CURRICULUM VITAE

NAME:

PATRICK EDWARDS

ADDRESS:

133 St. James Street

 Battoo Avenue

 Marabella

 REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

 (Permanent)

Trinidad and Tobago

High Commission

38 Chwa II Place

Mbuya, Kampala

P.O. Box 40150

(Residence)

NATIONALITY:

Trinidadian

MARITAL STATUS:

Married with three children

TELEPHONE:

+256-414-222-913; +256-312-517-840(h):

+256-414-562-400/1(w); +256-772-702-805(c)                                               

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

tonkabean_mango3@yahoo.co.uk                           

tonkabean_mango3@hotmail.com

EDUCATION:

1981

Howard University,

Washington, D.C.

Ph.D (Political Science) incomplete

1980

University of the West Indies,

St Augustine

M.Sc International Relations

1972

University of the West Indies,

St Augustine

Diploma in International Relations

1971   

University of the West Indies,

St Augustine

BA (Hons)

1996   

Commonwealth Senior Diplomats

Programme Farnahm, United Kingdom

Certificate in Diplomacy

1989

Administrative Staff College,

Hyderabad, India

Indian Government, ITEC Fellowship

Course for Senior Administrative Officers

1988

Government of Trinidad and Tobago,

Central Training Unit

Advanced Management Course for Senior Officers in the Public Service

1987   

Institute of International Relations

University of the West Indies, St Augustine

Certificate in International Negotiations

1980

University of Manchester, United Kingdom

UNCTAD Fellowship

Certificate in International Trade and Marketing Techniques

1979

John Hopkins School of Advanced

International Studies,

Washington, D.C.

Course for Latin American Diplomats

1977

HAGUE Academy of International Law

The Hague, Netherlands

UNITAR Fellowship   

Certificate in International Law

CAREER EXPERIENCE:

Highly experienced diplomat and administrator, skilled in international, economic, political, trade and commercial negotiations, foreign policy strategist, excellent inter-personal skills and a foremost exponent of cultural diplomacy. In the field of Diplomacy and Diplomatic Relations of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago since September 1971.

Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on Trinidad and Tobago /Africa bi lateral and multi-lateral relations. Leading exponent on the Trinidad and Tobago /Africa diplomatic relations.

December 2014

Appointed Special Envoy to African states to have the Headquarters of the Arms Trade Treaty Secretariat located in Trinidad and Tobago.

July 2013

Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the African Union

May 2013

High Commissioner to the United Republic of Tanzania

June 2012

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of Uganda

May/June 2010

Leader of delegation to the First Review Conference of the Rome Statute International Criminal Court (ICC), Kampala, Uganda

March 2010

High Commissioner-Designate to the Republic of Rwanda

January 2010

Leader of the delegation to the Fourteenth Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

July 2009

Leader of delegation to develop sporting Bilateral links with the Governments of Uganda and Rwanda

February 2009

Leader of the delegation to the UN-Habitat Environment Conference, Nairobi, Kenya

January 2009

Leader of Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation Mission to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Egypt.

August  2008

Conceptualized and executed a Cultural and Social ExchangeProgramme between socially disadvantaged children from institutions in Trinidad and Tobago and Uganda on a reciprocal basis (Forty Eight students and officials, twenty four from each country, spent a one month educational and cultural tour of each other’s country).

August 2008

Organized the First Trinidad and Tobago Food Festival, spanning one week as part of the cultural thrust to develop closer links between Trinidad and Tobago and Uganda.

November 2007

Established the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission to Uganda, with concurrent accreditation to Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.  Since then, has been engaged in many bilateral economic, social, cultural and sporting initiatives to develop and strengthen bilateral relations between all the countries of accreditation.

February 2007 to present

High Commissioner to the Republic of Uganda.

High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya.

High Commissioner- to the United Republic of Tanzania.

High Commissioner- Designate to the Republic of Rwanda

Ambassador to the Republic of Ethiopia

Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Ambassador-Designate to the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

August 1^st 2004 to October, 2007

Ambassador, Permanent Secretary in the Office of The Prime Minister and Secretary to the Commission of Enquiry into the Operations and Delivery of Public Health Care Services in Trinidad and Tobago

Appointed by the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to be the Secretary to the Commission.  This involved organizing and coordinating the establishment and operations of the Commission.  Meeting with the Commissioners and members of the public, recruiting staff for the Secretariat and looking after operations of the Commission on a daily basis. The Commission reported to the President at the end of its assignment in October 2004.

July 2003 to July 31^st, 2004

Ambassador, Permanent Secretary and Head of the Foreign Service

Involved in the formulation and execution of the country’s foreign policy, the management and proper functioning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including the country’s diplomatic establishments located abroad and those diplomatic missions accredited to Trinidad and Tobago.

