Ex-UNC member takes up diplomatic post

Persad was a former chairman of the Couva/Tabaquite/ Talparo Regional Corporation under the People’s Partnership government, but during last year’s general elections in September, he broke ranks with the United National Congress and spoke on the People’s National Movement platform in the campaign in the Couva South and North constituencies.

In a media release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Dennis Moses, who is also minister for CARICOM Affairs, presented Persad with his instrument of appointment on behalf of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.

During the presentation, Moses congratulated Persad on his appointment and thanked him for his willingness to serve the country. Moses said Government looks forward to deepening bilateral and multilateral partnerships with the countries of India, Japan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indonesia.

His urged Persad to be guided by the policy framework which underscores that the ministry’s diplomatic network of overseas missions, must be the frontline of projecting the interest of Trinidad and Tobago internationally.

Persad, a father of three, has been in private practice for over 25 years as an advocate and was the founder and leader of the Cane Farmers Association of Trinidad. In the coming weeks, he is expected to visit the other accredited countries to present his credentials to the respective heads of State.