SENATOR COLLINS INTRODUCES MAINE-NATIVE TO SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE
U.S. Senator Susan Collins recently introduced Mr. Patrick Duddy, nominee to become Ambassador to the Republic of Venezuela, to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Duddy has worked as a part of the Foreign Service in Latin America for the last 25 years. He is originally from Bangor.
The following is the full text of Senator Collins’ statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is my privilege today to introduce Patrick Duddy, who has been nominated to be the United States Ambassador to Venezuela. The people of my State are proud of what this Mainer has accomplished in his distinguished career of service to our nation.
“The United States and Venezuela have a long history of friendship and cooperation, but that is threatened as never before by the hostile and anti-democratic regime in Caracas. The deterioration of democratic institutions and civil liberties under President Chavez, the intimidation and imprisonment of political opponents, the corruption, and the ties with such terrorism-supporting states as Iran are all alarming developments.
“This is one of the most critical diplomatic positions in the Western Hemisphere, and the President has chosen wisely. Throughout his 25-year Foreign Service career, Mr. Duddy has demonstrated a deep commitment to our relations with Latin America and an expert understanding of the region. In his current position as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, he has played a lead role in recent international efforts to restore democracy and the rule of law in Haiti.
“As a career minister counselor, Mr. Duddy is one of the most experienced senior officers in the Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau, with a portfolio that includes the Offices of Brazil and Southern Cone Affairs, Caribbean Affairs, and Economic Policy and Summit Coordination. Immediately prior to his current assignment, Mr. Duddy served as Consul General in Brazil, where he directed one of the largest consulates general in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
“As Deputy Chief of Mission in Bolivia, Mr. Duddy was the chief operating officer of one of the largest embassies in the Americas. Earlier in his career, Mr. Duddy served as counselor for public affairs in Panama as that mission coordinated implementation of the final stages of the Panama Canal Treaty. Mr. Duddy has also served in Chile, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Paraguay.
“He is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, and is a published poet in English.
“To anyone wondering where such energy, dedication, and talent come from, the answer is Bangor, Maine. After graduating from John Bapst High School, he received his undergraduate degree from another outstanding Maine educational institution, Colby College, and a master's degree from Northeastern University. He is also a graduate of the National War College where he received a master's degree in National Security Strategy. He is married to the former Mary Rose Huband. They have two children: Sarah and Robert. I am delighted they are here with us today.
“Finally, I would like to note that Mr. Duddy’s sister-in-law, Jennifer Duddy, is my outstanding state office representative in Portland.
“Mr. Chairman, I strongly endorse Patrick Duddy’s nomination to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Venezuela and enthusiastically recommend him to this Committee.”
The following is the full text of Senator Collins’ statement before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is my privilege today to introduce Patrick Duddy, who has been nominated to be the United States Ambassador to Venezuela. The people of my State are proud of what this Mainer has accomplished in his distinguished career of service to our nation.
“The United States and Venezuela have a long history of friendship and cooperation, but that is threatened as never before by the hostile and anti-democratic regime in Caracas. The deterioration of democratic institutions and civil liberties under President Chavez, the intimidation and imprisonment of political opponents, the corruption, and the ties with such terrorism-supporting states as Iran are all alarming developments.
“This is one of the most critical diplomatic positions in the Western Hemisphere, and the President has chosen wisely. Throughout his 25-year Foreign Service career, Mr. Duddy has demonstrated a deep commitment to our relations with Latin America and an expert understanding of the region. In his current position as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, he has played a lead role in recent international efforts to restore democracy and the rule of law in Haiti.
“As a career minister counselor, Mr. Duddy is one of the most experienced senior officers in the Western Hemisphere Affairs Bureau, with a portfolio that includes the Offices of Brazil and Southern Cone Affairs, Caribbean Affairs, and Economic Policy and Summit Coordination. Immediately prior to his current assignment, Mr. Duddy served as Consul General in Brazil, where he directed one of the largest consulates general in the world and the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
“As Deputy Chief of Mission in Bolivia, Mr. Duddy was the chief operating officer of one of the largest embassies in the Americas. Earlier in his career, Mr. Duddy served as counselor for public affairs in Panama as that mission coordinated implementation of the final stages of the Panama Canal Treaty. Mr. Duddy has also served in Chile, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica and Paraguay.
“He is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, and is a published poet in English.
“To anyone wondering where such energy, dedication, and talent come from, the answer is Bangor, Maine. After graduating from John Bapst High School, he received his undergraduate degree from another outstanding Maine educational institution, Colby College, and a master's degree from Northeastern University. He is also a graduate of the National War College where he received a master's degree in National Security Strategy. He is married to the former Mary Rose Huband. They have two children: Sarah and Robert. I am delighted they are here with us today.
“Finally, I would like to note that Mr. Duddy’s sister-in-law, Jennifer Duddy, is my outstanding state office representative in Portland.
“Mr. Chairman, I strongly endorse Patrick Duddy’s nomination to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Venezuela and enthusiastically recommend him to this Committee.”
