Controversial T&T diplomat resigns post, won’t ever return to country

(Trinidad Express) THERESE Baptiste-Cornelis, former Trinidad and Tobago Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, has reigned her position and indicated that she has no intention of returning to this country.
Baptiste-Cornelis, who served as Minister of Health before her final State appointment, submitted her resignation to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar by e-mail last weekend, the Express learned.
Last month, Baptiste-Cornelis’ was recalled by the Foreign Affairs Ministry following strong criticism over a presentation she delivered on cultural diplomacy in Geneva.
She was expected to meet Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran on September 3, but requested that their meeting be deferred by two weeks.
Dookeran said yesterday he did not receive any correspondence from Baptiste-Cornelis up to last evening.
“No, I haven’t received any letter of resignation. She was due to return over the weekend and she has not returned,” he said.
Asked if he was aware of reports that Baptiste-Cornelis had resigned from the Government, Dookeran replied: “Somebody told me that but as far as I know I have received no letter of resignation.”
Questioned whether a replacement for Baptiste-Cornelis was decided upon, Dookeran said there has been a decision but the Prime Minister will decide when she will make the announcement.
The Express understands that Baptiste-Cornelis sent her letter of resignation directly to Persad-Bissessar.
A video of a 30-minute lecture, which was uploaded on Youtube on June 28, sparked controversy as Baptiste-Cornelis spoke at length about her stint as health minister, how her friendship with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar motivated her appointment, and also how she met her husband online.