KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – The Global Campus of the University of the West Indies (The UWI) has congratulated Dr June Soomer on being appointed Chair Designate of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD).
The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent’s mandate includes contributing to the political, economic, and social inclusion of people of African descent through its modalities, formats, and substantive and procedural aspects.
Her appointment took effect on January 1, 2024, and Ambassador Soomer, the former secretary-general of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), currently serves as Chair of The UWI Global Campus Council.
She is among five people elected by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and one of two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) representatives on the PFPAD, the other being Gaynael Curry of The Bahamas.
“These outstanding and prominent appointments of Dr. June Soomer at the helm of well-respected regional and international bodies are irrevocable proofs of her standing and profile in the eyes of her peers,” said Pro Vice-Chancellor & Principal, The UWI Global Campus, Dr. Francis O. Severin.
“The preceding has not altered the person she is: pleasant, down-to-earth, authentic, and calmly confident. We are proud of and honored to have her as our Campus Council Chair, and the fact that she is a UWI alumna gladdens our hearts tremendously. The Global Campus Senior Management Team congratulates Honourable Ambassador Dr June Soomer and wishes her success in this new role,” he added.
Sommer received her Ph.D. in History from The UWI in 1994 and was the first female to graduate with a doctorate in this discipline at the Cave Hill Campus of the university.
“As an accomplished author and historian, she served in the diplomatic, financial, and educational fields regionally and internationally. She also has over 40 years of academic and professional experience in management, operational, and technical areas; has developed a solid understanding of contemporary development issues; and continues to advocate for equality and equity in sustainable development, particularly in the Caribbean region,” The UWI said.
Since 2008, Soomer has served on several national and regional committees and was the first woman to serve as St. Lucia’s Ambassador to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and CARICOM with responsibility for Diaspora Affairs, a position she held from 2008-2016.
The UWI said that over the years, she has received numerous awards for her work across the region, receiving her country’s highest national award, the St. Lucia Cross, in 2021 for her distinguished work in the fields of education, diplomacy, regionalism, and development specialty and the Order “José de Marcoleta” in the Degree of Grand Cross, from the Republic of Nicaragua.
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