Dancing Between the Raindrops (Paperback) | Released: 19 May 2014

Called upon in 1966 to be part of his newly independent country's diplomatic service, the author was immersed in intensive training to qualify for service abroad. Success required considerable nimbleness of mind and agility of diplomatic foot work. Hence, the title of his book "Dancing between the Raindrops - A Dispatch from a Small State Diplomat." Since those days, of course, the young professional has become a diplomat for all seasons! Mindful of Socrates' dictum that "An unexamined life is not worth living," the author reviews his fifty years spent on the diplomatic roundabout to see whether in fact, his life has been worth the living! In the course of his examination, he highlights his most memorable experiences and achievements at his various postings including the United States, Venezuela, the European Union, the Caribbean Community and the United Nations. During the period 1994 - 2001, he also served as Chancellor of the University of Guyana. Subsequently, as Minister of Foreign Affairs and a Member of Parliament, he was especially concerned with the promotion of greater regional integration and the reform of the international system to make it more representative of all states, more particularly the small and vulnerable. After retiring from public service, the author has been able to reflect in greater detail on the many issues - political, economic and social - which now impact, for better or worse, on our daily lives. Among the topics considered are peace, security and development; the crafting of an effective foreign policy; the search for global; the intertwining of politics and religion; and the shape of the world to come. His conclusion is that while mankind has made some progress toward global interdependence and solidarity, it is yet to agree on new and equitable forms of governance in the era of globalization. The process of reform remains to be completed. For his part, Mr. Insanally is satisfied with the role he was privileged to play in international affairs. Since diplomacy is now considered everybody's business, the book has been written in a format and style that will engage all those concerned with international affairs- government, practitioners and the public in general. His account is leavened with good humour and anecdotes of his meetings with interesting personalities of our times. Readers will find within its pages a unique and insightful perspective on how the world really works.