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A speech by the Honourable Stephen Smith MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs, delivered to the Sydney Institute on 19 August 2008 entitled: "A New Era of Engagement with the World". The speech provided a comprehensive overview of Australia's global engagement in the multilateral system.

http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/speeches/2008/080819_si.html

Australian High Commissioner Hosted Reception in Honour of
World Youth Day 2008

On 1 July 2008 Australian High Commissioner, Mr Philip Kentwell, hosted a reception in honour of World Youth Day 2008 (WYD 2008) at his residence. Guests of honour were the Trinidad and Tobago WYD 2008 delegates who left for Sydney on 3 July to participate in WYD 2008. Organised by the Catholic Church, World Youth Day was the largest international event planned for Australia in 2008. WYD 2008, held from 15-20 July 2008, also marked the first visit of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Australia.

In his address to guests, Mr Kentwell advised that Australia was culturally rich and had a wealth of experience to offer travellers. He urged the young people to take the time to enjoy their interactions with Australia and the WYD activities, some of which will be documented on film for broadcasting later to the wider Caribbean region.

World Youth Day pilgrims from Trinidad and Tobago and their chaperons pose for a group photograph with Australian High Commissioner

From left Sr Kathleen Joseph (Episcopal Delegate for Youth, Port of Spain), explains the youths’ expectations for World Youth Day 2008 to Mr Matthew Neuhaus (Director, Political Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat) and Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner)

From left Ms Stephanie Lewis (Permanent Secretary on assignment to Chief Personnel Officer) Ms Sandra Marchack (Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister and Head of the Public Service of Trinidad and Tobago) in discussion with Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner).

Trinidad and Tobago pilgrims singing the World Youth Day 2008 theme song.

 

From left parents, Mr Mario Mootoo, Mrs Hazel Spooner-Williams, and Mrs Therese Ragoonanan, in discussion.

Left, Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner) welcomes Dr Cuthbert Joseph (Ambassador Extraordinaire and Plenipotentiary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Trinidad and Tobago) 

 

Reception Hosted in Barbados for Australian Cricket Team

On 5 June 2008 Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, and his wife, Dorothy, hosted a reception for the Australian Cricket Team in Barbados. The reception was attended by several Barbados Government Ministers, representatives of the Barbados business community, members of the Australian Cricket Team, and other prominent community figures.

During brief formal proceedings the Austrade Trade Commissioner, Garry Kennedy, the Australian High Commissioner H.E. Mr Kentwell, and Barbados’ Minister for Family, Youth Affairs, Sport and the Environment, the Honourable Esther Byer-Suckoo, addressed guests. Speeches reflected the mutual view that the longstanding, warm and cooperative friendship shared by Australia and Barbados continued to grow through bilateral consultation, increasing commercial links, cooperation on international issues, and people to people exchanges including through sporting links.

In closing remarks, Mr Ricky Ponting (Captain of the Australia Cricket Team) recalled the warmth of the Team’s experiences in Barbados during the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

Mr Creagh O’Conner (Chairman of Cricket Australia) is introduced to Mrs Dorothy Kentwell (wife of Australian High Commissioner). Looking on are Australian High Commissioner Philip Kentwell (centre) and Austrade Trade Commissioner Garry Kennedy.

Sir Ronald Sanders KCMG (second from left) and members of the Australian Cricket contingent.

From left: The Honourable Michael Lashley (Minister of Housing and Lands, Barbados) and the Honourable E. George Hutson MP (Minister of Trade, Industry and Commerce, Barbados)

From left: H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner) and the Honourable Esther Byer-Suckoo (Minister for Sport and Youth Affairs, Barbados) listen to Mr Ricky Ponting (Captain, Australian Cricket Team) as he addresses guests.

From left: The Honourable Esther Byer-Suckoo (Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport, Barbados) in discussion with H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner).

Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard Cadet Officers
call on Australian High Commissioner



 

From right: Australian High Commissioner, Mr Philip Kentwell, TTCG cadet officers
Marvin Sylvester and Jaredd Johnetty, and Sub Lieutenant Zin Mark King

Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard cadet officers Marvin Sylvester and Jaredd Johnetty, accompanied by senior officer, Sub Lieutenant Zin Mark King, paid a courtesy call on Australian High Commissioner, Mr Philip Kentwell, on 26 May 2008, before departing for Australia to begin training at Australia’s Defence International Training Centre. Messrs Sylvester and Johnetty are the first Trinidad and Tobago military personnel to undergo military training in Australia.