As Head of the Foreign Service all Diplomats representing Trinidad and Tobago abroad and those accredited to our country fell under my jurisdiction.

As the Accounting Officer of the Ministry responsible for all the votes and the financial business of the Ministry to ensure that public funds were properly managed.

Represented the Minister of Foreign Affairs at official engagements when he was unable to attend.

May 2000 to July 2003

High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria

As High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with concurrent accreditations to the Republics of Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone and Ambassador to the Democratic Republics of the Congo, Algeria, Senegal, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon.

While in Nigeria, formed the Trinidad and Tobago/Nigeria Business Chamber and promoted the first Trade Mission from Nigeria to Trinidad and Tobago.  Encouraged subsequent visits by business groups both from the public and private sectors thereby deepening and broadening economic, social and political ties between both countries.  Involved in the first Trinidad and Tobago/ Nigeria Mixed Commission, promoting cooperation in the technical and cultural fields and was single-handedly responsible for the initiation of the Trinidad and Tobago/Nigeria Bilateral Air Services Agreement.

Created the Ghana/Trinidad and Tobago Business Chamber and mounted the first Trade Mission from Ghana to Trinidad and Tobago. Promoted closer economic, social and cultural ties between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago.  Engendered closer economic, cultural and political ties with other countries of accreditation and the overall strengthening of Trinidad and Tobago’s relations with Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana.

November 1995 – May 2000

Deputy/Acting High Commissioner to the

United Kingdom

As Deputy High Commissioner and later Acting High Commissioner was responsible for the Administration and Management of the Mission and the execution of our foreign policy.  Since the Mission was also accredited to Germany and the Scandinavian countries, the promotion of economic and commercial ties and the welfare of nationals in these countries also fell under my purview.  Responsible for direct foreign investment to Trinidad and Tobago.

Covered matters concerning the Commonwealth and was the senior official, after the High Commissioner, with responsibility for political, economic and cultural issues between the Commonwealth Secretariat and Trinidad and Tobago and bilaterally with the United Kingdom.

Apart from the responsibility for the bilateral economic and political relations, I was also involved in cultural and economic matters as part of the strategy of promoting Trinidad and Tobago in the United Kingdom.

1988 – 1995

Protocol Officer and State Chief of Protocol

Worked in the Protocol Division dealing with privileges and immunities for the Diplomatic Corps. Involved in the planning and managing of many State and Official visits and International Conferences, Seminars, Meetings and Workshops. Responsible for the planning and execution of the International Conference for the Inauguration of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) in 1995, in which thirty-eight Heads of States, Governors, Chief Ministers and hundreds of officials from Latin America and the Caribbean attended. Conceptualized and managed the Protocol and Conference Services facilities for the Forty- Fifth Commonwealth

1985 – 1988

Desk Officer in the

Administration and Scientific and Technical Cooperation Divisions

Organised and executed the Common Wealth Parliamentary Conference and the Eleventh Commonwealth Law Ministers Conference which were held in Trinidad in 1998 and 1999 respectively.

Desk Officer in the Administration, and the Scientific and Technical Cooperation Divisions of the Ministry.

Involved in the preparation of Bilateral and Multilateral Treaties and Agreements and handling bilateral and multilateral technical cooperation issues.  Also dealt with administrative and personnel issues affecting staff both at home and in the overseas missions.

1981 – 1985

Deputy/Acting High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Deputy High Commissioner and acted as High Commissioner in Nigeria.  The Mission was also accredited to Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Algeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  Responsible for promoting Economic and Cultural Cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and the countries of accreditation.

1977 – 1981

First Secretary, Trinidad and Tobago Embassy, Washington, D.C.

As First Secretary, had responsibility for Trade and Economic matters between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

Covered the Social and Political Committees of the OAS, Desk Officer for the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Inter- American Development Bank (IADB) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

1974 – 1977

Foreign Service Officer One (1)

Foreign Service Officer and worked in the Political and Economic Foreign Divisions.

Transferred to the Permanent Mission to the

United Nations in 1976 and attended the General Assembly of the United Nations as a delegate covering the work of the First Committee, Special Political Committee and the Economic and Social Council.

1971 – 1975

Tutor in the Department of Government

Tutor to BA and BSc. students in the Department of Government, at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine (UWI)

1971 – 1974

Research Officer, Caribbean Task Force/Tutor, University of the West Indies (UWI) St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago

After graduating from the University of the West Indies (UWI), worked as Senior Research Officer on the Caribbean Task Force appointed by the then Prime Minister to formulate policies on Caribbean Integration.  Was responsible for producing sixteen of the thirty-four papers on issues which were covered by the Task Force.

Tutor in Political Science in the Department of Government at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.  Lectured at theCipriani Labour College.

