I AM A BARBADIAN residing in Britain and have been involved in the field of international politics and trade for many years. I recently returned from a professional trip to Geneva, Switzerland, and in particular at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and I was struck by how high a regard Barbados is held in that esteemed organisation.

I was particularly impressed by a young gentleman at the embassy named Mr Matthew Wilson who has a positive reputation at the WTO that is worthy of an individual three times his age and experience.

This young man is just over 30 years of age and is overseeing and chairing committees and meetings at that organisation with delegations of over 150 countries.

He speaks on behalf of Barbados and the Caribbean in a group called the Small Economies, and only recently was specifically mentioned by the director general of the WTO for the work he is carrying out in an area of the negotiations called the facilitation of trade.

Everyone I have interacted with has spoken with genuine support and praise for this young man.

I understand that the Government of Barbados may be losing this young talent to the same WTO and it is a pity that in the days when I constantly read negative comments in the Press about young men in Barbados, that we have at our door step a sterling example of a Barbadian representing Barbados in the most exemplary fashion.

One of my pet causes is the support of our youth and providing guidance to Barbadian young men and women as they make their way into this world.

I believe that Mr Wilson is an admirable example.

- HENRY LODGE

Britain