Well-known Politician and Attorney-At-Law, Arthur Williams has been appointed as Jamaica’s new High Commissioner-designate to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith made the announcement on Monday, March 11.
The High Commissioner-designate, who recently concluded his assignment as Jamaica’s representative to the Inter-American Development Bank, will succeed David Prendergast whose tour of duty ended in January.
Mr. Williams has over 35 years of professional experience and a political career which spans over a decade. In 2011, he was appointed to Cabinet as Minister without Portfolio with responsibility for the Public Service and Information in the Office of the Prime Minister. He was also State Minister in the Ministry of National Security in 2007 and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service in 2009. Prior to his tenure at the OPM, he served in the capacity of Government and Opposition Senator from 2007-2011 and 2002-2007 respectively. In his dispensation as Opposition Senator, he led the Opposition Business in the Upper House.
In congratulating Mr. Williams on his new appointment, Minister Johnson Smith remarked, “I welcome Mr. Williams as the newest member of the Jamaican Foreign Service. Mr. Williams has over the years demonstrated true commitment to the service of his country and has made a sterling contribution to the public service. I am confident that with his versatility of experience and leadership, we can look forward to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.”
The former Munro College graduate holds a Bachelor of Science in Government (Hons.) and a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. He is also a graduate of the Norman Manley Law School.
Mr. Williams is expected to assume his duties in April 2019.