International Relations and Diplomacy Seminar in full swing

By VonDez Phipps
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

Permanent Secretary Astona Browne

This seminar is being held at the National Emergency Management (NEMA) Headquarters and is sponsored by the OECS Secretariat. Participants were drawn from several sectors within the sponsor Ministry and others, ranging from emergency and security services to finance and health.

The week-long workshop is programmed to address issues directly relating to diplomacy and international standards in relation to protocol and procedure. Topics to be discussed include International Relations and Diplomacy, History of Diplomacy, Diplomatic and Consular Law, International Organisation Law, Diplomatic Protocol, Diplomatic Negotiation and Protocol and Etiquette.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Immigration and Foreign Affairs Astona Browne underscored the importance of incorporating diplomacy into the day-to-day operations of the Ministry and the benefits that it would bring to the country. ~~Adz:Right~~

“There is no doubt that this programme is critical to our thrust to improve our performance and our proficiency in the areas of protocol and diplomacy, but more so in assisting the small states like St Kitts and Nevis in positioning themselves to take advantage of the myriad developmental opportunities.”

Browne further assessed the timeliness of the seminar as the nation approaches the mark of its 25th Anniversary of Independence this month. She assured the attendees that her ministry is “prepared to invest more in building capacity in the areas that will position us to have a voice in international dialogue”.

She declared that having such presence on the international scene, especially in relation to issues impacting smaller nations, should ensure the survival of the nation in a competitive global platform.