Political

Political Section

Trinidad and Tobago is an important player in the Caribbean and, more broadly, in the hemisphere, ensuring our political interaction with it remains vibrant.  The next Summit of the Americas, a major hemispheric event, will take place in Port of Spain in 2009.

The Political Section shares information on U.S. policy with the government of Trinidad and Tobago, and consults and cooperates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries and government entities on items of mutual interest and concern. 

John Cushing
Mr. Cushing is the Chief of the Political Section.  His duties include explaining U.S. policy to government officials and others, and facilitating mutual understanding and cooperation between the governments of Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.  Mr. Cushing has been in Port of Spain since June of 2007.  He has previously served in Benin, Korea, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, the Netherlands, and the Dominican Republic.

James Kuebler
Mr. Kuebler joined the Political Section in July of 2007.  He coordinates the planning and activities of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) program, chairs the Embassy’s Law Enforcement Working Group, and prepares various annual reports, including the Human Rights and Trafficking in Persons Report.  Port of Spain is his first assignment.

Debra A. Coryat
Ms. Coryat is the Political Assistant of the Political Section. Her duties include monitoring and preparing reports and summaries of political, labor and international meetings, conferences, rallies, election meetings and human rights issues. Ms. Coryat also advises Political officers and other Embassy officials on legal issues. Ms. Coryat is an Attorney at Law and was previously employed with the Office of the President of Trinidad and Tobago.