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Meet Grenada’s New Ambassador to the U.S.: Her Excellency Yolande Smith

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Grenada's Ambassador to the U.S., Her Excellency Yolande Smith. Photo: Embassy of Grenada in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN NEWS) – Her Excellency Yolande Smith very recently reached a unique and rare milestone: she has now been promoted to become her former boss’s boss. The former Deputy Consul General to the Grenada Consulate in Miami, headed by Ambassador at Large and Consul General Warren Newfield, has now officially become Grenada’s Ambassador to the U.S., making the move from Miami to Washington, D.C. She officially presented her credentials to President Donald Trump on April 8, 2019.

Ambassador Smith, a career diplomat, has been in a flurry of meetings to learn the length and breadth of her new role. “It’s been very hectic. I hit the ground running,” she told Florida National News in a recent phone interview with a smile in her voice. “There is a lot on Grenada’s plate.”

As such, there is a lot on hers. Upon becoming Ambassador, Ms. Smith has also become the Permanent Representative of Grenada to the Organization of American States (OAS), presenting her credentials to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro on January 24, 2019.

The new Permanent Representative of Grenada to the Organization of American States (OAS), Yolande Yvonne Smith, presented her credentials to the Secretary General of the Organization, Luis Almagro in Washington D.C. January 24, 2019. Photo: Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS

The new Permanent Representative of Grenada to the Organization of American States (OAS), Yolande Yvonne Smith, presented her credentials to the Secretary General of the Organization, Luis Almagro, in Washington D.C. January 24, 2019. Photo: Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS

She currently serves as the Chair of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI) for the OAS. She took the mantle as Chair at OAS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on January 31.

The Permanent Representative of Grenada to the Organization of American States (OAS), Yolande Yvonne Smith, assumed the Chair of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), in a ceremony at the headquarters of the Organization in Washington D.C. on January 31, 2019. Photo: Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS

The Permanent Representative of Grenada to the Organization of American States (OAS), Yolande Yvonne Smith, assumed the Chair of the Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), in a ceremony at the headquarters of the Organization in Washington D.C. on January 31, 2019. Photo: Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS

“My delegation is committed to continuing the work of CIDI in the specific areas of resilience and advancement of social and sustainable development,” Smith expressed at the time. “We must examine our response to the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters, as well as our level of preparedness and response to the effects of climate change.”

 

Ambassador Smith’s Priorities

Ambassador Smith’s highest priorities for her home nation in her new role are resilience, sustainability and security. She explained that resilience is important to Grenada in light of natural disasters–that the nation must be able to recover quickly and remain economically strong during the course of recovery, and that the resources needed must be readily available.

Sustainability is related, but with a different focus: Ambassador Smith noted that building Grenada’s sustainability involves using lessons learned from previous natural disasters, such as the last major hurricane in 2007 that ravaged their national nutmeg crop and devastated the economy, to prevent another such catastrophe. Nature cannot be controlled, but preparation can be, and Ambassador Smith’s work in Washington involves liaising with organizations and other nations to accomplish that goal. To that end, Ambassador Smith attended the Caribbean Resilience Partnership Forum, which took place April 12.

 

Grenada's Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, Fisheries, Forestry, Disaster Management and Information, Hon. Simon Stiell (left), joined Ms. Smith in Washington D.C. during the World Bank Group and IMF Spring Meetings to discuss climate change and its impact on Grenada from April 8-12, 2019. Photo courtesy of Grenada's RealFM 91.5/91.9.

Grenada’s Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment, Fisheries, Forestry, Disaster Management and Information, Hon. Simon Stiell (left), joined Ms. Smith in Washington D.C. during the World Bank Group and IMF Spring Meetings to discuss climate change and its impact on Grenada from April 8-12, 2019. Photo courtesy of Grenada’s RealFM 91.5/91.9.

Security involves working with military tech companies to further protection in the Caribbean region, such as improving Coast Guard effectiveness to monitor the waters and ports of entry.

