanent Council, in meetings related to the General Assembly, and as Program Manager at the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE).

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