This was supposed to be a recorded piece. By now, our readers and viewers might know that I am camera-shy. It’s been nearly a decade-long, wonderful journey as the editor of Embassy Direct. No one will understand what this period meant to me and how I reinvented myself during that time.
It partially coincides with the pandemic that hit humanity a few years ago. Embassy Direct helped me keep my sanity, even though I was self-locked in a three-bedroom house in Midrand. Talk about hitting rock bottom. And it isn’t that bad, after all, when it helps one find oneself. We come to understand the importance of family and friends. It meant starting from scratch.
Tens of articles, tens of event creations, tens of interviews, tens of networking opportunities, and, most importantly, remaining relevant within the foreign diplomatic community and keeping its members happy. Embassy Direct is a unique concept that has proven to be a successful and engaging tool for companies, diplomatic missions, and, moreover, people. I don’t regret a single minute spent on it. The smile on others’ faces is the ultimate reward.
But, as with everything, good things come to an end. This past August, I was informed by the Panamanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, following instructions from the President of my country, that I had been nominated as Ambassador to South Africa for the third time in my life. This moment is a life milestone. I opened, almost a quarter of a century ago, the first Panamanian mission south of the Sahara. For those who know me, this African nation has grown on me.
It is not a complete farewell. I intend to maintain an ongoing relationship with Embassy Direct in another capacity. I still have a responsibility to my fellow colleagues in the diplomatic corps, and it comes in handy for that.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank Ron, Peta-Lynn, Debbie, Kay, Eugene, Lambert, Marion, and every other person who shared this journey with me and collaborated to make it better. To our members (Airlink, BMW, Chas Everitt, Nedbank, and Weylands, amongst many others), I convey my sincere regards. It’s been a great one. I will still be around in my official capacity. And please know that, “you’ve got a friend in me” always…
by Ambassador Rodrigo Chiari
