Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Certification And Training
Boards And Committees
Guest Lectures And Presentations
Awards
Post Graduate Certificates
Timeline
Generic

David Allen Prendergast

East Coast Demerara

Summary

International relations and trade specialist with over 25 years of experience in international, regional, and national trade policy and development issues. Held senior management roles in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and served as Ambassador/High Commissioner to CARICOM Member States. Expertise in trade agreements implementation, monitoring of CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) implementation. Skilled in providing policy advice, evaluating, executing, monitoring, and implementing obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. Proven track record of stakeholder engagement across public/private sectors and civil society on regional integration/CSME implementation and sectoral issues. Experienced in managing multicultural, multilateral environments, fostering consensus, and providing direction to staff in national/regional diplomatic offices for successful outcomes.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
2013
2013
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Director, Sectoral Programmes, Directorate of Economic Integration, Innovation and Development (EIID)

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat
08.2021 - Current
  • Conceptualised and developed the recommended governance structure for the Industrial Policy Framework for CARICOM leading to a Heads of Government decision to develop a draft Industrial Policy and a Technical Working Group on Industrial Policy
  • Conceptualised and prepared the recommended governance framework for Local Content in CARICOM leading to a Heads of Government decision to establish an Open-Ended Working Group on Local Content
  • Facilitated the initial roll-out of the CARICOM Market Place and Suspension Procedure (CIMSUPro) and Training Modules for Member States and Stakeholders
  • Developed the proposed update and response of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to Issues surrounding Freight Charges because of the Pandemic
  • Coordinated outreach to Youth in the Maritime Transport Sector in collaboration with Stakeholder partner
  • Revitalised the partnership with Maritime Stakeholders to address critical regional Maritime issues, including the establishment of the CARICOM Maritime Technical Working Group (CMTWG)
  • Led the establishment of CARICOM Youth Advisory Council for Agriculture
  • Manage staff in Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Tourism, Sustainable Development and Services Units and lead team in developing their annual results-oriented Work Plans and Budget and monitor the performance of staff in achieving their targets/objectives.
  • Lead preparations and consultations for Ministerial Councils in Agriculture, Energy, Transportation, Services and Tourism.
  • Coordinate and organise all meetings of the Technical Working Groups on Industrial Policy and Local Content, including outreach to Member States, stakeholders, regional institutions, the private sector and civil society.
  • Lead follow-up on labeling standards particularly Front of Package Labelling and facilitate engagement with relevant regional institutions such as CARICOM Regional Organisation on Standards and Quality (CROSQ).
  • Conduct outreach to and engagement with Member States and stakeholders on relevant trade-related and sectoral issues.
  • Supervise and oversee the preparation of all papers, draft decisions and briefs in the Units for Ministerial Councils and Heads of Government Meetings and participate in the framing of the agendas for these meetings.
  • Provide policy advice and guidance to Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General and Member States, including in Ministerial/Member States briefing sessions.
  • Participate in the Directorate’s Senior Management Team and provide advice on direction, strategy and staff issues to the Assistant Secretary General as well as the Senior Management Committee of the CARICOM Secretariat.
  • Represent the Directorate on the Secretariat’s Compensation and Benefits Review Committee.
  • Represent the Secretary General of CARICOM on the Executive Boards of the CARICOM Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE), Caribbean Export Development Agency (CaribExport), CARICOM Regional Organisation on Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and CARI-CARGO Ltd. (Ferry Service Board).

