Lovell Francis is a Trinidad and Tobago politician and diplomat. He is the current High Commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago to the Republic of South Africa. Francis was previously a Member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for Moruga/Tableland between 2015 and 2020, when he served as Minister of State in the Ministry of Education.
Lovell Francis | |
|---|---|
| Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador to South Africa | |
| Assumed office 17 August 2021 | |
| Prime Minister | Keith Rowley |
| Member of Parliament for Moruga/Tableland | |
| In office 9 September 2015 – 9 August 2020 | |
| Preceded by | Clifton De Coteau |
| Succeeded by | Michelle Benjamin |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | People's National Movement (PNM) |
| Alma mater | |
Early life edit
Francis completed his PhD at the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine. He presented his thesis, Transformation in the Trinidadian Sugar Industry: Caroni, State Intervention and the Sugar Sub Sector in Trinidad 1970–2005, on 20 June 2012.[1] He then worked as a university lecturer at the University of the West Indies.[2][3][4]
Political career edit
Francis was elected to the House of Representatives as the Member of Parliament for Moruga/Tableland in the 2015 general election. He served as a member for the People's National Movement (PNM). He was appointed as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education on 23 September 2015, a position that he held until 9 August 2020.[5] He had responsibility for tertiary education.[6] It was predicted that he would be appointed as Minister of Public Administration after Marlene McDonald's position was revoked.[2] He was not selected by the PNM screening committee to re-contest his seat in the 2020 general election.[7][8] Instead the PNM nominated Winston Peters, who ultimately lost to the United National Congress's Michelle Benjamin.[9][10]
Diplomatic career edit
Francis was appointed as High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa on 17 August 2021.[11][12][13] He was received by President Paula-Mae Weekes in his new position on 26 October 2021.[14]
References edit
- ^ "Lovell Francis defends thesis on Trinidadian Sugar Industry". University of the West Indies at St. Augustine. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ a b Alexander, Gail (13 August 2019). "Lovell tipped to replace McDonald". Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ Ramdass, Anna (27 May 2018). "'I could have been a millionaire', says MP". Trinidad and Tobago Express. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ Douglas, Sean (13 November 2018). "Francis: I was bad lad". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ "The Honourable Dr. Lovell Francis, MP". Trinidad and Tobago Parliament. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
- ^ Sookraj, Radhica (22 September 2015). "Moruga/Tableland MP joins Education Ministry". Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ "Lovell Francis on his way out". Trinidad and Tobago Express. 27 May 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ Williams, Curtis (19 May 2020). "PNM rejects Francis for Moruga/Tabeland". Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ Douglas, Sean (11 August 2020). "Francis: Glad PNM won, but sad to lose Moruga/Tableland". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ Felmine, Kevon (20 May 2020). "No Lovell, no vote". Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
- ^ Douglas, Sean (17 August 2021). "Ex-ministers Edmund Dillon, Lovell Francis appointed diplomats". Trinidad and Tobago Newsday. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ "Dhanpaul resigns from NIF". Trinidad and Tobago Express. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ Alexander, Gail (20 August 2021). "Lovell looking forward to the South Africa posting". Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
- ^ "Her Excellency receives Five Heads of Mission". The Office of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. 26 October 2021. Retrieved 3 April 2022.