NEW YORK, NY, October 31, 2007: Margaret Hughes-Ferrari, who served as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' Permanent Representative to the United Nations for the past six years, demitted office today. Mrs. Hughes-Ferrari will be succeeded by Camillo M. Gonsalves.

Ambassador Hughes-Ferrari's tenure as Permanent Representative was marked by an increase in the visibility and respect for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in diplomatic circles. At the United Nations, she was most well-known for her stewardship of the Special Committee of 24 on Decolonization; her outspoken influence within CARICOM; and her principled and passionate defense of Taiwan and its right to be a part of the United Nations.

Ambassador Hughes-Ferrari was feted at numerous events held by her diplomatic colleagues in recognition of her years of outstanding service to her country at the United Nations. In addition to a number of private events with individual friends in the diplomatic corps, Ambassador Hughes-Ferrari was the guest of honour at gala events hosted by CARICOM and the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom. Her own staff at the Mission also held a teary farewell to the Ambassador.

Mrs. Hughes-Ferrari was one of the first diplomatic appointments made by the ULP government when it came to power in May, 2001. She left her successful law practice and took up office on September 10, 2001 -- one day before the infamous 9/11 bombings in New York City. As Ambassador, she was at the forefront of shaping and implementing foreign policy in the tricky and uncharted waters of the post 9/11 world.

Although it is the policy of the Government that ambassadors serve no more than four years in any single overseas assignment, Ambassador Hughes-Ferrari remained in her post for a full six years. Her extended tour of duty is testament to the invaluable work she performed at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Mission.