New York-T&T's Ambassador to the US, Mexico and the Organisation of the Americas, Dr Neil Parsan, has fired back at critics who called the remodelling of his new Washington office lavish and excessive. He called the brouhaha "understandable," after the interior of the embassy was featured in the popular Home and Design magazine. But Parsan resented being dubbed "The Little Prince of Dubai," and defended his position, saying the building remained unoccupied for some time after the previous administration had bought it for US$12 million. "Undertaking this project was a judicious move," he said, saying the failure to take action would have been "unproductive." He said employees had worked under cramped conditions, and that he saw it as a priority to have an environment conducive to carrying out the functions of his office. "At the cost of US$211,000, we managed to convert bedrooms into offices, and kitchens into functional working space. We also refurbished the elevator in the old building next door, again under budget, and within time," he emphasised.
He went on to say that any criticism of an existing suite on the top floor was misguided, because it was a cost-efficient measure, and will be occupied only by the visiting head of state. "Sometimes in this business, it's damned if you do, and damned if you don't," he added. In New York to address a gala commemorating T&T's 50th anniversary of Independence, Parsan, speaking from his suite in the Marriotte Marquis, also responded to deepening concern that political appointments to key diplomatic positions are risky, and could damage the image of the nation. He concurred that certain locations require more "technical and bureaucratic support," identifying the UN, Geneva, and the OAS as examples, but was confident that an appointment based on 'meritocracy' would add value to any diplomatic position." He said career bureaucrats might not necessarily deliver on the multiple duties of the office. "It all depends on the ability and vision of the individual," he argued. Parsan, who assumed office a year and a half ago, briefly addressed the controversy at the New York Consulate, where several workers were dismissed. He said he was taken off guard by the development, and was approached by disaffected workers to look into the matter. He has since delivered a report to Port-of-Spain, and is awaiting a response, he said.
On Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder wanted on alleged sex crimes, Parsan dismissed media reports that Trinidad and Tobago had broken ranks with Caricom. "On the procedural level, we had differences, but on the substantive issue-that diplomatic premises are inviolable, we reached a consensus. "Further," he continued, "the UK has assured us that it will not resort to force in this matter. The extradition of Mr Assange is a bilateral issue involving the UK and Ecuador." Parsan expressed optimism about he country's growing role on the global market, which he attributes partly to his office. He referred to the African-Latin American-Caribbean Business Forum and the Global Gas Council that he established and recalled several international conferences that he organised in Trinidad and Tobago. "Today's diplomacy is more integrative and pragmatic; assertive and collaborative," he said. "My approach has been to sell economic space in the Caribbean with emphasis on Trinidad and Tobago. The reality is that you cannot sell our country in isolation. We are a household in a gated community." He said regional homogeneity was always a work in progress, using the term "divided whole," to make his point. Nevertheless, he cited the region's "great geo-political leverage" in the OAS, and even within the United Nations "as a positive indicator for the future of the Caribbean."