Senior Director, Foreign Trade Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
03.2019 - 08.2021
  • Organised Jamaica’s hosting of the CARIFORUM-EU Regional Consultations to develop a regional position Caribbean Regional Protocol (April 2019) including preparing Ministerial delegation for the Consultations.
  • Coordinated Jamaica’s participation and preparation of high-level delegation to the 9th ACP Summit in Kenya (December 2019).
  • Conceptualised and provided leadership and guidance in roll-out of a public education, sensitization and outreach programme for the Foreign Trade Division on Trade and CSME-related issues.
  • Managed and provided general direction, technical advice and support on trade policy to political directorate in relation to CARICOM/COTED Trade matters, CARIFORUM issues, WTO issues, and ACP-EU Post Cotonou negotiations to ensure that external trade interests and positions are considered in various regional and international fora.
  • Coordination and collaborated with relevant Ministries/agencies, civil society and the private sector to develop positions, ensure understanding of trade commitments and treaty obligations, and undertake sensitization and public education on trade matters.
  • General oversight of the work programme of the Jamaica Trade Advisory Group (JAMTRADE) and trade sub-committees as convened.
  • Led the development of a Trade Complaints Mechanism between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago and devised team-oriented solution and responses.
  • Managed and coordinate the Foreign Trade Department’s priorities in line with the Ministry’s overall Strategic Business Plan.
  • Supervised the departmental work plan, budget and quarterly performance reports.
  • Supervised 9 persons across three departmental units: CARICOM/COTED Trade issues, ACP-EU/CARIFORUM relations and WTO work programme.

High Commissioner for Jamaica to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and non-resident High Commissioner/Ambassador to other CARICOM Member States

Embassy of Jamaica
01.2015 - 01.2019
  • Strengthened, improved and maintained strong bilateral and trade relations with Trinidad and Tobago, during difficult political and diplomatic circumstances.
  • Led the in-country bilateral negotiations with Trinidad and Tobago leading to the designation of a special area/facility to accommodate Jamaicans denied entry at the Piarco International Airport to ensure the conditions of return met acceptable and agreed standards.
  • Maintained and strengthened bilateral and diplomatic and trade relations with CARICOM Member States.
  • Expanded Jamaica’s visibility through trade missions, building partnerships with public, private sector and civil society, networking and public outreach through traditional media and social media.
  • Conceptualised and launched the High Commission’s bi-annual publication on trade, bilateral and diaspora relations with CARICOM Member States.
  • Member of Senior Management Team which includes review of the Ministry’s Strategic Business Plan and organizational strategies.
  • Managed crisis response with Jamaican diaspora in the Eastern Caribbean following the passage Hurricane Maria.
  • Managed Jamaica’s bilateral and trade relations with Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, OECS Member States and Suriname with particular focus on implementation of movement of nationals under the CSME Regime, trade promotion and bilateral relations, immigration, consular and diaspora matters.
  • Monitored compliance under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, particularly free movement and trade matters.
  • Negotiated Agreed Communique/Outcome, work plan and matrix of follow-up actions following the official visit of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to Jamaica and closely tracked all follow-up activities with the relevant ministries of government and stakeholders.
  • Managed outreach to governments, the public and private sectors across the region in promoting and strengthening bilateral and trade relations.
  • Supervised and led a team of 10 persons in fulfilling the mandates of the diplomatic mission, including trade relations, trade promotion, consular and immigration issues, diaspora engagement, administration and budget matters.
  • Managed budget of approximately USD 432,000 per annum.

Head, Trade Agreements Implementation Coordination Unit, Foreign Trade Division

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
12.2008 - 12.2014
  • Coordinated Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade’s response with the legal team in the Shanique Myrie case as Ministry focal point on CSME/free movement issues.
  • Organised first bilateral consultations with Trinidad and Tobago on Movement of nationals following denial of entry in 2013.
  • Coordinated and convened Cabinet-established EPA Technical Working Group on Implementation of the Agreement with stakeholders from government, the private sector and civil society.
  • Conceptualised and implemented CSME public education and outreach and collaborated with the CARICOM Secretariat, Jamaica Information Service (JIS) in delivering this outreach.
  • Collaborated with the CARICOM Secretariat/CSME Unit in the planning and execution of, a student mission to Grenada and in-coming student mission to Jamaica on CSME sensitization, best practices and implementation.
  • Managed implementation of the Caribbean Community Single Market and Economy (CSME) work programme and the implementation of regional integration obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, in the context of Jamaica’s External Trade Policy and regional bilateral and trade relations.
  • Led all CSME matters, including the Audit done in 2009 by the CARICOM Secretariat on CSME Implementation in Member States.
  • Represented Jamaica at the regional level in CARIFORUM negotiations and meetings to coordinate implementation and to streamline the relevant institutional and governance structures to ensure maximum benefits from the CSME and the EPA agreements.
  • Represented Jamaica at the regional level in the CSME Free Movement Committee Meetings, and at the level of COTED, CARIFORUM and caucused with CARICOM Member States in the defense of the region’s interests.
  • Collaborated in secured donor funding for video conference facilities to allow for increased participation in CARICOM Meetings.
  • Supervised three (3) members of staff in the execution of the Unit’s work plan, priorities and budget.

