The energetic Ecuadorian
Published: Sunday | March 22, 2009
Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
Clelia Barreto de Hunter, consul of Ecuador, shows her usual fiery self in this hat with lit candles at last year's Hats On to Easter event.
Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Welcome to our new series, Job Description. We will take you into the offices of foreign diplomats who represent their countries' interests here for an in-depth look at their day-to-day functions. So debunk the myth that they are only here to throw and attend cocktails and other socials and take the tour of duty into our diplomats' nine to five.
Clelia Barreto de Hunter was appointed consul in 1987, and Jamaica is the only country she's served so far.
The energetic Ecuadorian has had a career in the media (one of her homeland's leading radio stations still airs her poems during a weekly segment) and is somewhat of a globe-trotter. Full of life and always up for a little conversation, Outlook quizzed her about her tenure and diplomatic duties.
First thing that crossed our minds, how come she's been here this long?
"Consuls have a long tenure even though they are appointed just the same (as high commissioners or ambassadors). They are not political appointees, but the government may want to change them for whatever reason,," she explains.
Her duties - mainly to communicate effectively with the government of Jamaica, liaise with the host country's ministry, with pertinent authorities and officials, the private sector and the people. "If you are representative to a country, the people should be aware that you are serving. The interaction of the people is important."
Duties
"Consuls also issue passports and travel documents to nationals and visas and/or other appropriate documents to persons wanting to visit Ecuador. On the business side of it, I also have to legalise documents for individuals or companies that need to do business in Ecuador. And it's not only for Jamaicans; it's for any companies that have business in Jamaica," she explains.
"But the most important (task), is protecting the interest of Ecuador and its nationals; both individuals and corporate bodies," she says. She feels that a consulate is the only body that can truly look after the nationals. But she quickly points out this has to be done within the limits and laws of the receiving state, in this case, Jamaica.
But Hunter's contribution goes beyond her duties.
"I am involved with the Jamaican people. I feel like I belong and the people have made me feel very good." She works with non-partisan groups including the Powerful Men and Women Perform For Charity.
"I am proud that I can be a part of that so we can raise money for the Mustard Seed Communities. We just enjoy the camaraderie. None of us are professionals so even if we make fools of ourselves, it is for a good cause," she laughs.
As a consul, she cannot interfere in the politics of the nation in which she is posted though. That means no participation in political debates or discussions that concern the country's political situation.
On her achievements, "As consul, I think I have put the flag of my country very high." She has served as dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica and represented the local corps at the world congress of the World Federation of Consuls (FICAC). She was given FICAC's Medal of Honour and an award from the local corps for her services.
We asked her about any embarrassing moment while on duty, but for somebody who is comfortable laughing at herself, she can't find one. She says if she were delinquent in her duties, that's a different matter.
"That can reflect on the dignity of the person and the country and the dignity is the most important thing," she says.
Parting shots
She thinks that she must be doing something right to be posted here this long, always looking to maintain the level of professionalism.
"Ecuador has trust in me and I don't want to disappoint them or betray them."
Interesting facts about Ecuador