46 April 2019 www.bahrainthismonth.com unitedkingdomsupplement In a departure from our normal interviews, for this years UK in Bahrain feature we give an insight into the day of British Ambassador, HE Simon Martin. “I’m not a very early riser, if it can be avoided,” His Excellency confesses, adding that exercise – he is a keen runner – happens in the evening, if there’s time. “I’m very lucky to live in this residence, the run around the grounds is a half kilometre.” Most days, breakfast is an outside affair shared with wife, Sophie, at which the couple check and coordinate their diaries, since they often attend events together. However, on our example day, the ambassador begins with a working breakfast with the Defence Security Advisor Middle East (DSAME), Sir John Lorimer, the Head of UK Maritime Component Command, and Defence Attaché, Cdr Paul Windsar. A Day In The Life DSAME is a regular visitor to the Kingdom and will be updated on any developments since his last visit before heading off to meetings with senior BDF personnel. The ambassador would then continue with his day by running through his upcoming schedule with executive assistant, Christine, and making time for embassy staff to discuss and update him on their different areas of responsibility. One of the subjects of discussion is consular cases. There are nearly 10,000 British people living in Bahrain and the embassy’s consular role is to provide assistance to those British nationals overseas that need help most. His Excellency says: “When you look at the work of the British Foreign Office, through its embassies, it focuses on three areas: promotion of national security, not just through defence but also political relations; advancement of prosperity; and protection of our people. “We have a number of British nationals in Bahrain who are unable to leave because of travel bans. These are mandated through the courts for disputes and debts. My vice consul keeps me updated on current cases and we will discuss how the embassy can be of assistance.” Getting ready to head out to his next meeting, the ambassador encounters his head of press and public relations, Cheryl, who wants him to sign off on a new project, about which he is very excited. “It’s to launch the Ambassador for a Day initiative to coincide with International Women’s Day [in which the student winner of a competition will shadow HE]. It’s not just a gimmick, there are two main purposes,” he explains. HE Simon Martin With DSAME and colleagues Nursery celebrations
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