# Wilfred Naimool

His Excellency Ambassador Wilfred Sheikh Naimool (1928 - 2015) was a distinguished Trinidadian philanthropist, educator, senior diplomat, and strategic advisor to various governments. Wilfred Naimool served as a founding member of the West Indian Foreign Service from its inception in 1960 until his formal retirement in 1986.

## Biography
### Early life

Wilfred Naimool was born on February 3, 1928, in the small Trinidadian village of Tunapuna, situated between St. Augustine, Tacarigua, and Trincity.

### Marriage and Children

Wilfred Naimool married Jocelyn Drakes in 1961.

### Education

In 1955, Wilfred Naimool earned his Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics. Subsequently, he completed a specialized educational program organized by the West Indian Department of Foreign Affairs from 1960 to 1961. As Trinidad and Tobago approached independence, this program was tailored to prepare the first cohort of Caribbean diplomats to represent and advocate for their newly formed republic on the global stage.

## Diplomatic career

Wilfred Naimool served as a senior diplomat from the establishment of the Trinidad and Tobago Foreign Service in 1960 until his retirement in 1986. Following his retirement, he continued to play a significant role in shaping the nation’s foreign policy as a senior advisor to multiple Prime Ministers of Trinidad and Tobago.

### Senior Advisor

After his diplomatic retirement, Wilfred Naimool remained a key advisor to various governments. His vast experience in international relations, diplomacy, and policy-making made him an invaluable consultant in shaping national strategies. Notably, he played an instrumental role in advising Prime Ministers on foreign policy and international relations, contributing to critical discussions on economic development and regional cooperation. His guidance was particularly significant in policy formulation concerning Caribbean unity and the interests of small island developing states.

### United Nations

Ambassador, United Nations, Geneva 1980-1984 Wilfred Naimool represented Trinidad and Tobago as its Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1980 to 1984. He participated in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade negotiations in 1980.
Wilfred Naimool led the Trinidad and Tobago delegation at the 18th Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in 1983, where he advocated for the recognition of the unique circumstances of Caribbean nations. He stressed the importance of acknowledging the distinct challenges faced by these nations, particularly the relative vulnerability of their economies to external shocks. His views emphasized the need for tailored policies that address the specific realities of smaller Caribbean nations.
He also contributed to the discussions within the Economic Commission for Latin America, particularly with the Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean in 1983, where he focused on issues of regional economic development and cooperation.
Additionally, Naimool was involved in the Food and Agriculture Organization and participated in the Report of the FAO Council, Eighty-fifth Session, in Rome in November 1983. During this session, the Council established the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources, marking a commitment to agricultural sustainability and food security.

## North America
### Canada

High Commissioner, Ottawa 1963-1970.

### United States of America

Consulate General, New York 1970–1973

## South America
### Venezuela

Ambassador, Venezuela 1973–1980 Wilfred Naimool played a pivotal role in the negotiation of the 1978 fishing agreement between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela, which regulated the use of territorial waters for fishing. Naimool and Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Simón Alberto Consalvi, were scheduled to sign the 18-article treaty in Caracas in December 1983. This agreement marked the resolution of a long-standing issue between the two countries regarding fishing rights.

### Colombia

Ambassador, Colombia 1973-1980

### Peru

Ambassador, Peru 1973-1980

### Brazil

Ambassador, Brazil 1984-1987

### Uruguay

Ambassador, Uruguay 1984-1987

### Argentina

Ambassador, Argentina 1984-1987

### Chile

Ambassador, Chile 1984-1987

## Specialized Agencies

Throughout his career, Wilfred Naimool contributed significantly to various international non-governmental organizations and specialized agencies, including The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

## Domestic Work

Following his formal retirement from diplomatic service, Wilfred Naimool continued to serve national interests in both the private and public sectors. Due to his extensive experience in international relations, he was retained as a senior advisor to various governments. In addition to his advisory role, he held numerous government positions, including Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs and International Trade from 1987 to 1988.

## Government

Wilfred Naimool represented the Government of Trinidad and Tobago at the 1983 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. He also participated in the 22nd sessions of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1983. Naimool’s contributions to these forums underscored the unique challenges facing Caribbean nations and highlighted the vulnerability of their economies to external forces. He was instrumental in advising on policies aimed at strengthening the Caribbean region's economic resilience and sustainability.

### Meeting with President George H. W. Bush

In 1989, during a significant diplomatic mission to Washington, Wilfred Naimool had a pivotal conversation with President George H. W. Bush regarding regional cooperation in the Caribbean. The discussion centered on fostering closer ties between the United States and Caribbean nations, with the Trinidadian Delegation emphasizing the need for strategic collaborations on trade, development, and security. The conversation helped shape the trajectory of U.S.-Caribbean relations, as both leaders discussed mutual interests in trade agreements and regional stability. Naimool’s engagement with President Bush was seen as a testament to his diplomatic acumen and his ability to forge meaningful connections between world leaders.

### International Finance and Development

In 1987, Wilfred Naimool served as an advisor to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago during the Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and International Development Association (IDA). These meetings brought together global leaders and financial experts to discuss development strategies, international finance, and the improvement of infrastructure in developing nations. Naimool’s contributions during these discussions underscored his expertise in financial diplomacy and international economic relations.

## Academia

In 1980, the Universidad de Los Andes invited Wilfred Naimool to deliver a series of lectures and conferences on Trinidad and Tobago's role on the global stage. Topics included "The Fishing Dispute between Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela," "Trinidad and Tobago within the Caribbean," and a seminar titled "Trinidad and Tobago in the Anglophone Caribbean." These lectures were delivered as part of the Postgraduate Course in Political Science at the Faculty of Law.

## Philanthropy

In 1991, Wilfred Naimool proposed the creation of an award to recognize the outstanding contributions of Caribbean citizens. In collaboration with Dr. Anthony Sabga, Sir Ellis Clarke, and others, he co-founded the Anthony N. Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence. These awards, presented annually, honor achievements in the fields of Arts and Letters, Entrepreneurship, Public and Civic Contributions, and Science and Technology. The aim of the awards is to foster excellence in key fields of endeavor, contributing to the broader development of the Caribbean region.

## Philosophical and Political Views

Wilfred Naimool was widely respected for his counterhegemonic political philosophy and his unwavering commitment to sustainable development for small island developing states. He consistently advocated for policies that emphasized self-sufficiency, regional cooperation, and resistance to neocolonialism.

### Advocacy for Food Security and Self-Sufficiency

Naimool was a strong advocate for sustainable agricultural practices in the Caribbean. His political discourse focused on local food production and resource independence, and he played a central role in shaping regional policy on food security. He consistently urged Caribbean governments to prioritize local agriculture and reduce reliance on imported goods.

### Regional Cooperation and Caribbean Unity

A passionate proponent of Caribbean integration, Wilfred Naimool was deeply involved in regional efforts to foster cooperation among Caribbean nations. His work contributed significantly to the strengthening of organizations such as the Caribbean Community and the Association of Caribbean States. Naimool advocated for stronger economic and political ties among Caribbean nations as a means of enhancing collective security and prosperity in the face of global challenges.