We’re sipping Rouge, with Cheryl Kay Spencer, senior director, Foreign Trade Department and also High Commissioner Designate for Jamaica to the Republic of South Africa until she presents her credentials to the President of South Africa when she’ll be Her Excellency Cheryl Kay Spencer, high commissioner for Jamaica to the Republic of South Africa.

What’s in Rouge?

It’s a combination of white rum, vodka and cranberry juice.

Why did you become a diplomat and what keeps you in it?

The truth of the matter is that I was interested in studying law. A group of us who were friends, some since high school, applied to go into the faculty of law at UWI. They were accepted and I was not. And so I transferred to the Social Sciences Faculty and majored in International Relations. I have come to realise that it was God’s choice. I was observing the career week on campus and decided to apply to the public service, not specifically to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, but with the hope that I could utilise what I studied. It was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade that first granted me an interview. And the rest is history. Now I advocate, I negotiate, I counsel, I represent and I defend. What keeps me in it is my love for my country and my people, the continuous training and exposure which the job provides and the tangible results that emanate from what we do, although underestimated and under-reported.

What has prepared you for the role of High Commissioner-designate to South Africa?

It is a combination of things. In particular, my training both academically and on the job, as well as the roles that I have been required to fill both at home and abroad. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to serve in progressively responsible positions over a number of years.

Will South Africa be more of a challenge for a Jamaican diplomat in light of Mandela’s death?

No, I do not think so. South Africa and Jamaica share a very special and close relationship and both sides recognise and nurture this. We are also already intertwined through a number of initiatives and the various agreements signed between South Africa and Jamaica.

Tenure and obvious qualifications aside, what is Cheryl Spencer bringing to the table for Jamaica in South Africa?

The best way that I can put this is that I am bringing to the table all that I am. My experience and my ability to provide strong leadership are assets. The Ministry has taught me the value of being professional and committed to the tasks to which I am assigned. In this case it will be to carry out my duties in support of Jamaica and the Jamaican people. I am also results-oriented and I have faith in my ability to get things done and to find creative solutions to challenges. This will not be a new experience for me although a new country and so, for South Africa, I know I learn quickly, I connect to people fairly easily. Last, but certainly not the least, I bring my faith in God. I believe that he will supply the tools and he is certainly responsible for the outcome.

How would you describe your personal style?

I believe that I am fashionable but not a fashionista. I try to remain current. I have my own special look and I especially love pantsuits, dresses and skirts. As a foreign service officer I also automatically have a range – for work, cocktails, formals, etc. I ensure that I invest in timeless pieces and separates and I love beautiful accessories, shoes and handbags. In addition, I travel a lot for work which requires that I set aside specific pieces for just travel.

Heels or flats?

I wear mostly heels although I love my sandals on the weekend.

Jeans or an LBD?

I would say a dress, but not necessarily black. I love bright colours.

Who does your hair?

Kimberly Harriot at Beauty Quest on Burlington Avenue.

And your nails?

Tamara Louis and Alicia Orr, also at Beauty Quest.

How are your wardrobe plans coming along for South Africa?

They are coming along nicely. I am doing a combination of ready-to-wear and bespoke tailoring. Louise Graham, who I describe as my wardrobe consultant, is working hard to ensure that I leave Jamaica well-prepared and with some of the more critical pieces, including the dress for my presentation of credentials to the South African president. For shoes and handbags, I acquired a number of different styles and colours while I was in Toronto during the summer.

What do you look forward to doing once settled in South Africa?

Deepening relations with the host country and the host Government and expanding the room for business development between the Jamaican private sector and their counterparts in South Africa. As trade is close to my heart, I will continue efforts to seek further market penetration for Jamaica, particularly in the area of niche products. I will also be engaging with the diaspora, not only in South Africa but in the region, working with them to strengthen their interaction with Jamaica.

Which female leaders do you most admire and why?

The Most Hon Portia Simpson Miller – Jamaica

I have admired the resilience of our own prime minister, The Most Hon Portia Simpson Miller. I am particularly impressed with her ability to simultaneously manage her duties as a prime minister, member of parliament and party president. She has been able to sustain the accomplishments made from decades of hard work and dedication which propelled her ascension to Jamaica’s highest political office. I am also of the view that she is very charismatic, not to mention her vibrancy and vitality.

President Helen Johnson Sirleaf – Republic of Liberia

Being the first elected female head of state in Africa is a remarkable feat. She continuously worked hard to end the protracted civil war in Liberia and her election to the presidency coincided with an improvement in the state of affairs of that country, and ultimately, the lives of Liberians. Her tactical approach, in addressing the Ebola outbreak, is quite outstanding. I cannot imagine, as a woman, being at the helm of a country which is being ravaged by an epidemic which has such high mortality rates.

Chancellor Angela Merkel – Federal Republic of Germany

When I think about Chancellor Merkel, I think of her as the ‘brick of Europe’. She competently manages Europe’s largest economy, which is the fourth largest in the world. Her timely intervention in the eurozone crisis during the recent global recession is but one fine example of her professional attributes. Resilience also comes to mind when I think of her.

Julia Gillard – Australia

I enjoyed watching Julia Gillard while she was prime minister of Australia. Amid attempts to relieve her of leadership duties, she stood her ground. He positions on contentious issues were not easily altered by intimidation. This does not mean that she was not amenable to advice. However, she stood on principle.

Finally, what’s your advice to a final-year student at UWI contemplating a career in diplomacy?

I would advise him or her to embrace it. It is a very rewarding career, and one which I regard as a long-term investment. That is, one must be prepared to make sacrifices as the reward does not necessarily come immediately. Importantly, the ability to speak another language is an asset and so I recommend that that he/she acquires a foreign language.

Handbag essentials

Two cellphones (work and personal)

Reading glasses

Business cards

MAC compact

Hand cream

Notebook

Small purse