Why did you want to be in the commission?
The Standing Commission is an important unit within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The unique role defined for the Commission by Statutes of the Movement entrusts it with serious responsibilities and its permanent status enables it to work continually on strategic issues important to the Movement.

The important issues which confront and engage the Movement now and in the future are more complex and affect the lives of vulnerable persons more directly than ever before. The Movement has therefore a greater responsibility and opportunity to respond to these challenges in strict accordance with the Statutes of the Movement and Resolutions of the International Conference.

What do you hope to achieve?
I have kept informed, over the years, about the work of the Commission and have been very impressed with the very important work which it has been doing. The next four years will require the Commission to closely engage with all stakeholders in order to advance the agenda set by the 30th International Conference – a delicate task. I believe that my experience and expertise uniquely qualifies me to make a valuable contribution as a member.

I regard my wide experience within and understanding of the Movement over many years as an asset. This understanding has come from many years of service as a volunteer of the Belize Red Cross and from working in different organs of the Federation.

As an ambassador and Minister of Government I have developed an understanding of how governments work, as well as considerable experience in international relations.

As member I hope to use this experience to advance the strategic work of the Commission as defined by the International Conference. I am particularly interested in advancing work in the areas of environmental and migration challenges as well as in International Disaster Response Law.
Along with other members of the Commission I hope to continue forging stronger ties among the components of the Movement, Governments and non-state actors as we seek to advance implementation of the decisions of the International Conference, and provide strategic guidance to the Movement.

What experience do you have within the Belize Red Cross?
I have been since 1989 with Belize RC; presently as a Volunteer & legal adviser.
Earlier I was member of the Committee, which drafted a new Constitution for the Belize Red Cross. And I’ve been 1st Vice President and then President of the Society as well as member of the National Executive. Further experience includes i.a. member and chairman of the Disaster Management Committee and participation in the hurricane relief operations – Mitch, Keith, Chantal, Iri...

... and internationally, within the Movement?
I was Honorary Legal Adviser of the International Federation 1999 – 2003 and attended in that capacity the meetings of the Executive Council and then Governing Board. I was also member of the Group of Experts that drafted the current Constitution for International Federation. Further experience includes i.a. membership of the Youth Commission, General Assembly and Council of Delegates meetings since 1991, regional meetings of the Americas and several meetings and seminars of the Caribbean Red Cross Societies.

Your experience outside the Movement?
Professionally I work as Attorney-at-Law, Courtenay Coye & Co, Senior Partner. Other experience includes i.a. positions as Senator and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Deputy Chairman of the Belize Bank Limited, Senator and Attorney General and Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade. I’ve also been lecturer, Law of Tort, at the University College of Belize, Para-Legal Studies; Deputy Chairman, Broadcasting Corporation of Belize; Secretary of the Bar Association of Belize and member of the Committee that drafted Legal Profession (Code of Conduct) Rules.