Ambassador Waddell was promoted, not demoted – President Granger

Ambassador Audrey Jardine – Waddell was relieved from her position as Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs because she is earmarked for a foreign posting, President David Granger revealed Wednesday.

The President made it clear that this move is a “promotion” and not a “demotion” for the Ambassador, putting to rest rumours that there is a division at Takuba Lodge.

“We have laid down certain criteria, there are certain for example, language qualification and Ambassador Waddell speaks foreign languages and that is one of the criteria that we’ve laid down.

“As far as possible, Ambassadors and High Commissioners should speak the language of the capital to which they’re posted. So she is qualified for a higher post and on vacating the post of Director-General, it was my decision to appoint a Permanent Secretary who would continue the administration of the Foreign Service. It is not a demotion, it is actually a promotion,” the Head of State told reporters at the sidelines of an event at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 2 announced that Charlene Phoenix was appointed the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary with immediate effect.

The statement noted that Ambassador Waddell proceeded on a period of annual leave pending reassignment.

Ambassador Waddell served as Director-General within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from June 2015.