Assistant Director, Foreign Trade Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
05.2007 - 11.2008
  • Coordinated and organized the team on the EPA negotiations, including development cooperation aspects follow-up and implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) between the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Group of Countries and the European Commission.
  • Oversight and monitoring, as team leader, for all developments in ACP-EC Relations, ACP Ministerial Trade Committee and development cooperation in the context of the European Development Fund (EDF).
  • Coordinated and participated as part of Jamaica’s team in trade negotiations such as the EPA in the areas of market access and development cooperation.

Chargè d’Affaires a.i.

Embassy of Jamaica and Mission to the European Communities
12.2006 - 04.2007

Minister/Counsellor

Embassy of Jamaica
09.2002 - 12.2006
  • Organised and planned and executed high-level visit of Jamaican Prime Minister to EU Institutions and the ACP Group on trade and development matters in 2007.
  • Executed and implemented the entry/visa-regime policy in the Embassy which was adopted by CARICOM during 2007 World Cup Cricket.
  • Coordinated and supported Jamaica’s Presidency of the ACP Ministerial Council.
  • Coordinated the execution of 'Taste of Jamaica' Festival in Belgium and Monaco which promoted trade in goods and services (food, cuisine, art and music).
  • General oversight of Jamaica’s trade and bilateral relations with EU Member States.
  • Oversight and management of Jamaica’s membership and participation in the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States.
  • Represented Jamaica in the ACP Working Group on Sugar and ACP sub-Committees including Development Finance Cooperation, the Joint Parliamentary Assembly and European Parliament and negotiations on the revision of the Cotonou Agreement.
  • Represented Jamaica at the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
  • Promoted and monitored Jamaica’s bilateral relations in countries of accreditation – Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Luxembourg and South Africa.
  • Oversight and management of all aspects of the Embassy/Mission’s operations, including budget, human resources, and consular affairs.

Assistant to the Director of Tourism

Jamaica Tourist Board
03.2002 - 08.2002
  • Developed template for Marketing Committee reports to the Board of Directors.
  • General oversight and management of Director of Tourism’s Office.
  • Monitored local, regional and international developments in tourism for the attention and action of the Director.
  • Followed-up on projects designated by the Director.
  • Liaised regularly with Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association and tourism stakeholders on various issues of importance.
  • Prepared monthly reports in collaboration with Marketing Committee of JTB.
  • Supported the Director of Tourism in preparing for participation in the Board of Directors’ Meetings.

UN Coordination Officer

United National Development Programme (UNDP)
03.2001 - 03.2002
  • Organised and coordinated meetings of the UN Development Assistance framework (UNDAF).
  • Organised, coordinated and prepared the Annual UN Heads of Agency Retreat.
  • Facilitated consistent engagement with the UN Country Team (on behalf of the Resident Coordinator).
  • Organised and coordinated, on behalf of the UNDP Resident Representative, the relations and working meetings across the UN System Agencies in Jamaica for the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF).
  • Liaised and facilitated the development of specific inter-agency coordination initiatives, including common premises.
  • Represented UNDP on National HIV/AIDS Theme Group focusing on donor coordination in this area.
  • Supported the Resident Representative’s role as UNDP Disaster Relief Coordinator at the national and sub-regional levels.

Counsellor, Political Affairs/Alternate Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations Security Council

Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations
12.1999 - 02.2001
  • Led and chaired the negotiations on Security Council Presidential Statement on Conflict Prevention which was adopted as an outcome during Jamaica’s presidency of the Council.
  • Led and chaired negotiations in the Security Council on Children in Armed Conflict which was adopted as an outcome during Jamaica’s presidency of the Council.
  • Monitored and analysed developments in Europe, Pacific and Americas in the United Nations Security Council.
  • Participated in all meetings of the UN Security Council relating to these areas (Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan, East Timor, Bougainville).
  • Negotiated various Security Council resolutions including leading on Resolution 1314 on Children and Armed Conflict and Presidential Statement of July 2000 on Conflict Prevention during Jamaica’s Presidency of the Council.

