PM explains heavy travel schedule abroad

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has had a very hectic traveling agenda since he was elected to office in March 2001.{{more}}

At a press conference at Cabinet Room last Friday, the Prime Minister said that these frequent trips are necessary in order to maintain diplomatic relations with the many nations with which St. Vincent and the Grenadines has ties.

“When you have close relations with countries such as Taiwan or Cuba, it is very important on an ongoing basis for the head of government to interface with the ministers and governments in those countries,” Gonsalves explained.

According to Gonsalves, since being elected to government, “I have visited to Cuba 8 to 9 times, Taiwan about 7 to 8 times. It gives you the indication as to the importance that we attach to this relationship,” he said.

“I’ve been more frequently to the United States (US) and perhaps more frequently to the United Kingdom, Europe and Venezuela,” he further added.

Presently the Prime Minister is in the United States of America, where he attended the UN council meeting which had on its agenda the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.

The two-day meeting was held on September 19 and 20 in New York.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister will remain in the US where he is expected to address a town hall meeting in the Bronx, New York. (AA)