Ambassador Christopher Thomas
Ambassador Christopher Thomas, a citizen of Trinidad & Tobago, obtained his primary and secondary education at St. Agnes’ EC School (1942-1949), Tranquillity Boys’ Intermediate School (1950-1953), Fatima College (1954-1955) and St. Mary’s College (1956-1957).
Ambassador Thomas is the holder of the B.A. in General Studies of the University of London (1961); the Diploma in Education of the University of the West Indies (1963); the M. Litt. of the University of Bristol (1970) and the M.A. in International Politics of New York University (1977). He also holds the degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from the University of Maine (2003).
During his long and distinguished career in the public service of Trinidad & Tobago, Ambassador Thomas has served as a graduate teacher and university lecturer (1958-1962). He sat as an Independent Senator for 3 years (2001-2003) and was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1983 to 1985. He was Ambassador of Trinidad & Tobago to Venezuela from 1985 to 1990 and subsequently elected as Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of American States for two consecutive terms, from 1990 to 2000. He held the office of Chair of the United Nations Finance Committee in 1975 and served as senior member of the Administration and Budgeting Committee of the United Nations for a period of 14 years (1976-1990). He also served as a UN Inspector from 2003-2004.
Ambassador Thomas currently serves as Chairman of the Public and Police Service Commissions of Trinidad & Tobago, to which posts he was appointed in 2004. He was appointed member of the Regional Judicial & Legal Services Commission in August 2004.
Ambassador Thomas has been inducted into the Halls of Fame of both Fatima and St. Mary’s Colleges. He was awarded the Chaconia Medal (Gold) (1994) and the Gran Cordon del Libertador of Venezuela (1990). He was also granted the first-ever award for distinction in diplomatic representation by the Caribbean Studies Association in Washington (1999).
Ambassador Thomas is married, with three children. His hobbies include golf, reading and writing.