BUSINESS: Courtenay Rattray appointed permanent representative to UN

Jamaica’s ambassador to China, Courtenay Rattray has been appointed the island’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, United States.



Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Arnold J. Nicholson made the announcement in a release from the Ministry.



Rattray, who has been ambassador to the People’s Republic of China since 2008, is expected to assume duties in early June.



He is also assigned as non-resident ambassador to Vietnam, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Thailand, Laos and non-resident high commissioner to Bangladesh, Singapore and Pakistan.



Having served in Europe, North America and Asia, Rattray possesses strong multi-cultural experience and a keen sensitivity to international political affairs, the Ministry said.



“I’m confident that ambassador Rattray is the most appropriate selection to lead Jamaica’s UN permanent mission in New York and to promote the vital role of the UN in the advancement of multilateralism,” Nicholson said.



“Ambassador Rattray’s broad-based experience and diverse range of skills, especially in the critical areas of international negotiation and economic diplomacy will advance Jamaica’s efforts to promote the equitable treatment of the concerns of developing countries, in particular small island developing states,” the Minister added.



He said that would be critical as the international community engaged more directly in discussions on the post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development following on the 2012 Rio +20 conference.



Rattray is a graduate of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy (Global Master of Arts Programme) at Tufts University in Boston and has a MSc. in International Business from South Bank University, London. He holds a B.A. in International Studies from West Virginia Wesleyan College.



He began his career in the foreign service in 2000 as advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, and was appointed deputy chief of mission, Washington DC the following year, a post he held until 2005.



Prior to his foreign service experience, he was advisor to the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce; executive director, Jamaica Marketing Company Ltd., London; trade commissioner, Jamaica Trade Commission, London; consultant for the Caribbean Banana Exporters’ Association, and held various managerial positions at JAMPRO.



Rattray is a director of the Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation, UK.



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