‘Kuwait Was the Crowning Chapter of My 30-Year Diplomatic Career,’ Says Guyana Ambassador in Farewell Address

14/11/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 13: The farewell reception in honour of Guyana's Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Troy Torrington was held at the Arabella Hotel on November 12, bringing together ambassadors and representatives of various embassies, business associates and distinguished dignitaries. The gathering provided an opportunity to pay tribute to Ambassador Torrington and acknowledge his distinguished diplomatic service in Kuwait.

His Excellency Troy Torrington has bid farewell to the diplomatic community and friends in Kuwait as he prepares to conclude a distinguished career spanning 30 years in public service and diplomacy. Widely respected for his dedication, wisdom and commitment to representing Guyana, Ambassador Torrington described his assignment in Kuwait as the crowning chapter of his foreign service journey, reflecting the deep professional and personal significance of his time in the country.

At the farewell gathering, First Secretary Muaz Yusuf paid a heartfelt tribute to Ambassador Torrington, praising his leadership, professional guidance and mentorship throughout their time working together. He described the occasion as the conclusion of a distinguished diplomatic assignment and the farewell of a respected colleague and mentor. Yusuf highlighted the qualities that define effective diplomacy, including patience, sound judgment, discretion and resilience, noting that the Ambassador's advice and experience had provided valuable lessons for his own career. He also acknowledged the personal sacrifices that come with diplomatic service and expressed gratitude for the Ambassador's guidance and support. He wished Torrington good health, happiness and fulfilment as he embarks on the next chapter of his life.

Ambassador's Farewell Address

In his farewell address, Ambassador Torrington reflected on his three decades in diplomacy, identifying service and gratitude as the two words that best defined his career. He said his greatest satisfaction came from representing his country and helping others make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Drawing inspiration from Rudyard Kipling's poem 'If', the Ambassador spoke about the challenges and delicate balance involved in diplomacy, particularly the importance of maintaining professional judgment, integrity and independence while providing advice to national leadership.

Reflecting on his assignment in Kuwait, he described working with a dedicated embassy team as one of his greatest sources of satisfaction. He praised the development and professional growth of the embassy staff, expressing confidence that the mission was in a strong position to achieve significant accomplishments in the future.

He also thanked his wife, Dr. Ruth, his late mother, colleagues, mentors and friends, as well as members of the diplomatic community and local community who supported him during his stay in Kuwait.

A New Chapter for Guyana

He explained that diplomacy had initially been an unexpected career choice. Having studied English and law with plans to pursue a legal career, he entered the foreign service, where what he described as an interim career ultimately developed into a 30-year professional journey.

Looking ahead, Torrington said he was excited about a new chapter while remaining committed to serving Guyana from a different perspective. He highlighted the country's remarkable economic transformation, noting that its GDP had quadrupled over the past five years and that Guyana had maintained its position as the world's fastest-growing economy for more than five years.

He invited his friends and colleagues in Kuwait to visit Guyana and continue the relationships developed during his diplomatic assignment.

Concluding his farewell remarks with words from the hymn All the Way My Savior Leads Me, he reflected on faith, gratitude and the guidance that had sustained him throughout his career.

He said that whatever impact he might have made on those he encountered during his journey, his ultimate gratitude and glory belonged to God.

The farewell gathering celebrated not only the conclusion of Ambassador Torrington's diplomatic career but also the professional relationships, friendships and lasting contributions he leaves behind in Kuwait.

by John C Fernandes
Online Media Manager - Arab Times

‘Kuwait Was the Crowning Chapter of My 30-Year Diplomatic Career,’ Says Guyana Ambassador in Farewell Address

First Secretary Muaz Yusuf Honours Ambassador Torrington's Legacy of Leadership and Service