Much has been said and written about the protocols surrounding the recent State visit of the President of China. The debate will continue.A former senior diplomat and head of the public service bemoans the gaffes; a permanent secretary, noting the contempt for tact in the conduct of international relations, extols the exercise of "personal touch"; an ambassador questions "yesteryear's ossified protocols." And we, the people, are left to ponder the accepted requirements in arrangements for events of this nature.
Clearly there are codes of conduct and standards and procedures, well known and taught, to guide behaviour and practice and to which all are expected to adhere. Whatever the protestations to the contrary, as have been observed by many a commentator as distinct from cheerleader, while undoubtedly there was much good, there was sufficient bad and ugly in the arrangements surrounding the recent State visit, as witnessed by all who can see and know, to warrant concern.
Therefore, instead of the defensive posturing, let there be acknowledgement of what is true and a firm resolve to put in place without delay arrangements to correct the ills.The official visit of a Head of State is a very challenging and complex endeavour requiring much detailed planning and organisation. The knowledge, skills and competencies for successfully undertaking such an enterprise are far in excess of those for bringing off a carnival fete, as challenging as that can be!
Winston R Rudder
Petit Valley