SVG names Malaysian Consul

Efforts to strengthen the relations between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Malaysia have been taken to a higher level. Datuk Vinod Sekar, a distinguished Malaysian entrepreneur, has been accepted as the Honourary Consul of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Malaysia.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that the appointment had been formally accepted last Tuesday. He was addressing Parliament in a session held in honour of the Malaysian Prime Minister. That is one thrust in the broadening relations between the two nations. {{more}}

Another area of cooperation will be established through the Malaysian-based Petra Foundation, which will afford 15 Vincentians the opportunity to study at university level.

Ten persons can expect to benefit from studies at the University of the West Indies as a result of the Petra Foundation initiative, and others will be afforded training in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government will take care of the cost of accommodation and tuition for those persons in training with the Vincentian government providing airfare and food.

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves anticipates that public servants will take advantage of diplomatic training, foreign relations and police work as a result of the links.

University education will also benefit people in tourism-related disciplines.

He noted similarities between the two countries including the “rule of law, constitutional governance, and a sound system of public administration.”

The Prime Minister also cited freedom of religion, and democracy as elements of cohesion.