US embassy cable - 05KINGSTON2634

UNCLAS KINGSTON 002634 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA/CAR (WBENT) 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, JM 
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE REQUESTED FOR CANDIDATURE OF AMBASSADOR 
RALSTON NETTLEFORD 
 
REF: GOERTZ/BENT 11/15/2005 FAX 
 
1.  Response guidance is requested for Government of Jamaica 
diplomatic note received on November 15, 2005.  Note gives 
notice of the candidature of Ambassador Professor the 
Honorable Ralston Nettleford OM for election to the Working 
Group of Experts on Peoples of African Descent as 
representative for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean 
States at upcoming elections in March 2006.  Text follows in 
paragraph two. 
 
2. Diplomatic Note 50/151/16.  Begin Text: 
 
Complimentary opening 
 
...the Government of Jamaica has decided to present the 
candidature of Ambassador Professor the Honourable Ralston 
Nettleford OM for election to the Working Group of Experts on 
Peoples of African Descent as representative for the Group of 
Latin American and Caribbean States at elections to be held 
during the next meeting of the Working Group in March 2006. 
 
Professor Nettleford, a former Rhodes Scholar and 
Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, is an 
eminent Caribbean educator, social and cultural historian, 
political analyst, choreographer and artistic director.  He 
has worked extensively on issues regarding race and culture, 
labour relations, social policy, and the African Diaspora, 
and has authored and edited numerous books and papers on 
these issues.  Professor Nettleford has also served as an 
authority on issues of culture and identity both in Jamaica 
and across the Caribbean. 
 
The Government of Jamaica believes that Professor 
Nettleford's wide-ranging experience in the international 
area, including work with the International Labour 
Organisation, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and 
Cultural Organisation and the Organisation of American 
States, among others, equips him to contribute positively to 
the mission of the Working Group.  A copy of Professor 
Nettleford's curriculum vitae is attached. 
 
The Government of Jamaica would greatly appreciate the 
valuable support of the Government of the United States of 
American for this candidature. 
 
Complimentary closing. 
 
End Text 
 
3.  Per Ref, full text of the note and accompanying 
curriculum vitae for Ambassador Nettleford have been faxed to 
WHA/CAR. 
TIGHE