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CONTACT: Laura Ingalls (laura.ingalls@worldlearning.org) in Washington, 1.202.464.6973
World Learning Alum Becomes First Female PM of Trinidad and Tobago
WASHINGTON (July 9, 2010) -- World Learning congratulates Kamla Persad-Bissessar, an alum of its Visitor Exchange Program, on her election as Trinidad and Tobago’s first female prime minister. The historic achievement caps a distinguished political career in which Persad-Bissessar has broken numerous gender barriers, including serving as her country’s first woman attorney general and leader of the opposition.
“World Learning wishes Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar our very best in her efforts to reduce crime, strengthen civil society, and improve government services and accountability,” said Adam Weinberg, World Learning president and CEO. “This is just one more example of how World Learning programs attract amazing participants and equip them with the knowledge, skills and networks they need to make the world a better place.”
In 1998, World Learning hosted Persad-Bissessar as part of a US State Department program that examined judicial training in the United States, copyright law, and women’s participation in the political and decision-making process. Persad-Bissessar was then Trinidad and Tobago’s minister of legal affairs.
Her three-week exchange included talks in Washington with top officials at the US Department of Justice and House of Representatives. Her exchange also included visits to government agencies, civil society organizations and law institutions in Tulsa, Okla., Des Moines, Iowa, New York and Miami.
Each year more than 1,500 professionals from more than 140 countries participate in short-term exchange programs in the United States arranged by World Learning's Visitor Exchange Program and Capacity Building Services divisions under grants provided by the US Department of State and USAID.
Learn more about World Learning: World Learning works globally to enhance the capacity and commitment of individuals, institutions, and communities
to create a more peaceful and just world through education, training and exchange programs. ###
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