Australian Sport Outreach Program (ASOP) 2008
Grant for Cricket Coaching Program in the Caribbean

The Australian High Commission in Port of Spain hosted an event on 9 May 2008 to announce an Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP) grant to the Sports and Leisure Academy of the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). The grant brought to Port of Spain two internationally respected cricket coaches from Australia, Darren Holder and Mike Young, to conduct an intensive ten day clinic which focussed on fielding from 4-13 June 2008. Cricket sport scholarship holders, selected on merit from across the Caribbean attending the Sports and Leisure Academy, and regional cricket coaches were invited to participate in the program. In addition, two special cricket clinics were also conducted by the Australian coaches for secondary and primary level school children.

 
From left: Mr Brian Lara (Adviser, UTT), Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner) and Professor Ken Julien (President, UTT) with cricket scholarship holders from the University of Trinidad and Tobago



 
Mr Marlon Richards, students’ spoke-person from Guyana addresses guests



From left: Mr Eddie Hart (Adviser, UTT), Mr Tony Gray (Coach, UTT) and Mr Larry Gomes (Coach, UTT).



From left: Mr Dinanath Ramnarine (Adviser, UTT), Mr Peter Inglefield (Executive member, Queen’s Park Cricket Club) and Mr Bruce Aanansen (President (Queen’s Park Cricket Club) in discussion.

Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, presented his Letter of Introduction to the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr Denzil L Douglas MP JP.
20 February 2008

Pictured above are Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, and the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr Denzil L Douglas MP JP, in conversation at the Prime Minister’s office.

On 20 February 2008, H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, called on the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr Denzil L Douglas MP JP, and presented his Letter of Introduction as Australia’s non-resident High Commissioner to St Kitts and Nevis. Australia and St Kitts and Nevis share warm and friendly relations underpinned by shared membership of the Commonwealth and other key multilateral institutions, and sporting endeavours, especially cricket. The Australian Cricket Team is expected to visit St Kitts and Nevis in early July 2008 to play two one day international cricket matches.

 

Self-Employment Skills Training in St Kitts and Nevis
Discretionary Aid Program Grant
20 February 2008

Australian High Commissioner Philip Kentwell (centre) with a group of carpentry students of the Conaree Business Centre for Young Men and Ms Jacqueline Christopher, Community Development Officer of the St Kitts and Nevis Ministry of Social Development (far right) at the AVEC School in Basseterre, St Kitts.

On a recent visit to St Kitts and Nevis, Australian High Commissioner, Mr Philip Kentwell, met with carpentry and auto-mechanic students of the Conaree Business Centre for Young Men and dressmaking students of the Conaree Self-Employment Group, to observe developments following the grant in 2007-08 of financial assistance though the Australian Government’s Discretionary Aid Program (DAP).

At various locations across St Kitts and Nevis, the organisations offer young persons the opportunity to train in barbering, landscaping, carpentry, mechanics/welding, air conditioning, refrigeration, fashion designing and sewing.

 

Australia re-enforces ties with Trinidad and Tobago
11 January 2008

 

 

The Honourable Patrick Manning MP, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, greets His Excellency Mr Philip Kentwell (left), Australia’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. (Photograph courtesy the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago)

On 11 January 2008, Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Patrick Manning MP, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Australia and Trinidad and Tobago share warm and friendly relations with growing people to people linkages, particularly in the areas of sport and education, in the maritime sector, and through increasing trade.

 

Australian High Commissioner called on
Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister for Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources
4 January 2008 

 

H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, Australian High Commissioner (left) and Senator the Honourable Arnold Piggott, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister or Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources. (Photo courtesy the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources of Trinidad and Tobago)

Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Agriculture, Land and Marine Resources of Trinidad and Tobago, Senator the Honourable Arnold Piggott, on 4 January 2008. Among the topics discussed was the potential for collaboration in agriculture. Similarities between Australia and Trinidad and Tobago such as climate and a shared history of sugarcane cultivation offer common ground for collaboration in areas such as crop diversification.

