And while Minister Shoman is intent on eliminating Santa Rosa, it appears she's also intent on keeping her ambassadorial status. Shoman is the former ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. She's no longer Ambassador to Washington but is still the Ambassador to the OAS. And last we checked, Ambassadors got a per diem of US$150 a day - everyday, no matter whether they're in Belgium, Belfast or Belmopan. So we asked this Senator Minister if she's still wearing both hats.
Jules Vasquez,
Minister, are you still an ambassador and how does that relate to, are you paid as a Minister or are you paid as an ambassador?
Hon. Lisa Shoman,
"Jules once I am an ambassador I am told, always an ambassador. I currently still retain the portfolio of permanent representative to the OAS and I have already given the OAS notice that I wish to do my farewell. I believe that we are currently setting a date so I can go and do my farewells. It has really been a matter of two things: there were some agenda items outstanding which I did need to tie up and also too the responsibilities have been that I have not been able to carve out a proper time. So yes, I will be going to the OAS to do my farewells. I think it is only right and proper in any case, now that we have an indication that we are moving to an electoral period, that would have been done by me as a matter of course."
Jules Vasquez,
So but you are paid as an ambassador because it is a different pay, you get a perdium as an ambassador, wherever you are. You are here today and you are getting it.
Hon. Lisa Shoman,
"I'm here today and I am being paid as a Minister. There is a matter of a small allowance which is paid to an ambassador which again that is still being dealt with. But again, I still retain those current responsibilities. I am still on call, I still have attended meetings at the OAS, and my last meeting will be very shortly."
