The United States Embassy in Cuba announced on Thursday that Roy Perrin has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Havana. Perrin is a seasoned diplomat with over twenty years of experience in the Foreign Service.
According to the embassy's official Facebook page and website, Perrin recently completed his role as Minister Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where he also served as Chargé d'Affaires.
As Deputy Chief of Mission in Havana, Roy Perrin becomes the second in command at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, reporting directly to the Chief of Mission, Mike Hammer. He will be instrumental in ensuring the continuity of diplomatic operations on the island.
Role and Responsibilities
The position of Deputy Chief of Mission involves overseeing the daily functions of the diplomatic post, coordinating various sections including political, economic, consular, security, and public affairs, and ensuring that the embassy's activities align with the State Department's priorities. Additionally, Perrin will act as the interim Chargé d'Affaires when the Chief of Mission is absent.
Perrin will also play a crucial role as a liaison between Washington and Havana, providing strategic information about the situation in Cuba and strengthening bilateral relations on sensitive issues such as migration, consular affairs, and human rights.
Extensive Diplomatic Background
Before his assignment in Tegucigalpa, Perrin spent three years in Turkey as the Economic Counselor for the U.S. Mission in Ankara. His extensive career also includes roles as Deputy Director of the Office of Central American Affairs in Washington, Deputy Consul General in Erbil (Kurdistan Region of Iraq), and Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica. Additionally, he has served in China, Venezuela, Thailand, and within the State Department in Washington.
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Perrin holds a degree in Engineering from Vanderbilt University and a Law degree from Tulane University, where he was editor-in-chief of the Tulane Maritime Law Journal. Before joining the Foreign Service in 1999, he worked as a lawyer in San Francisco and New Orleans, specializing in class action litigation and product liability.
Roy Perrin is married to Michele Perrin, also from New Orleans, and they have a daughter named Isabel. With this appointment, Perrin joins the diplomatic team in Havana, led by Mike Hammer since November 2024, succeeding Benjamin G. Ziff as Chief of Mission.
Diplomatic Initiatives Under Mike Hammer
During his tenure, Mike Hammer has focused on public diplomacy and supporting Cuban civil society, engaging with young people, activists, and representatives from various sectors. He has consistently affirmed the United States' commitment to human rights on the island, freedom of expression, and supporting the families of political prisoners.
Understanding the Role of Deputy Chief of Mission in Cuba
What responsibilities does the Deputy Chief of Mission in Cuba have?
The Deputy Chief of Mission oversees the daily operations of the embassy, coordinates its various sections, and ensures alignment with the State Department’s goals. They also act as the interim Chargé d'Affaires when the Chief of Mission is absent.
Who is the current Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Cuba?
The current Chief of Mission is Mike Hammer, who has been leading the embassy since November 2024.
What is Roy Perrin's previous diplomatic experience?
Roy Perrin has served in various roles, including Minister Counselor in Tegucigalpa, Economic Counselor in Ankara, Deputy Director of the Office of Central American Affairs, and more in places like China, Venezuela, and Thailand.