RETIRED trade unionist and politician Robert “Bobby” Morris is Barbados’ new ambassador to CARICOM.
He takes up his position on Thursday, December 1.
Morris, a teacher, historian, and former deputy general secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union, replaces Denis Kellman who is now Minister of Industry and Small Business.
At 64, Morris brings a wealth of experience and a wide grasp of regional and international issues to his new position.
“I aim to bring to bear those problem-solving skills which I have acquired over the years to any issues that need a negotiated resolution. In the main, I hope to work to build bridges and work with politicians and technocrats to make this region the model for such movements,” said Morris, who served as vice-president of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, and as external collaborator with the Geneva-based International Labour Organisation.
Commenting on the appointment, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said: “Bobby Morris’ history and parliamentary background should serve him in good stead. He is a regionalist at heart; so, that and his commitment to the further development of Barbados would ensure that he adequately addresses this country’s interests.
“Indeed, he is of the generation deeply committed to the regional integration movement, and this was expressly manifest during his time in Parliament when he spoke eloquently and passionately to these issues. The ambassador-designate is also well abreast of current affairs, and I am sure he will do Barbados proud,” the Prime Minister observed.
Morris, who served in the House of Assembly from 1986 to 1994 as MP for Christ?Church East?Central for the ruling Democratic Labour Party, will be based in Bridgetown. (BGIS)
