(C) UNGA RELATED QUESTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L KINGSTON 001851

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CAR (RANDALL BUDDEN)
STATE ALSO FOR INR/B

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/19/2016
TAGS: PINR UN JM
SUBJECT: (C) UNGA RELATED QUESTIONS

REF: A. SECSTATE 127917


B. KINGSTON 758

C. KINGSTON 1097

D. KINGSTON 1117

Classified By: Charge d'affaires, a.i. James T. Heg for Reasons 1.4 (b)
and (d).


1. (C) Post provides answers to reftel A questions below:

(C) Q. 2.A. General professional and personal background
information on Permanent Rep to the UN Wolfe, including
previous positions (include dates),foreign travel, relevant
job experience, education, marital status, and English
capability.

(C) Answer: Raymond Osbourne Wolfe succeeded Ambassador
Stanfford Neil as Jamaica's Permanent Representative to the
UN in May 2006. Wolfe is a career diplomat and has held the
following positions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Foreign Trade (MFAFT): Undersecretary for Multilateral
Affairs (February 2003-May 2006); Jamaican High Commissioner
to Canada (July 1998-February 2003); Acting Principal
Director, European Affairs Department, Foreign Trade
Department, Multilateral Organizations Department (December
1997-June 1998); Director, European Affairs Department (June
1995-December 1997); Director, Africa, Asia & Pacific
Department (February 1995-June 1995); Minister Counselor,
Jamaican Embassy in Japan (April 1992-November 1994); Deputy
High Commissioner, Jamaican High Commission in Nigeria (July
1990-March 1992); Minister/Counselor with responsibility for
the General Assembly (Plenary 4th Committee issues) and
Non-Aligned Coordinating Bureau at Jamaica's Mission to the
UN (August 1984-July 1990); Political Division, UN and
Non-Aligned Movement Desk Officer (May 1981-July 1984); First
Secretary, Political and Protocol Affairs, Jamaican Embassy

SIPDIS
in USSR (December 1977-May 1981); 2nd Secretary and
subsequently Charge d'affairs, Jamaican Embassy in the
Dominican Republic (November 1975-October 1977); Fellow,
Foreign Service Officers' Training Course, Canberra,
Australia (June 1975-September 1975); Administrative Officer
(May 1974- June 1975); and, joined the MFAFT as a cadet (July
1973-May 1974).

(U) Wolfe was born May 4, 1951. In 1973, he graduated from
the University of the West Indies with a degree in
international relations. He is married with two children.

(C) Q. 2.B. Nature of Permanent Rep to the UN's working
relationship with his foreign ministry (and foreign
ministers),whether Wolfe adheres to Jamaica's official
positions, Wolfe's attitude toward UN issues, and how Wolfe
interacts with US officials in the course of official duties:

(C) Answer: Is would seem that since Wolfe has been with the
MFAFT for over 30 years, he would be intimately familiar with
the inner workings of the MFAFT and likely knows many of the
people within the ministry very well. Minister Hylton was
appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in
March 2006, thus Wolfe and Hylton have not worked together
very long. Consequently, post has no information regarding
Wolfe's relationship with Hylton or how much leeway Wolfe may
be given at the UN. However, post would not expect Wolfe to
stray from the GOJ position, whatever that is.

(C) Wolfe can be stiff and formal in his interaction with
Americans and is very much an old school Jamaican diplomat in
his reflexive suspicion of many USG actions and motives. He
is often fond of citing Jamaica's "principled opposition" to
various USG initiatives, requests or actions. Wolfe has a
tendency to play up Jamaica's nonaligned/ independent
credentials and has strongly opposed signing an Article 98
agreement.

(C) Q. 3. Foreign Minister Hylton: Any additional
information and insight that would hone the analysts'
understanding of him in preparation for his likely
interaction with US counterparts in NY.

(C) Answer: For a brief bio on Hylton, see ref B.

(C) Q. 3.A. How well-versed is Hylton on UN issues? How much
latitude does he allow permrep Wolfe to take on votes or in
defining position? To what extent is Hylton able to
influence Jamaica's stance on UN matters?

(C) Answer: Hylton seems comfortable with multilateral
affairs. He is able to carry on an intelligent dialogue on
various international issues.

(C) Q. 3.B. What is Hylton's relationship to Prime Minister
Portia Simpson Miller? Is Hylton able to formulate the
direction of foreign policy, or merely implement the
directions of PM Simpson Miller?

(C) Answer: Hylton is very close to the Prime Minister and
was a very strong supporter during her campaign for Prime
Minister. Hylton certainly has the Prime Minister's ear and
is very likely able to sway or even help formulate her
opinion. For example, Ambassador Johnson met with the Prime
Minister on May 30 to discuss Guatemala's bid for the UNSC
seat (ref C). Following that meeting, the Prime Minister
stated that she was unable to answer the question of whether
Jamaica would support Guatemala, but she would consult
Minister Hylton upon his return from the NAM Ministerial. At
that meeting the Ambassador was left with the impression that
the Prime Minister is unfamiliar with key issues.

(C) On June 5, the Ambassador called upon Minister Hylton to
follow up on Guatemala's candidacy for the UNSC seat and to
express disappointment with the NAM Statement on Iran (ref
D). In contrast to the Prime Minister, Hylton seemed to have
a strong grasp of the issues and was willing to engage in
conversation on the issue. However, Hylton continues to
maintain the party line regarding the importance of Jamaica's
sovereignty and its "principled positions."

(C) Q. 4. Heads of State: Prime Minister Portia Simpson
Miller. 4.A. How engaged has Simpson Miller been on foreign
policy and on UN issues?


(U) Answer: (See answer to Q.3.B. above).


(C) Q. 4.B. What is the personal dynamic between PSM and
Hylton?


(U) Answer: (See answer to Q.3.B above).
HEG