UK-based Vincentians meet with PM Gonsalves in Wycombe, England

Close to 500 hundred persons in the Vincentian Diaspora converged on the premises of the Bucks University in High Wycombe, England, to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves when he visited Britain last week.{{more}}

He engaged the participants on issues touching and concerning developments in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The event was also attended by Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Governor General of St.Vincent and the Grenadines; Cenio Lewis, High Commissioner for St.Vincent and the Grenadines to the UK; Doris Charles, Minister Counsellor, other members of the staff of the High Commission; Eloise Gonsalves, wife of Prime Minister Gonsalves; Dr Christopher Stange, Consul for St.Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland; Jane White, Mayor of High Wycombe;,and other dignitaries.

The members of the National Executive of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines National Associations also attended the function, as well as a strong representation from Vincy Foods and other businesses within the Vincentian Diaspora.

Sir Frederick highlighted the need for closer collaboration on issues that will undoubtedly affect the families that are displaced as a result of the recent floods.

He noted that he was pleased at the turn out at the meeting and encouraged all to continue to build St.Vincent and the Grenadines. He used the opportunity to pledge his support for the efforts that were being made by the Prime Minister and other members of his government amidst trying times.

Gonsalves, in his presentation, gave an update on the recent disaster. He also gave a thorough insight into the various sectors of the economy in St.Vincent and the Grenadines. Emphasis was also placed on how Vincentians abroad and at home can positively impact the daily lives of other Vincentians amidst the harsh economic crises that are affecting the world.

“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,” said Gonsalves.

Prime Minister Gonsalves also discussed the importance of the existing foreign policy of St.Vincent and the Grenadines. He said that St.Vincent and the Grenadines is a small country that needs to be creative and would continue to look for opportunities, by making and maintaining “friends of all” but abstaining from making enemies of any nation.

Mention was also made of large scale foreign direct investment within the tourism sector, the International Airport at Argyle, and the ‘wellness revolution’.

Other topics that were addressed included LIAT; telecommunications; agricultural diversification; and the possibility of cocoa production.

He concluded his presentations by stating that “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.”