When Gerard Latulippe bade farewell as Canadian High Commissioner to T&T on August 10, he took with him fond memories of our country’s food, people and culture.
Latulippe would also leave our shores proud, fulfilled and satisfied, knowing that he has strengthened bilateral relations between Canada and T&T in the areas of trade, education, security, justice, culture and health.
In his final interview at his St Clair office days before leaving, a smiling Latulippe confessed that he regretted not coming to T&T sooner.
From the moment Latulippe set foot in Trinidad in January 2013, the 72-year-old became captivated by our national instrument the steelpan. He had a weakness for the Indian delicacy doubles. And he was always drawn to the Lopinot’s Historical Complex to relax. But above all he could not believe the warmth of our people.
“I just fell in love with your people who were so embracing and welcoming. I have made many new friends and will take back fond and enjoyable memories we shared. My stay was worthwhile and rewarding,” Latulippe said. Latulippe described T&T in three words “happiness in life.”
Reflecting on his term in office, Latulippe said while the country had seen political and economic changes, the one constant that has always been enduring and ever-growing was the relationship between Canada and T&T which was built upon strong people.
Having heard about the country’s spiralling crime rate, Latulippe said he did not let that worry him when he was asked to serve.
“Before I arrived crime was an issue and it is still an issue. But it is a complex issue. I worked in Iraq, Libya and in the Congo in Africa so I was not dissuaded by what I read or heard,” he admitted. He said solving crime needed the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies and communities.
In his first two years as commissioner, Latulippe said through the Canadian government, T&T benefited in many areas and vice versa. Both countries have been tackling head-on issues of child marriages, domestic violence, entrenching the rule of law and combatting the scourge of crime.
“In the security sector, Canada provides cooperation and assistance in the form of training and capacity building in fields such as law enforcement, border services and the military to deal with issues such as drugs, organised crime, health pandemics and natural disasters.”
But more importantly, Latulippe said, both nations have strengthened and deepened bilateral ties. He said Canada’s investments are concentrated in the petrochemical, oil, gas and financial sectors.
In addition, Latulippe said, Canada has been lending support to T&T in the areas of good governance, transparency, whistleblower and procurement legislations, campaign finance reform and a corruption free society.
“We have also been funding developmental programmes for Caricom countries through a Canadian $600 million grant, which was established in 2007.
“I have worked tirelessly to make sure that Trinidad and Tobago is a shared partner in this programme.”
On the flip side, Latulippe said many of T&T’s high school students continue to make Canada their country of choice to pursue their tertiary education. Every year, the High Commission in Port-of-Spain issues approximately 250 to 350 study permits to citizens of T&T.
After settling in the job, Latulippe said the first thing he fought for was to have the Canada Fund for Local Initiative programme, which had been stopped, reinstated.
“This permitted us to form non-governmental organisations on matters such as child marriages, advancement of women, at-risk youth, citizen security and LGBT rights,” said Latulippe, who was named president of the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development in Montreal.
He said Canada's long-term goal in the Caribbean region was to help build a more prosperous and integrated Caribbean community, one that can generate sustainable economic growth, and eventually provide opportunity and security to its citizens.
In calling for the revenue of oil and gas to become more transparent, Latulippe felt that the People’s National Movement was serious about addressing corruption and ensuring transparency.
“I am satisfied with the way they have been dealing with whistleblower protection, campaign financing reform and procurement legislation. When you have dirty money in politics it ends up to be corruption within the Government. You cannot address corruption without first taking measures.”
Smitten by our country, Latulippe said the first thing he gravitated towards was the steelpan. In his spare time he frequented Silver Stars Steel Orchestra panyard in Port-of-Spain, where he listened to the different notes on the tenor and bass.
“The steel pan is such a wonderful and amazing instrument. It has always captured my attention and heart.”
Latulippe said what also shocked him was how citizens joyously celebrated one another’s religion.
“I am amazed how different religions can live in harmony. I saw Christians celebrated Eid and Hindus celebrated Christmas. Even the Muslims celebrate Divali. It showed that despite people’s religious beliefs you still live in peace and togetherness with one another,” he said.
Having accomplished his mission, Latulippe said he feels a sense of gratification, knowing T&T is where he would make his exit from the workforce.
“When I leave Trinidad I will be retiring. It’s time to spend time with my wife Odette, children and grandchildren. I also want to finish writing my book and dabble in some poetry.”
Reflecting on T&T’s diverse cuisine, Latulippe said of all the foods he had savoured, Indian was his favourite, especially doubles and roti.
“Some of the meals I ate I can’t even remember the names. But the taste I will never forget.”
Latulippe refused to name his successor.