Mitchell-Joseph appointed as first Honorary Consul to Finland

Louise Mitchell-Joseph’s appointment as the first Honorary Consul to Finland was celebrated in style at a gala event last week Thursday evening.{{more}}

Mitchell-Joseph told the guests gathered at her Cane Garden home their presence meant a lot to her. She added it is an honour to represent Finland in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Ambassador Mykko Pyhala, Plenipotentiary Representative Designate of Finland to CARICOM, and his wife Pia Sovio-Pyhala.

Mitchell-Joseph expressed thanks to the couple and their government for having confidence in her by naming her as the person to represent Finland in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

A Lawyer by profession, Mitchell-Joseph told the gathering up until her appointment she didn’t know much about Finland. However, she has learned a lot about the country since then.

The new Honorary Consul said she foresees the establishment of a number of bilateral initiatives as one of the paths that will be chartered.

Accompanied by her husband, Dwight ‘Bing’ Joseph, Mitchell-Joseph said: “The ambassador met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and we have already discussed a lot of new exciting possibilities where we can corporate with Finland and learn from them and they can learn from us.”

She said the National Trust, which she heads, is already seeking to solicit funds for one of its projects.

“I am hoping that through Finland having a representative here in St.Vincent and the Grenadines that the ties between our two countries and between the people of our two countries will grow from strength to strength,” said Mitchell-Joseph.

Ambassador Pyhala noted it’s a great moment for Finland to have a representative here. He said it is one of the first consulates that has been established by Finland in the Lesser Antilles.

“When we met, when we discussed, when we looked at Louise’s curriculum, there was no doubt. We don’t need to talk to other candidates,” said Pyhala.

The meet and greet function was attended by His Excellency the Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne; Leader of the Opposition Arnhim Eustace; Minister of Culture Rene Baptiste; Louise’s father and former prime minister Sir James Mitchell; former Attorney General Parnel Campell; Taiwan’s Ambassador to SVG Leo Lee; Cuba’s Ambassador to SVG Olga Chamero Trías; Venezuela’s Ambassador to SVG Yoel Marcano, and several other members of the diplomatic corps.