SVG opens Consulate in Northern Ireland

The Deputy Mayor of Ards, Councillor Jim Fletcher, hosted an official reception on Monday, February 11, to mark the opening of the new Consulate of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Comber and to meet the new Hon. Consul, Dr Christopher G. Stange.{{more}}

“I was delighted to learn that a new Consulate was to become operational in Ards and am honoured to be meeting with Dr Stange,” said Councillor Fletcher.

“Northern Ireland is increasingly home to people from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and we in Ards now count those from across the globe as part of our community. The opening of a Consulate is significant, not only in formally recognising the changing mix of our society, but also how new links with other countries can be mutually beneficial from both a cultural and economic perspective”.

Speaking after the new Consulate became operational in early January, Dr Stange said:

“The addition of a Caribbean Consulate to Northern Ireland is a remarkable achievement and shows just how culturally diverse we are becoming, especially in terms of social and economic regeneration through devolution. Northern Ireland is opening its doors to a host of visitors from vibrant, ethnic backgrounds with many finding Northern Ireland an attractive place to live and work.

“St. Vincent and the Grenadines, being a former British colony, already has strong historical links with the United Kingdom, gaining its independence in 1979. With the increasing amount of Caribbean nationals and stability in Northern Ireland, it was a natural progression to expand our relations.

“The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is focused on strengthening trade and is highly cognisant that through globalisation and being a small nation the need to expand our overseas missions. The establishment of a Consulate in Northern Ireland represents a tremendous opportunity for both our countries to attract investment, import and export traffic, as well as tourism.

“The Consulate, while responsible for the interests of its nationals, will help identify joint business partnerships, develop research opportunities and promote investment. I intend to meet with businesses, political leaders and applicable parties to see where we can collaborate and forge new partnerships.”