GUIDANCE REQUESTED FOR CANDIDATURE OF AMBASSADOR

UNCLAS KINGSTON 002634 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/CAR (WBENT) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL JM SUBJECT: GUIDANCE REQUESTED FOR CANDIDATURE OF AMBASSADOR RALSTON NETTLEFORD REF: GOERTZ/BENT 11/15/2005 FAX ¶1. Response guidance is requested for Government of Jamaica diplomatic note received on November 15, 2005. Note gives notice of the candidature of Ambassador Professor the Honorable Ralston Nettleford OM for election to the Working Group of Experts on Peoples of African Descent as representative for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States at upcoming elections in March 2006. Text follows in paragraph two. ¶2. Diplomatic Note 50/151/16. Begin Text: Complimentary opening ...the Government of Jamaica has decided to present the candidature of Ambassador Professor the Honourable Ralston Nettleford OM for election to the Working Group of Experts on Peoples of African Descent as representative for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States at elections to be held during the next meeting of the Working Group in March 2006. Professor Nettleford, a former Rhodes Scholar and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, is an eminent Caribbean educator, social and cultural historian, political analyst, choreographer and artistic director. He has worked extensively on issues regarding race and culture, labour relations, social policy, and the African Diaspora, and has authored and edited numerous books and papers on these issues. Professor Nettleford has also served as an authority on issues of culture and identity both in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. The Government of Jamaica believes that Professor Nettleford's wide-ranging experience in the international area, including work with the International Labour Organisation, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and the Organisation of American States, among others, equips him to contribute positively to the mission of the Working Group. A copy of Professor Nettleford's curriculum vitae is attached. The Government of Jamaica would greatly appreciate the valuable support of the Government of the United States of American for this candidature. Complimentary closing. End Text ¶3. Per Ref, full text of the note and accompanying curriculum vitae for Ambassador Nettleford have been faxed to WHA/CAR. TIGHE