Foreword
I am personally persuaded that sustainable solutions to problems between and among States can only be achieved through dialogue, negotiations and other peaceful forms of engagement. But the management and facilitation of relations of concord as well as mutual understanding and benefit require a well-trained cadre of professional, sophisticated, credible and committed practitioners of the art of diplomacy. Mrs. Thomas-Roberts’ work is a significant contribution to the attainment and maintenance of professional and acceptable standards in this critical sphere of governmental activity.
Protocol is intertwined into every facet of political and diplomatic intercourse. The responsibilities of protocol officers are immense and demanding; including precedence of States and diplomatic agents, privileges and immunities, titles and forms of address to be used in written and oral communication, sitting arrangements at official functions, flag etiquette, breach of diplomatic relations, transactions in international relations and international organizations, preparation and conduct of meetings, management of official and State visits, presentation of Letters of Credence, State Funerals, ceremonial functions, the welfare of foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations accredited to Grenada and their families as well as accreditation of Grenadian diplomatic representatives abroad. Any breakdown in protocol may harm interpersonal relations or impair relations between States. It is important to “get it right.”
Mrs. Thomas-Roberts’ stints as Chief of Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later as Clerk of Parliament have given her an in-depth knowledge and understanding of protocol and social usage which have stood her in good stead in the preparation of this work. She has distinguished herself in the public and private sectors of Grenada by her immense patriotism, loyalty, professionalism, a commitment to excellence and a warm, pleasant and amiable disposition.
I have great pleasure in associating myself with this valuable compilation of important principles and conventions on Basic Diplomacy and VIP Courtesies. The book has enlarged the range and magnitude of the subjects covered in Mrs. Thomas-Roberts’ first book and reflects her broadened horizons and grasp of the workings of government, the conduct of diplomatic relations, the rules and conventions of proper conduct on ceremonial occasions as well as correct etiquette in government, the private sector and civil society organizations.
This is an important contribution towards advancing greater awareness of diplomatic ceremonial and practice and some of the fine points on everyday usage as well as the scope of protocol and its role in facilitating mutual respect and harmonious relations between and among States and international organizations.