Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KINGSTON30
2006-01-06 18:14:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kingston
Cable title:  

NOMINATION FOR PE-220 FSN ECONOMIC TRAINING:

Tags:  ECON AMGT AFSI AFSN ETRD JM 
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UNCLAS KINGSTON 000030 

SIPDIS

FSINFATC FOR LISA FOX, ED SAGURTON, ANDREA CLIPPER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON AMGT AFSI AFSN ETRD JM
SUBJECT: NOMINATION FOR PE-220 FSN ECONOMIC TRAINING:
EMBASSY KINGSTON

REF: 05 STATE 202837

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000030

SIPDIS

FSINFATC FOR LISA FOX, ED SAGURTON, ANDREA CLIPPER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON AMGT AFSI AFSN ETRD JM
SUBJECT: NOMINATION FOR PE-220 FSN ECONOMIC TRAINING:
EMBASSY KINGSTON

REF: 05 STATE 202837


1. (U) This nomination cable is in response to reftel
requesting nomination of FSNs for PE-220 FSN Economic
Training, May 1-12, 2006. Answers are keyed to the format
provided in paragraph 8.


A. Name and Grade of FSN: Elvis Melton James. Grade 11.


B. Date of Birth: 27 September 1971.


C. Nationality: Jamaican


D. Passport Number: A2064929


E. Agency: State


F. Position Title: Economic Specialist


G. American Supervisor: John Morgan. E-mail:
morganjs@state.gov


H. FSN,s education, job experience and current
responsibilities: Mr. James received his Bachelor of Science
degree in Economics and Management Studies in 1995 from the
University of the West Indies, followed by a Master of Arts
in Economics from The Institute of Social Studies in The
Hague, Netherlands in 2000. He was an economist at the
Planning Institute of Jamaica from 1995 until 2002,
eventually acting as Manager of the Economic Policy and
Monitoring Unit, and specializing in fiscal policy and
balance of payment issues. In 2002, Mr. James joined the
U.S. Embassy as the Economic Specialist. He is responsible
for a number of annual reports for both Washington and for
internal Embassy audiences, including the Country Commercial
Guide and the Investment Climate Statement. Mr. James writes
regular reports updating the Department on various sectors of
the economy, and follows all economic trends for inclusion in
Post,s biweekly Political/Economic roundup.


I. Productivity enhancement at Post: While the Economic
Specialist at Post has advanced training in economics, the
nominee has not yet taken this course. The proposed program,
and the economic reform agenda in particular, will serve as a
refresher course, updating the nominee,s knowledgebase of
current best practices. The skills component (modules I-III)
will help the specialist to sharpen his reporting skills, as
well as honing briefing skills that are particularly vital
with a new Ambassador at Post. Modules V and VI
("Consultations with Policy Officials and End-Users" and
"What Washington Wants") should also help the nominee to
anticipate areas of interest to Washington, as well as to
focus on more targeted reporting. This will positively
impact productivity and enhance the output of a section that
lacks a mid-level reporting officer below the
political/economic section head.


J. Suggestions for Course Content: The USG,s emphasis on
bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the wake of the
difficulties in forming a Free Trade Area of the Americas
(FTAA),would make this course an opportune moment to offer
courses in Negotiating and Diplomacy Skills. Furthermore,
since the course this year is offered to developing
countries, modules in economic growth, competitiveness and
productivity would be very useful, as FSNs could share their
unique experiences in their home countries as useful case
studies. Responding to part A of para 5 in reftel, Post,s
FSN has an advanced degree in economics, and so rather than
Economic Data Analysis Skills (module IV),more
tradecraft-type training, particularly understanding the
singular needs of the Washington audience, would be most
useful.


K. Comments on Previous Modules: Post has not yet had an
attendee for this course, and thus is unable to provide
comment on prior modules.
JOHNSON