1972-1973

Lecturer, Cipriani Labour College, Valsayn, Trinidad and Tobago

Part-time Lecturer in Political Science at the Cipriani LabourCollege.

February 2014

Initiated and led the successful bid by Trinidad and Tobago to State Gas company to win the contract to build the Uganda / Kenya oil pipeline. However, the company later withdrew its bid.

January 6^th – 9^th 2014

 Invited by the by the Minister of foreign Affairs of Uganda to address their Annual Heads of Mission Conference on the topics:

(i)             The experience of an Accomplished Diplomat

(ii)           Oil and Gas Diplomacy the core study of Trinidad and Tobago

July/August 2013

Initiated and led delegation comprising the Minister of Energy and Minerals of Uganda and the Traditional Ruler ofBunyoro/Kitara Region of Uganda on energy exploratory andfact finding mission to Trinidad and Tobago.

June 2013

Facilitated the restructuring of the Human Resource Management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2011-2012

Arranged for two (2) Energy Delegations from Tanzania to visit Trinidad and Tobago.

2009-2011

Led four (4) Trade Delegations to Tanzania in the sphere of Energy and Energy related services.  Facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Natural Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC).

2009 – 2011

Led three (3) Trade and Technical Cooperation delegations on visits to Rwanda

June 6^th – 9^th 2009

Organised the official one week visit by internationally renowned legendary Brian Lara to Uganda and Rwanda on a good will mission.

2009

Facilitated the entry of Rwanda to the Commonwealth at the Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago.

2008-2012

Led four (4) Trade and Technical Cooperation delegations on visits to Egypt and Ethiopia.

2007 – 2011

Received all groups arriving in Saudi Arabia from Trinidad and Tobago to attend Hajj observances.

2005

Cultural Ambassador

Collaborated with the Governor of Cross River State in the Federal Republic of Nigeria in organizing the 2005 Christmas/Carnival celebration in Calabar. Led a twenty-eight member delegation which included the Secretary for Culture in the Tobago House of Assembly, the Solo Pan Knights Steel Orchestra and a Band Leader/Mas Designer to the celebration. Responsible for providing five hundred (500) mas costumes from Trinidad and the creation of the fifty-four (54) piece Cross River State Steel Orchestra. The first State Steel Orchestra in Nigeria.

2003

International Negotiator

Planned and coordinated the release of two pilots of the National airline (BWIA) who were detained as terrorists by the United States Government, as part of their ongoing anti- terrorism measures.

Part of the planning and strategy team working to secure the location of the FTAA Headquarters in Trinidad and Tobago.

2003

Trade Mission

Organized and led a Trade and Economic Mission from Ghana to Trinidad and Tobago, in conjunction with the Ghana/Trinidad and Tobago Business Chamber.

2002

Trade Mission

Led a Trade Mission from Nigeria to Trinidad and Tobago under the auspices of the Nigeria/Trinidad and Tobago Business Association.

September, 2002

Launched the Ghana/Trinidad and Tobago Business Chamber.

June, 2001

Launched the Nigeria/Trinidad and Tobago Business Association in Abuja.

1999 – 2000

The Caribbean in the New Millennium

Conceptualized and organized a trilogy of events spanning three years to celebrate the advent of the New Millennium by CARICOM Missions in the United Kingdom.  The programmeinvolved:

–     A Trade Exposition which took place in 2001 entitled “Expo 2001” involving the entire member states of CARICOM – this was a three-day exhibition.

      The Caribbean Through Art and Culture.

–     An Art and Cultural Exhibition involving all the member states of CARICOM, reflecting the highest level of art and culture from the CARICOM States.  This was held as a follow-up to the “Expo 2001” in 2002.

      The Caribbean  Through Science and Technology

–     An exhibition of the contribution of the Peoples of the Caribbean to the Development of Science and Technology.

1999

Private Sector Trade Mission

Led a private sector trade mission to Ghana to develop trade and economic ties.

1998

Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of CARICOM and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Arrival of the SSWindrush

Conceptualized and organized on behalf of the Caribbean High Commission in London, the celebration to mark the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of CARICOM and the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Arrival of the SS Windrush, the ship which brought West Indians to Britain to assist with the reconstruction after World War II.  The programme involved a Trade Exposition for all the member states of CARICOM with Missions in the United Kingdom.

1997

International Negotiator

Sent as Special Envoy of the Government to Lebanon to negotiate the release of Mr. David Nakid, one of our nationals who was detained in prison.  The negotiations were successful and the person was released within seven days.

1997

Art Exhibition to promote Trinidad and Tobago

Organized and curated the Art Exhibition ‘Trinidad and Tobago through the Eye of the Artist: From Cazabon to the New Millennium 1845-2000’ in celebration of the Thirty-fifth Anniversary of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago.  The Exhibition was held for five months at the Commonwealth Institute, London.

