Dear Editor,
I read in the papers and on social media that one Virjanand Depoo was appointed as Ambassador Designate to Suriname. This name was unheard of before the announcement last week. He is not exactly known in the country as compared with some others, like Raj Singh, Charandass Persaud, Sam Hinds, Zulfi Ally, among others, who received political appointments. Who is Virjanand Depoo? What has he done to deserve this appointment? Why not a career service person for the position?
Usually, Ambassadors (career foreign service and political appointees) are known political figures who distinguished themselves in some area or climbed up the diplomatic ladder after years of service based on seniority.
Diplomats generally have some expertise in the field of international relations – foreign relations, diplomacy, border conflict, international business, etc. — and are rewarded with promotions up the bureaucracy.
I never heard of Virjanand Depoo. Political appointees are rewarded with Ambassadorial posts for performing some useful, critical service to or fundraise for the party in government. One will be curious what Depoo did for the ruling party to be rewarded with such a posting. Does he have a background in foreign relations? I am told he is a teacher in New York City. Does that provide him with the training and expertise for the position?
Yours truly,
William Haynes
