Lawyer appointed Honorary Consul of Poland to SVG

Barrister-at-Law Julian Jack has been appointed to serve as honorary consul of the Republic of Poland to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Although diplomatic relations between SVG and Poland were established 21 years ago, ties were cemented with the inauguration of its consulate on November 20. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Alliance Française in Kingstown.    

In her remarks at the ceremony, chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Venezuela Milena Lukasiewicz said Poland was proud to have representation in SVG and even more proud that Poland will be represented by Julian Jack.

Lukasiewicz read a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Witold Waszczykowski, which said he is “convinced that [Jack] will fulfil with honour the assigned functions, strengthening the friendly relations between the Republic of Poland and St Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sir Louis Straker stated that SVG has arrived at a milestone in our relationship with Poland. Straker described Poland as a very important country in the European Union.

He also expressed pride that Poland has “chosen one of our own – a decent and upright, progressive young man – to be their honorary consul.”

According to Straker, he has worked with Jack in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can say that “he’s a man of some worth and merit. I am absolutely sure that he’s going to represent the interests of Poland here in St Vincent and the Grenadines very well.”

Straker said the strengthening of ties between SVG and Poland offers good prospects for this country’s tourism. He envisioned that soon our country will welcome persons from Poland to our shores.  

Meanwhile, the new honorary consul described the inauguration as a special day for bilateralism in SVG and referred to SVG’s strong traditional and historical ties with the European Union through multilateral mechanisms. He stressed that engagement in multilateral issues calls for important allies and close friends.

Jack said he is tremendously humbled to have been chosen by the Government and people of Poland: “I am equally humbled by the fact that the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines have so seen it fit and proper to appoint and confirm my nomination.”

Jack said the consulate is located at the corner of Bay and Higginson Streets, on the third floor of the Bayview Plaza. He said it will be open to the public next week.

Consul of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Caracas, Venezuela, Pawel Szymanczak chaired the inauguration ceremony. The inauguration ceremony was attended by staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senator Carlos James, Leader of the Opposition Dr Godwin Friday, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of the newly appointed honorary consul.

The inauguration also included an exhibition of Poland’s history and a film showing the effects of World War 2 on Poland.