1996

XANTE Cultural Programme to promote Trinidad

Organized a Cultural Programme called XANTE at theWembley Entertainment Complex, London to mark the Thirty-fourth Anniversary of Independence of Trinidad and Tobago.  It was a multicultural cast of over one hundred artistes from Trinidad and Tobago.

1984

Trade Mission to the Republic of Guinea

Member of the delegation attending the Cocoa Producers Alliance Conference, Cameroon.

One-man Economic Mission to the Republic of Guinea to foster closer economic and commercial ties between Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago.

1983 – 1984

Cocoa Producers Alliance Conference

Member of the Trinidad and Tobago delegation attending the Cocoa Producers Alliance Conference, Ghana.

1982

Conference on Health for All-2000

Represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Conference on Health for All by the Year 2000, Lagos, Nigeria.

1978

Integrity Commission

Adviser to the Integrity Commission, which visited the United States on a fact-finding mission to draft Integrity Legislation.

1977

Miami Conference on the Caribbean

Member of the delegation attending the First Miami Conference on the Caribbean

1977

General Assembly of the OAS

Member of the delegation to the General Assembly of the OAS, Washington, D.C.

1974

Fifteenth Meeting of Consultation of Foreign Ministers of the OAS, Quito, Ecuador

Special Adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago delegation to the Fifteenth Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Quito, Ecuador.

Meeting

Date

Participation

Country of Convention

Meeting with the Government of Botswana as Special Envoy of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the Arms Trade Treaty.

8^th April, 2015

Special Envoy

Botswana

Meeting with the Government of Angola as Special Envoy of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the Arms Trade Treaty.

7^th April, 2015

Special Envoy

Angola

Meeting with the Government of Tanzania as Special Envoy of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the Arms Trade Treaty.

25^th March, 2015

Special Envoy

Tanzania

Meeting with the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uganda, as Special Envoy of Trinidad and Tobago for the Arms Trade Treaty.

20^th &23^rd March, 2015

Special Envoy

Uganda

Meeting with the Government of Djibouti as Special Envoy of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the Arms Trade Treaty.

15^th March, 2015

Special Envoy

Djibouti

Meeting with the Government of Burundi as Special Envoy of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the Arms Trade Treaty.

13^th-14^th March, 2015

Special Envoy

Burundi

African Union Summit

26^th – 31^st January, 2015

Delegate

Ethiopia

Visit to Kenya to represent the Government of Trinidad and Tobago at the Madarark Day celebration

11^th – 12^th December, 2014

Representative

Kenya

Meeting with Official of the Government of Tanzania on strengthening bi-lateral relation

29^th Many – 7^th June, 2014

Representative

Tanzania

Abu Dhabi Ascent Conference on Climate Change

4^th – 5^th May, 2014

Head of Delegation

United Arab Emirates

World Green Economy Summit

15^th – 16^th April, 2014

Head of Delegation

United Arab Emirates

Blue Economy Summit

19^th – 20^th January, 2014

Head of Delegation

United Arab Emirates

African Union Summit

27^th – 31^st January, 2014

Head of Delegation

United Arab Emirates

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.  CHOGM Secretariat

23^rd – 25^th November, 2007

Delegate

Uganda

Twenty-Fifth Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum

15^th – 20^th February, 2009

Head of Delegation

Kenya

Makerere University Stakeholder’s Conference. Makerere University

26^th – 27^th March, 2009

Delegate

Uganda

The 3^rd East Africa Investment Conference.  EAC

27^th – 30^th April, 2010

Head of Delegation

Uganda

The International Criminal Court Review Conference.  ICC

31^st May – 11^th June, 2010

Head of Delegation

Uganda

The African Private Sector Forum.  AU/The Global Compact/International Trade Centre/UNCCI

22^nd – 23^rd July, 2010

Head of Delegation

Uganda

Global Forum on Local Development.  UNDP/UNCDF

4^th – 6^th October, 2010

Head of Delegation

Uganda

East African Energy Conference

21^st – 22^nd November, 2011

Head of Delegation

Arusha, Tanzania

African Diaspora Summit

23^rd – 25^th May, 2012

Senior Delegate

South Africa

35^th Assembly of Parties.  ITSO

3^rd – 6^th July, 2012

Head of Delegation

Uganda

East Africa Oil and Gas Summit

12^th – 14^th November, 2012

Head of Delegation

Nairobi, Kenya

Sixth East Africa Petroleum Conference and Exhibition

6^th – 8^th February, 2013

Head of Delegation

Arusha, Tanzania

Seventh Commonwealth Local Government Forum

14^th – 18^th May, 2013

Delegate

Kampala, Uganda