Counsellor, Economic Affairs

Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations
01.1995 - 12.1999
  • Chaired and led negotiations in the Second Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on Operational Activities of the United Nations System.
  • Vice-President of the Second Committee at the 1998 United Nations General Assembly with responsibility for Operational Activities and coordinating negotiations on resolutions in this area.
  • Provided policy guidance, advice and representation and support at the Permanent Mission of Jamaica on operational activities of the United Nations System, macro-economic policy questions, natural disaster reduction and human resource development.
  • Developed position papers in collaboration with stakeholders from the public sector and civil society and articulated these positions in the Committee.
  • Represented Jamaica as delegate in Second Committee of the UNGA on macro-economic policy question and operational activities of the United Nations System.
  • Represented Jamaica as a delegate in the Group of 77 and China on matters before the Second Committee.
  • Coordinated CARICOM positions and statements in the Second Committee.
  • Spearheaded negotiated resolutions on Macroeconomic Policy Questions, International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction and Human Resource Development.
  • Represented Jamaica on UNDP/UNFPA Executive Board ECOSOC and participated in all the decision-making processes of the UNDP/UNFPA Board including on Jamaica’s Country Programme and also supported and articulated positions on behalf of CARICOM.
  • Rapporteured for UNDP/UNFPA Field trips to Bulgaria and Georgia.

Foreign Service Officer

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
09.1990 - 12.1994
  • Political officer with responsibility for disarmament affairs, UNGA First Committee and Agenda for Peace – developed policy papers and positions.
  • Monitored and analysed foreign trade issues related to Europe and the Americas/CARICOM with focus on the banana regime/ACP Banana Protocol.
  • Desk officer for United Nations Law of the Sea and provided support to the national committee on issues relating to Law of the Sea.
  • Coordinated the National Working Group on Law of the Sea and Jamaica’s inputs in the process and provided reports and minutes of the Committee.

Education

Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) -

Harvard University: John F. Kennedy School of Government
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Master of Arts Degree (M.A.) - International Relations and Strategic Studies

Lancaster University

Bachelor of Science (BSc.) - International Relations

University of the West Indies
Mona, Jamaica

Certificate in Public Policy and Management - undefined

Harvard University: John F. Kennedy School of Government
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Certificate - Trade Policy

World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat Institute for and Technical Cooperation (ITTC)
Geneva, Switzerland

Diploma - WTO Law and Economics

European Programme, University of Brussels
Brussels, Belgium

Skills

Problem-solving

Professional Certification And Training

  • 43rd World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Policy Course Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation (ITTC), 01/01/08 - 04/30/08
  • Clingendael Workshop on “Intercultural Negotiations”, Clingendael Institute, The Hague, Netherlands, 05/01/04
  • Various UNITAR Training Courses, New York, 1995 - 1999
  • Law of the Sea Training Course, University of Virginia/Rhodes Academy of International Law, Rhodes, Greece, 1996
  • Negotiating Skills Workshop, Government of Jamaica/CIDA, 05/01/93
  • OAS/Government of Chile Diplomatic Training, Andres Bello Diplomatic Academy, Chile, 11/01/93

Boards And Committees

  • National Technical Committee on Enhancing Trade Support Capabilities of Border Regulatory Agencies, 2019 - 2021
  • National Business Environment Working Group, 2019 - 2021
  • National Working Group on Migration and Development, 2012 - 2014
  • Planning Committee for Prime Minister’s Investment Forum, 2014
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade’s Technical Working Group on Performance Monitoring and Evaluation for the Public Sector, 2011
  • National Committee on Development of the Jamaica Coalition for the Services Industries (JCSI), 2010 - 2014
  • Trade In Services Advisory Committee – HEART Trust/National Vocational Education Training, 2010 - 2014
  • National Export Strategy Project Steering Team, 2010 - 2013
  • CARICOM Free Movement Committee (Jamaica), 2008 - 2014
  • Human Resource Advisory Board (HRAB) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, 2008 - 2014
  • Planning Committee for Shanghai 2010 Expo, 2010
  • Sugar Transformation Committee (Government and Private Sector), 2007 - 2009

