Public Affairs Information

Public Affairs Section

United States Embassy
7-9 Marli Street
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago
Tel: (868) 822-5585
Fax: (868) 822-5574

The Public Affairs Section was formerly called the United States Information Service (USIS), the overseas office of the former independent executive branch federal agency, the United States Information Agency (USIA). USIA was merged with the U.S. Department of State by presidential proclamation and the merger became effective on October 1, 1999.

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) is responsible for all media, press, educational and cultural exchanges, speaker programs and other public issues in support of the Embassy’s Mission Goals and Mission Program Plans. PAS also provides Washington with Media Reaction Reports via email and cable on issues of importance to Washington policy makers.

PAS facilitates all Fulbright Exchange Programs (over 10 different types including one unique to the Western Hemisphere, the “Fulbright 2000 Program”). PAS also facilitates all International Visitor Programs and U.S. Speaker/Specialists for a myriad of local contacts, in support of the Mission Program Plans.

PAS also includes the Information Resource Center (IRC). The IRC disseminates daily articles of interest from the Washington File (a free “wire service” emanating from Washington), electronically and via hard copy to Embassy staff and close to 400 Embassy contacts outside of the Embassy.

In addition, the IRC has access to the latest databases such as LEXIS/NEXIS, FACTIVA and others and conducts research daily for Embassy staff and local contacts including Government of Trinidad and Tobago Ministers and Permanent Secretaries.

The IRC is open to the general public for research purposes from 1:00-4:00pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and also offers educational counseling for locals wanting to study in the United States.

On Monday, May 12, 2005 the United States Embassy opened its “Education Corner” at the National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) in Port of Spain.

The Education Corner serves as an extension of the educational services currently available at the IRC and was established at this centralized location to allow members of the public easy access to information on educational opportunities in the United States.

The Education Corner is accessible during NALIS’ opening hours, and the Embassy’s Educational Advisor is available for individual consultation on the first Monday of every month from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. The Education Corner is located on the first floor of the library in the adult section.

The Audio-Visual Technician maintains and operates all equipment such as audio and video machines, sound systems, PowerPoint presentations with projector, and Digital Video Conferencing (DVC). On a daily basis he monitors incoming feeds from WORLDNET, the Voice Of America, and the American Embassy Television Network (AETN) for copying and distribution to local radio and television stations that regularly carry our programs. The technician also monitors local radio and TV for content on USG policies and programs.

The Public Affairs Section is managed by one American Officer, referred to as the Public Affairs Officer (PAO), and six Locally Employed Staff (LES).

Public Affairs Section Chief: Michelle L. Jones
Tel: (868) 822-5559
Fax: (868) 822-5574
E-mail: joneseml@state.gov

Dr. Jones, Public Affairs Officer, oversees PAS activities. A former Fulbright scholar and college professor, she previously served in Warsaw, Poland and Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Public Affairs Specialist: Alice Borrell
Tel: (868) 822-5567
Fax: (868) 822-5574
E-mail: borrellaw@state.gov

Ms. Borrell is the embassy’s first line of contact with the local media. She monitors the local news in order to track media trends for reporting purposes. She assists the PAO in arranging press releases and administers the Embassy Speakers’ Bureau.

Cultural Affairs Specialist: Jacqui Gregoire
Tel: (868) 822-5561
Fax: (868) 822-5574
E-mail: gregoirej@state.gov

Ms. Gregoire manages the Fulbright Academic Exchange Program in Trinidad and Tobago. She also serves as a Liaison Officer on the Executive Committee of the Fulbright Alumni Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

Cultural Affairs Assistant: Louise-Ann Francis-Ottley
Tel: (868) 822-5585
Fax: (868) 822-5994
E-mail: ottleyla@state.gov

Ms. Francis-Ottley administers the International Visitor Leadership Program. She is also the Office Management Specialist for the Public Affairs Section.

Information Resource Center Director: Radhika Gobin
Tel: (868) 822-5576
Fax: (868) 822-5574
E-mail: gobinr@state.gov

Ms. Gobin is responsible for research, reference and outreach services conducted by the Information Resource Center. She reviews information resources regularly and tailors distribution to selective audiences. She also maintains contact and follows developments with the American Corner in Tobago.

Program Assistant/Educational Adviser: Joy L. Sandza
Tel:  (868) 822-5563
Fax: (868) 822-5574
E-mail: sandzajl@state.gov

Ms. Sandza performs all tasks in the Information Resource Center as assistant to the Director. She serves as educational adviser with the IRC Director to local students pursuing educational opportunities in the United States, and is also responsible for the maintenance of Post’s public website.

Audio-Visual Technician: Tyrone Thomas
Tel: (868) 822-5580
Fax: (868) 822-5574
E-mail: thomastj@state.gov

Mr. Thomas provides audio-visual/multi-media and technical support for all sections of the Embassy. He records and monitors local news daily for the Public Affairs Section. Mr. Thomas also performs duties as photographer for all sections at official functions.