Agriculture is an important part of the Australian economy. As a major global and competitive net agricultural exporter, it has invested substantial effort in agricultural research and development.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TRAINING IN TRINIDAD
Discretionary Aid Program (DAP) Grant (31 January 2008)

The Australian High Commissioner donated $TT 34,248.00 to the Special Education Foundation in Trinidad recently. The grant was given to assist the Foundation to conduct training programs for teachers in special education throughout Trinidad and Tobago.

Teachers and voluntary workers learn to diagnose and clinically use different therapy methods in managing children who are intellectually challenged or have learning disabilities such as Dygraphia, Dyscalcula and Dyslexia.

From right: Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner) listens to Ms Camille Wilson, teacher at the Lady Hochoy Home, as she explains the benefits of special education training.

The Australian High Commissioner (left) spends time with two intellectually challenged children who are reportedly much improved in their ability to learn and communicate with others. Ms Magdalene Le Gendre, another teacher at the home assists with this interaction.

 

Mr Philip Kentwell,Australian High Commissioner, with Mr Chester Lakatoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Special Child Foundation (back row), teachers Ms Camille Wilson and Ms Magdalene Le Gendre (middle row) and some students of the Lady Hochoy Home

 

Reception in honour of Australia Day

On 25 January 2008, Australian High Commissioner, Mr Philip Kentwell, hosted a reception in honour of Australia Day at his official residence. The reception was attended by Trinidad and Tobago government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, business and sport communities. Both Mr Kentwell and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Mrs Paula Gopee-Scoon, addressed guests and toasted the warm ties and growing linkages between the two countries.

In his speech, Mr Kentwell drew attention to historic and geographic similarities, sporting links and the growing economic ties betweenAustralia and Trinidad and Tobago. He noted the warmth of the relationship was underpinned by people-to-people links in the areas of sport, academia, the maritime sector, and trade.

Mrs Gopee-Scoon remarked on Australia’s contributions to the international community in modern science and as a beacon of democracy. She also acknowledged the warm relationship between both nations and drew attention to the growing Australian community in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister for Foreign Affairs, speaks with H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, Australian High Commissioner.

From right:The Honourable Mrs Paula Gopee-Scoon ( Minister of Foreign Affairs), Professor Ken Julien (Chairman of the University of Trinidad and Tobago), and Mrs Patricia Julien ( wife of Professor Ken Julien).

From right: Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner), Mrs Patricia Butcher and her husband, Mr Ken Butcher (Sports Coordinator of the Academy of Sports and Leisure of the University of Trinidad and Tobago), in conversation.

Former Captain of the West Indies Cricket Team, Mr Brian Lara (right), discusses his forthcoming visit to Australia with Mr Philip Kentwell, Australian High Commissioner. 

  

Australian High Commissioner Hosted Reception for Trinidad and Tobago’s National Netball Team – The Calypso Girls 
 

Australian High Commissioner, Mr Philip Kentwell, and his wife, Mrs Dorothy Kentwell, hosted a reception in honour of the Trinidad and Tobago National Netball Team (the Calypso Girls) on 26 October 2007, at their residence. The Calypso Girls departed Trinidad on 27 October for the 12th World Netball Championship and played four warm-up matches in Australia before moving on to play in the Championships.

The Trinidad and Tobago National Netball Team has been assisted by Ms Sharon Finan as technical advisor over several months in 2007. Ms Finan was formerly a member of Australia’s National Netball Team (1989-2001).

Above: Australian High Commissioner, Mr Philip Kentwell, raising a toast to the success of the Calypso Girls and greater people-to-people linkages between Australia and Trinidad and Tobago.

Above centre: Australian High Commissioner, Mr Philip Kentwell, greets the Calypso Girls.

Above from left: Ms Sharon Finan (Technical Advisor of the Calypso Girls), Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner), Mr Mark Mungal (Regional Coordinator, Australian Sport Outreach Programme), the Honourable Mr Roger Boynes (Minister for Sport and Youth Affairs) and Brigadier General Edmund Dillon (Chief of Defence Force Staff, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force).

