PM speaks to UK Diaspora
HIGH WYCOMBE, England -- Dr Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) addressed Vincentian nationals, friends of SVG and other interested parties on developments in the country, at Buckinghamshire New University in High Wycombe, England.
The event was attended by Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Governor General of SVG; Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner for SVG to the UK; Eloise Gonsalves; Dr Christopher Stange, Hon. Consul for SVG to Northern Ireland; Cllr Jane White, Mayor of High Wycombe; other dignitaries; nationals and the respective chairs of the various SVG National Associations in the UK.
Gonsalves updated the standing room only audience about all sectors of the economy in SVG, particularly around the world economic crisis and what the government is doing proactively to create a better future for all Vincentians.
He opened with a briefing on the recent floods during SVG’s dry season, which has created mass devastation from Byrea to Rabacca with current estimates of repairs and removal of debris at approximately $100 million.
“This is a vital set back as we have still not fully recovered from the damage caused by Hurricane Tomas last October and this has had a knock on effect,” he said.
Gonsalves then spoke about the “spaces that exist within international relations” and the government’s commitment to its foreign policy, explaining the relationships and assistance received from both traditional and non-traditional allies.
SVG is a small country that needs to be creative and look for opportunities, “being friends of all and enemies of none,” he said.
He thanked those countries that have offered scholarships to Vincentians and the active part they have played in the education revolution. Half of the 30,000 laptops for every child have been received from Portugal and the Ministry of Education plans to distribute these at the primary level in the coming month.
There are large scale direct foreign investment tourism projects in St Vincent, Bequia, Canouan and Union Island for the benefit of all Vincentians. The Taiwanese company OECC will be starting the Argyle International Airport terminal in the next few weeks and all earthworks are to be completed by the end of this year, with the airport fully operational early 2013.
The wellness revolution is alive and well and as a developing country SVG is making tremendous efforts in having fully functional imaging and diagnostic equipment locally and, in the very near future, a kidney dialysis unit at Georgetown. In addition, the improved infrastructure of having various medical facilities stationed around the island will help improve access to care for everyone and take the main focus away from Milton Cato Hospital.
Gonsalves finished speaking about interconnectivity including the national airline LIAT, telecommunications, agricultural diversification, including potential cocoa production, and transport.
“Today is about celebrating the responsibility we all share as Vincentians to be involved in the country and its economic and social development. While some Vincentians have left the country and sought out different paths, please don’t forget your homeland and keeping attached to your roots,” Gonsalves said.
Published on May 2, 2011
Copyright© 2004-2011 Caribbean News Now! at www.caribbeannewsnow.com All Rights Reserved
The event was attended by Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Governor General of SVG; Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner for SVG to the UK; Eloise Gonsalves; Dr Christopher Stange, Hon. Consul for SVG to Northern Ireland; Cllr Jane White, Mayor of High Wycombe; other dignitaries; nationals and the respective chairs of the various SVG National Associations in the UK.
Gonsalves updated the standing room only audience about all sectors of the economy in SVG, particularly around the world economic crisis and what the government is doing proactively to create a better future for all Vincentians.
He opened with a briefing on the recent floods during SVG’s dry season, which has created mass devastation from Byrea to Rabacca with current estimates of repairs and removal of debris at approximately $100 million.
“This is a vital set back as we have still not fully recovered from the damage caused by Hurricane Tomas last October and this has had a knock on effect,” he said.
Gonsalves then spoke about the “spaces that exist within international relations” and the government’s commitment to its foreign policy, explaining the relationships and assistance received from both traditional and non-traditional allies.
SVG is a small country that needs to be creative and look for opportunities, “being friends of all and enemies of none,” he said.
He thanked those countries that have offered scholarships to Vincentians and the active part they have played in the education revolution. Half of the 30,000 laptops for every child have been received from Portugal and the Ministry of Education plans to distribute these at the primary level in the coming month.
There are large scale direct foreign investment tourism projects in St Vincent, Bequia, Canouan and Union Island for the benefit of all Vincentians. The Taiwanese company OECC will be starting the Argyle International Airport terminal in the next few weeks and all earthworks are to be completed by the end of this year, with the airport fully operational early 2013.
The wellness revolution is alive and well and as a developing country SVG is making tremendous efforts in having fully functional imaging and diagnostic equipment locally and, in the very near future, a kidney dialysis unit at Georgetown. In addition, the improved infrastructure of having various medical facilities stationed around the island will help improve access to care for everyone and take the main focus away from Milton Cato Hospital.
Gonsalves finished speaking about interconnectivity including the national airline LIAT, telecommunications, agricultural diversification, including potential cocoa production, and transport.
“Today is about celebrating the responsibility we all share as Vincentians to be involved in the country and its economic and social development. While some Vincentians have left the country and sought out different paths, please don’t forget your homeland and keeping attached to your roots,” Gonsalves said.
Published on May 2, 2011
Copyright© 2004-2011 Caribbean News Now! at www.caribbeannewsnow.com All Rights Reserved
Labels: Diplomacy, Ralph Gonzalves
posted by Karl Eklund at 7:33 PM
<< Home