By Prior Beharry
FORMER US ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago Joseph Mondello has passed away.
He served as the Ambassador to T&T between October 2018 and January 2021. Mondello died on Monday. He was 84, a release from the US Embassy in Port of Spain stated on Tuesday.
Charge’ d’Affaires Shante Moore said, “Ambassador Mondello hired me to serve as his Deputy Chief of Mission, which eventually afforded me the opportunity to serve as Charge’ d’Affaires. Ambassador Mondello considered serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago as one of the greatest honors of his career. I remember him as a gentleman and leader with an open-door policy.”
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Cindy Diouf said, “Ambassador Mondello was a man of great character and patriotism, and he will be deeply missed. He was a natural leader who led by example and cared deeply about those under his leadership and the reputation of the United States.
“He demonstrated courage and commitment throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and refused to leave his team even as infections rose and borders closed.”
The release stated that Mondello provided inspiration and steadfast leadership throughout his tenure, earning the respect and admiration of the US Embassy community.
Ambassador Mondello also possessed a good sense of humour and was a great storyteller, the release stated.
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