Guest Lectures And Presentations

  • Jamaica’s External Relations since 1962: A Perspective, 12/01/19, Cohort of Foreign Service Officer Recruits, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
  • Trade and Investment Briefing: Promoting the Jamaican Market, 01/01/19, Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TTIC)
  • Promoting Jamaican Cuisine: Caribbean Airlines In-flight Video Programme, 2017
  • Promoting Trade, Tourism and Investment Opportunities in Jamaica: Caribbean Airlines In-flight Video Programme, 2017
  • Role and Functions of Jamaica’s Representation to Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM Member States, 04/01/15, Jamaican Diaspora, Port of Spain
  • Trade Relations between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, 06/01/17, Guest Panelist on TV6’s and CNC3 Morning Programme, Trinidad and Tobago
  • A Perspective on Negotiations and Negotiating Strategies, 10/01/11, Management Institute for National Development (MIND)
  • Overview of the CSME and Jamaica’s Implementation, 10/01/11, Training for Jamaican Immigration Officers
  • CSME, Regionalism and Institution Building, 10/01/11, UWI Department of Government
  • CSME and Labour Migration Issues with Reference to Domestic Care Workers, 09/01/11, Global Migration Forum
  • Governance and the Caribbean Community, 11/01/10, UWI Department of Government
  • CARICOM Trade Policy, 2009, UWI Department of Government
  • Jamaica’s Experience of EPA Implementation, 02/01/09, ECLAC Forum

Awards

  • Harvard Kennedy School Mason Fellow and Recipient of Harvard International Student Grant, 2012
  • WTO Fellowship, 2008
  • European Commission Fellowship, 2005
  • Rhodes Academy/University of Virginia Fellowship, 1996
  • OAS/Government of Chile Fellowship, 1993
  • Foreign and Commonwealth Office Scholar, 1991

Post Graduate Certificates

  • Certificate in Public Policy and Management, 2013, Edward S. Mason Programme in Public Policy and Management, Harvard University: John F. Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge, MA, USA, Edward S. Mason Fellow
  • Certificate, Trade Policy, 2008, World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat Institute for and Technical Cooperation (ITTC), Geneva, Switzerland
  • Diploma, WTO Law and Economics, 2006, European Programme, University of Brussels, Belgium

Timeline

Director, Sectoral Programmes, Directorate of Economic Integration, Innovation and Development (EIID)

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat
08.2021 - Current

Senior Director, Foreign Trade Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
03.2019 - 08.2021

High Commissioner for Jamaica to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and non-resident High Commissioner/Ambassador to other CARICOM Member States

Embassy of Jamaica
01.2015 - 01.2019

Head, Trade Agreements Implementation Coordination Unit, Foreign Trade Division

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
12.2008 - 12.2014

Assistant Director, Foreign Trade Department

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
05.2007 - 11.2008

Chargè d’Affaires a.i.

Embassy of Jamaica and Mission to the European Communities
12.2006 - 04.2007

Minister/Counsellor

Embassy of Jamaica
09.2002 - 12.2006

Assistant to the Director of Tourism

Jamaica Tourist Board
03.2002 - 08.2002

UN Coordination Officer

United National Development Programme (UNDP)
03.2001 - 03.2002

Counsellor, Political Affairs/Alternate Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations Security Council

Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations
12.1999 - 02.2001

Counsellor, Economic Affairs

Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations
01.1995 - 12.1999

Foreign Service Officer

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
09.1990 - 12.1994

Master of Arts Degree (M.A.) - International Relations and Strategic Studies

Lancaster University

Bachelor of Science (BSc.) - International Relations

University of the West Indies

Certificate in Public Policy and Management - undefined

Harvard University: John F. Kennedy School of Government

Certificate - Trade Policy

World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat Institute for and Technical Cooperation (ITTC)

Diploma - WTO Law and Economics

European Programme, University of Brussels

Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) -

Harvard University: John F. Kennedy School of Government

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