According to Ambassador Smith, Grenada’s other U.S. priorities include education, health, and technological assistance on the island. Education initiatives include scholarships for Grenadian students to study abroad, health initiatives are aimed at creating the highest quality healthcare for Grenada, and tech assistance is all about bringing Grenada to the cutting edge of technological innovation.

Another priority that has now come to the fore because of time is the 2020 Census. Ambassador Smith shared that the CARICOM Caucus will meet in May to discuss it, since CARICOM diplomats must be counted in it as well.

 

How the Ambassador Makes Things Happen

Ambassador Smith told FNN News that things get done in discourse–many one-on-one conversations and meetings. When talking about the difference between what she as an ambassador does versus what elected officials or legislators do, she noted that the difference is in the approach: as ambassador, she is a broker who speaks on behalf of Grenada, and therefore seeks solutions that mutually benefit her nation and the other party(ies) involved, whereas legislators more so lobby or push for the result they want in order to create laws.

 

A World Changer in the Making

While this may sound like a big job, Ambassador Smith is no stranger to meeting and speaking with powerful people to create lasting change. In fact, according to her, her last job as Deputy Consul General in Miami prepared her for this one. “Moving to Miami was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “Ambassador Newfield shared his vision with me, and I ran with it…He gave me the chance to grow.” When she pursued the ambassadorship, Ambassador Newfield supported her. “He said he wouldn’t want to let me go, but he wouldn’t stand in my way,” said Ambassador Smith. “He asked, ‘who do I need to talk to?’ He was so supportive.”

Prior to Miami, she worked with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the Office of the Managing Director for the HQ1 Task Force. She worked as Administrative Assistant to the Division Chief from March 2009 to April 2015, and was Administrative Assistant to the Director from April to June 2015. “I worked in procurement for six years,” Ambassador Smith described of her time at IMF. “It was a good learning experience. It gave a good bird’s eye view of how the IMF handles different countries.”

She said her IMF colleagues were incredulous of her move to Miami. “People don’t [just] leave the IMF!” she recalled them saying. “You only leave if you’re retiring!”

Prior to her time with IMF, she served the Grenada Embassy for ten years, from 1999-2009 in Toronto.

 

Ambassador Smith’s Ultimate Goal

Ambassador Smith noted that some seek the job for the prestige and access the title facilitates, but given her extensive experience, this new role is “another level of service” for her country. “The most and best we can do is encourage people to go to Grenada. It’s one thing to hear about it or see pictures, but we want them to go, then they can get hooked!”

In the vein of service, Ambassador Smith eyes the Grenadian Diaspora. “The Diaspora isn’t often engaged in this hot seat, but it offers a chance to engage.”

She will be busy where that is concerned. Her first official opportunity to engage the Diaspora as Ambassador comes on April 27 in Virginia, when Grenadians United hosts its 24th anniversary celebration. Some 350-400 attendees are expected.

Another touch point will be the official opening of DC Passport, in which people will have the opportunity meet with diplomats from several nations in an open forum to learn more about the services the embassy offers.

“I am the face, ears, and eyes here as Ambassador,” she expressed with verve. “It puts a lot of responsibility on me, but it is a great opportunity to serve.”

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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com

Black lives

Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell Announces Leadership Team

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida House Democratic Leader-Designate Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) today announced the appointment of the following Democratic Representatives to serve on the House Democratic Caucus leadership team for the 2022-24 legislative term:

  • Leader Pro Tempore: Representative Dotie Joseph (D-Miami);
  • Policy Chair: Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton);
  • Floor Leader: Representative Michael “Mike” Gottlieb (D-Davie); and
  • Whip: Representative Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland).

“The House Democratic Caucus is made up of some of the strongest, most fierce champions of the people in the entire state,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “It is an honor and great pleasure to work with these individuals in this new capacity, and all of them are prepared to lead the Caucus in the face of the challenges that lie ahead of us.”

As Leader Pro Tempore, Representative Joseph will assist the Democratic Leader in carrying out designated responsibilities and perform such Leadership responsibilities as are assigned, including stepping in for the Leader as needed.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of knowing Representative Joseph for over 20 years. From the time we were at Georgetown Law to now, she has always been a consistent champion for justice. The issues she advocates for on behalf of all Floridians makes Representative Joseph an invaluable asset in defending Floridians against extremist Republican policies,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “I look forward to Representative Joseph’s leadership as a key member of my team over the next two years.”

