KINGSTOWN, St Vincent, CMC-St Vincent and the Grenadines’ ambassador-designate to the Republic of China (Taiwan), Kenton X. Chance, is to embrace a “two-fold” mission as he prepares to assume his diplomatic post.
This is according to the Reverend Chiefton Charles, pastor of the Arnos Vale Church of the Nazarene, who delivered the charge during a commissioning and recent send-off service for Chance and his wife, Symantha.
“When you go on your mission, you’re not only representing this country of St Vincent and the Grenadines, but you’re representing the kingdom of God,” Charles said.
Chance, a journalist and communications consultant who founded iWitness News and previously served as a correspondent for the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), departed St Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday and is expected to arrive in Taipei on Monday to take up his assignment.
He was among several new heads of missions and consulates announced on Jan. 23 by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dwight Fitz Bramble in Kingstown.
Charles, who officiated at the couple’s wedding 13 years ago, praised Chance’s professional achievements and church stewardship, noting that he is the first member of the Church of the Nazarene to be appointed as an ambassador.
Taking his text from 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 under the theme “We are Ambassadors for Christ,” Charles said the diplomatic role was “not a sinecure” but “a tremendous job”.
“As chief of mission, you have a huge task on your shoulders,” he told Chance. “But with the help of God, we know that you’re going to do this with distinction.”
Highlighting the qualifications required for such a post, Charles said ambassadors must possess skills in management, diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking, as well as the ability to oversee daily embassy operations, including budgets and security protocols.
“You don’t just pick up any and anybody off the street and ask them to be an ambassador,” he said.
Referring to Chance’s prior studies in Taiwan and his fluency in Mandarin, Charles added, “Good choice, Minister Bramble,” addressing the foreign minister, who also attended and spoke at the service.
“It is not a responsibility to be taken lightly,” Charles said. “To be selected as an ambassador for one’s country means that the governing authority has confidence in the person who is selected, and that speaks a lot for our dear brother and his family.”
Charles expressed confidence that the appointment would further shape Chance into “a citizen of this country of which we as Vincentians would all be proud,” assuring him of the church’s full support and continued prayers.
Addressing the broader political climate, Charles reminded the congregation that while citizens may hold differing political views, national unity must prevail.
“Political parties may come and go, but the bottom line is, we are Vincentians,” he said. “When you go to Taiwan, you are not representing an NDP or ULP or any P. You are representing the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.”
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