From left: Mrs Dorothy Kentwell (wife of Australian High Commissioner) exchanges ideas with Mrs Austrid Roachford (President, Trinidad and Tobago Netball Association).

From left: Ms Sharon Finan (Technical Advisor to the Calypso Girls) talks to Mr Philip Kentwell (Australian High Commissioner) of her experience in Trinidad and of working with the Calypso Girls.

Australia’s Austrade Trade Commissioner for Central America and the Caribbean and Visited Trinidad

Australian High Commissioner to Port of Spain, Mr Philip Kentwell, and his wife, Mrs Dorothy Kentwell, hosted a reception on 24 October 2007 in honour of the visit to Trinidad by Mr Garry Kennedy, Australia’s Trade Commissioner for Central America and the Caribbean. Business leaders and representatives of organisations with Australian trade interests attended the reception which was held at the High Commissioner’s official residence.

Mr Kennedy, recently appointed Austrade Trade Commissioner for Central America and the Caribbean based in Mexico City, paid a brief familiarisation visit to Trinidad where he met with business leaders and toured the energy sector.

From left: Mr Nicholas Galt (CEO, Trinidad Systems Limited) exchanges business cards with Mr Garry Kennedy (Trade Commissioner)

The Australian Government Contributes to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Appeal for Victims of Hurricane Dean 

The Australian Government has provided AUD$550,000 to the appeal launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to assist countries affected by Hurricane Dean. The Australian Government contribution will be used to support relief and recovery efforts and stores replenishment in Dominica, Jamaica, Belize and St Lucia.

 

 

Pictured above is, Australian High Commissioner, Mr Philip Kentwell (left), presenting to Mrs Tanya Wood, Co-ordinator of the (IFRC) Sub-regional Office, a letter confirming the Australian Government contribution. 

 

 

  

HIGH COMMISSIONER TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Mr Philip Kentwell is Australia’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. He also holds non-resident accreditation to 13 other Caribbean countries.

Mr Kentwell presented his Letters of Credentials to His Excellency President Richards on Friday 27 July 2007.

He is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and has served overseas twice in Tokyo, most recently as Minister-Counsellor and Consul-General. He has served previously in Phnom Penh, Amman, Honiara, Bangkok and Baghdad.

In Canberra, Mr Kentwell’s placements have included Director, Administration and Logistics Unit of the Department’s APEC 2007 Task Force. He also worked in the Corporate Management Division and served as Director, Finance Services and Finance Management Section.

Mr Kentwell is a graduate of the Canadian Academy in Kobe, Japan and also attended Sophia University, Tokyo and the University of Newcastle, New South Wales.

 

 Australian High Commissioner Present Credentials to Trinidad and Tobago's President

H.E. Professor George Maxwell Richards (left), President of Trinidad and Tobago, accepts the Letters of Credence from H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, Australian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago.

On 27 July 2007 Australian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, H.E. Mr Philip Charles Kentwell, presented Letters of Credence to Trinidad and Tobago's President, H.E. Professor George Maxwell Richards, at President House, Port of Spain.

Mr Kentwell is the second resident Australian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago.  Mr Kentwell attended the Canadian Academy and Sophia University in Japan, and the University of Newcastle, Australia. He joined Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs, Canberra in 1974 and has since worked in various capacities both in Canberra and at several of its foreign missions including Tokyo, Phnom Penh, Amman, Honiara, Bangkok and Baghdad.

During his term as Australian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Mr Kentwell intends to forge increased people to people linkages and foster improved trade and investment flows building on the strong common interests shared by Trinidad and Tobago and Australia.

Mr Kentwell is accompanied to Trinidad and Tobago by his spouse Dorothy. 
 

Senator the Honourable Arnold Piggott, Trinidad and Tobago's Former Minister for Foreign Affairs (left), and H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, Australian High Commissioner.

 

 

H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell, Australian High Commissioner (centre) introduces Mr Anthony Feeney, First Secretary and Consul of the Australian High Commission (left), to Senator the Honourable Arnold Piggot , Trinidad and Tobago's Former Minister for Foreign Affairs (right).

 

H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell (left) made a courtesy call on Mrs Edwina Leacock, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Trinidad and Tobago before presenting Letters of Credence.