In her role as the Caucus Policy Chair, Representative Skidmore will be responsible for ensuring the Caucus continues to champion legislation that positively impacts all Floridians, and will lead discussions about bills before the House at Caucus meetings.

“As the previous Policy Chair for the Caucus, I know what is needed to do this job. Appointing Representative Skidmore as Policy Chair was an easy choice,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “She stood out as a prime member in understanding policy during the last legislative term. Representative Skidmore also brings with her a wealth of experience as both a former House and Senate staffer and House member. Applying her unique skillset to this new role will benefit the Caucus and all Floridians.”

In his role as Floor Leader, Representative Gottlieb will be responsible in interpreting the House Rules, ensuring the Caucus adheres to the agreed upon rules, and working with his Republican counterpart in advocating for fair amounts of time be allotted to the Caucus in debating different pieces of legislation.

“Two things I greatly appreciate about Representative Gottlieb are his refreshing candor and strong fortitude,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “As the minority party in the Legislature, we’re aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us. What we need right now is someone who is unwavering under extreme pressure to help guide our Caucus during difficult moments. Representative Gottlieb is perfectly suited for this role.”

As Whip, Representative Hunschofsky will be responsible for keeping all Democratic Caucus members apprised of Caucus policy on any bills or issues before the House.

Representative Hunschofsky has an amazing ability to get things done,” said Leader-Designate Driskell. “Not only does Representative Hunschofsky possess a wealth of knowledge due to her experience as the former mayor of Parkland, Florida, she is also a champion of many initiatives close to Floridians’ hearts, such as expanding access to quality mental health care. I know Representative Hunschofsky’s knowledge and ability will help prepare our Caucus for the challenges of the next two year.”

The Florida House Democratic Caucus will convene during Organizational Session taking place Nov. 21-22, 2022 in advance of the 2023 Legislative Session scheduled to begin on March 7, 2023.

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VIDEO: State Rep. Dianne Hart elected chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – State Representative Dianne Hart (D-Tampa), incoming Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus, talks briefly with Florida National News on the importance of the Florida Blue Florida Classic at Camping World Stadium in Orlando Saturday. The Florida Classic is an annual college football rivalry game between Bethune–Cookman University and Florida A&M University.

Hart’s Twitter Statement:

Hart’s statement: “I’m honored to have been elected as the Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus.” “I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support and for trusting me to move this important caucus forward.”

During the 2021 and 2022 Legislative Sessions, Rep. Hart served on the following House committees, including Democratic Ranking Member of the Infrastructure and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Joint Committee on Public Counsel Oversight, Ways & Means Committee, Criminal Justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee and Select Subcommittee on Authorized Gaming Activity.

Hart was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2018. She is also the CEO of the East Tampa Business and Civic Association.

 

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Former State Rep. Bruce Antone Ready To Rejoin Florida House

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Former State Representative Bruce Antone respond to questions by CFABJ, NAACP, and the Florida Voters League panel during a candidates forum in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Former Florida State Representative Bruce Antone served 12 years (six terms) in the Florida House of Representatives and defeated incumbent Democratic Rep. Travaris McCurdy during the August primary election to represent Orange County in the newly draw District 41 House seat.

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

CFABJ, NAACP, and Florida Voters League held a candidates forum for candidates seeking county, state and Congressional seats in Orange County, Thursday, October 19, 2022. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Antone was among eleven candidates seeking election to county, state and Congressional seats participating in a candidate forum hosted by CFABJ, NAACP and the Florida Voters League, Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Green Party nominee Robin Denise Harris is the only potential road block in Antone’s return to Tallahassee and faces off with him in the November general election. The District 41 House seat has an overwhelmingly Democratic voter base.

During his time in the Florida House, Antone was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the 29-member Florida Legislative Black Caucus.

The general election is Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

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