Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, on Monday announced the appointment of Kathryn Phipps as Ambassador-designate to Cuba. Phipps – an attorney – will succeed Ambassador A’Dale Robinson who will reassume duties at the ministry.
“With her experience, keen interest and understanding of international law, particularly laws relating to international trade and organizations within the Caribbean region, I believe Ms. Phipps’ appointment as ambassador-designate to Cuba aligns with the administration’s goal of wider trade linkages and stronger technical cooperation across the region,” said Johnson Smith in a release.
Phipps who currently chairs the Medical Appeals Tribunals is also a member of the committee to review Jamaica’s justice system and previously chaired the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) and the Nurses Appeal Tribunal.
“A philanthropist at heart, Phipps continues to support the country in a range of social development areas, including membership of the Boards of the South East Regional Health Authority and the GC Foster College for Sports and Physical Education,” stated the Foreign Affairs Minister.
“In 2000, Phipps was selected to participate in the US Department of States’ International Visitor Program. She has also observed the South Dakota, Portland, Louisiana and the District of Colombia’s general elections, with a focus on acknowledging and encouraging civil society participation in the electoral and democratic processes and institutions.”
Phipps is expected to commence her tour of duty in Cuba in early next month.
