Change of UK Resident British Commissioner to Saint Lucia

The British High Commission announces the departure of Resident British Commissioner, Steve McCready, who has completed his tenure in Saint Lucia. For the last four years, Mr. McCready has represented the UK government and built a strong and close bilateral relationship with Saint Lucia. He forged vital partnerships spanning both government and civil society to tackle issues of concern to the UK and Saint Lucia.

In a farewell statement, Mr. McCready said: “It has been a privilege to represent the UK in St Lucia as Resident British Commissioner.  Whether in government-to-government cooperation on issues like climate change and border security, or working with civil society on rural agriculture or human rights, our countries’ close friendship and shared values were defining features.  My memories of the people of Saint Lucia will always be framed by their passion, pride, professionalism, warmth and wonderful sense of humour.  I wish my successor Lesley all the best, and I am sure professionally and personally she will enjoy the job as much as I have, in this most beautiful of Caribbean islands.”

As the High Commission bids Mr. McCready a heartfelt farewell, it is pleased to welcome the new Resident British Commissioner, Lesley Saunderson. Prior to this appointment, she was the Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in Cuba and has also served in Cambodia, India, Russia and Tanzania where she worked as an Adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) for two years.  She holds a Masters in Public Policy and Management, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. Ms Saunderson says, “I am delighted to be in St Lucia as the UK’s new Resident British Commissioner.  I have had a very warm welcome from my new colleagues in the British High Commission which I know is typical of the Saint Lucian people.  I look forward to meeting our current and new partners across the island. I want to continue our work and build a deeper and even more dynamic future together, building on the many links and values shared by our two beautiful islands.”

The British High Commission is also delighted to announce that the new High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mr. Scott Fursseddon-Wood, presents his credentials to Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Hon. Allen Chastanet, on Wednesday, 30 June, 2021. He will also present his credentials to the Director-General of the OECS, Dr. Didacus Jules later that day. During his two-day visit, the High Commissioner will meet with officials from various government and non-government entities.