Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, earlier this year announced the appointment of Attorney-at-Law Kathryn Phipps as Ambassador to Cuba.
Senator Johnson-Smith noted in a release that, “With Ambassador Phipps’s experience, keen interest and understanding of international law – particularly laws relating to international trade and organizations within the Caribbean region, I believe that Ms. Phipps’ appointment aligns with the administration’s goal of wider trade linkages and stronger technical cooperation across the region.”Ambassador Phipps, an attorney-at-law with over 35 years experience, succeeded Ambassador A’Dale Robinson who has now reassumed duties at the Foreign Ministry. She has chaired many boards and committees in the public and private sectors. She previously served as chair for the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, PCJ and deputy Chair of the UDC.
The release also noted that in 2000, Ambassador Phipps participated in the US Department of States’ International Visitor Leadership Programme traveling to South Dakota, Oregon, Louisiana and the District of Columbia. While in the US, she had the opportunity to observe aspects of the 2000 Presidential Elections with a focus on acknowledging and encouraging civil society participation in the electoral and the democratic processes and institutions.
In light of this, Shannon-Dale Reid had a ‘one-on-one’ with Ambassador Phipps at the Crew Bar in Kingston
The ambiance of this beautifully decorated space was the perfect setting as it provided a cozy and relaxing atmosphere this tête-à-tête.
The newly minted Ambassador seemed ecstatic about this new position and greeted us with a big smile buzzing with joy. She told us that when she was approached to serve in this capacity, she did not hesitate because she, “Loves Cuba and saw it as an opportunity to strengthen the ties between Jamaica and Cuba.”
Since then, Ambassador Phipps says she has been receiving an overwhelming amount of support from government and non-governmental officials.
After being announced as Ambassador, Phipps met with government officials and the Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Inés Fors Fernández, who commended her on her appointment. They both shared ideas relating to continued partnership with the aim to further strengthen diplomatic relations which was established on the 8th of December 1972, it’s observed as Caricom-Cuba Day.
When asked about her expectations being Jamaica’s Ambassador to Cuba, Phipps said. “I hope to increase partnerships in trade and corporation through Cuba’s expertise in health and our (Jamaica’s) expertise in Tourism, bringing Jamaica and Cuba closer.”
Delving into the Ambassador’s past, we can certainly see why she is suited for this new position. We found out a few things about her that not even Google is privy to. A country girl at heart, she was born in Kingston to father the veteran Queen’s Counsel, Frank Phipps and mother a Registered Nurse but spent her early years in the country-sides of Morant Bay and Lucea.
The family moved back to Kingston when Kathryn was eight-years-old because of her father’s career. At the time, Phipps completed the primary level education and had matriculated to secondary level, attending the Saint Andrew High School for girls. Education was of utmost importance to Ambassador Phipps as she went on to attend the Barry College (now, University) in Florida where she studied Liberal Arts.
Ambassador Phipps then decided it was time to pursue her passion. ‘Law’ and follow in ‘daddy Phipps’ footsteps.
She did so at the University of the West Indies (UWI), where she studied among other subjects, the Law of International Organizations and Private International Law.
Even though the law was what she desired, Phipps joked of that one fleeting moment in her younger years when she thought of being a Belly Dancer. She was enthralled by the wellgemmed outfits and flexibility of the body. “Just one wild thought it was.” She laughed as she reflected.
Aside from education and her parents being of importance, Ambassador Phipps noted that she is the mother of two amazing ‘adults’, a son and a daughter – she shared with us how happy they are for her appointment, so much so, her son has already planned his vacation for Cuba.
Ambassador Phipps went off to Havana, Cuba in May to start in her new role as Jamaica’s Ambassador to Cuba, at her send-off reception; she once more shared words with the Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Inés Fors Fernández, who also assisted her in cutting the cake. The cake was designed with both the Cuban and Jamaican flags intertwined symbolizing the new journey, added partnership and unity. The occasion was attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic community and the media.
Since being in Havana, Ambassador Phipps has been on the ground working with a team she dubs as “amazing” and for the next three years, she will continue to serve as Jamaica’s Ambassador to Cuba. Ambassador Kathryn Phipps, we say a buzzing Congratulations and much success on this new appointment