SENATOR Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, has announced the appointment of Kathryn Phipps as ambassador-designate to Cuba.

Phipps, who is an attorney-at-law with more than 30 years of experience in that field, will succeed Ambassador A’Dale Robinson.

A release from the ministry said yesterday that Phipps currently chairs the Medical Appeals Tribunals and is also a member of the committee to review Jamaica’s justice system. She also previously chaired the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica and the Nursing Appeal Tribunal, the release continued.

According to to the release, Phipps supports the country in a range of social development areas, including membership on the boards of the South East Regional Health Authority and the G C Foster College for Sports and Physical Education.

Minister Johnson Smith has affirmed that: “With her experience, keen interest and understanding of international law, particularly laws relating to international trade and organisations within the Caribbean region, I believe that Ms Phipps’ appointment as ambassador-designate to Cuba aligns with the Administration’s goal of wider trade linkages and stronger technical cooperation across the region.”

In 2000, Phipps was selected to participate in the US Department of States’ International Visitor Leadership Programme, the release said. She has also observed the South Dakota, Portland, Louisiana, and the District of Colombia general elections, with a focus on acknowledging and encouraging civil society participation in the electoral and democratic processes and institutions, it continued.

Phipps is expected to commence her tour of duty in Cuba in early May.