SVG Indian Heritage Foundation part of official visit to India

Following a successful visit to India by a member of their organization, the St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Indian Heritage Foundation (IHF) has expressed thanks to Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves for including a representative of the group as part of the delegation on an official visit to India from September 5 to 13.

Cheryl Rodriquez (second from left) Treasurer of SVG Indian Heritage Foundation greets Prime Minister Narendra Modi while Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves (centre) and Luke Browne (left), Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment look on

The IHF was represented by Cheryl Rodriguez, Treasurer of the Foundation, who said in her report that all members of the delegation from SVG were present at all official functions.

“All functions were well arranged. We were treated with respect and dignity wherever we went. Our Prime Minister represented us and our nation with distinction and praised the work of the SVG Indian Heritage Foundation, presenting me as the representative with pride.

“All persons whom we met were impressed that there was a functioning Indian Heritage Foundation in SVG,” Rodriguez said in her report on return to SVG.

“The highlight of the visit was when we were presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi … a warm, friendly, humble, stylish, and fashion conscious gentleman, dressed so simply, yet one of the world’s greatest leaders.”

For me, it was an emotional and spiritual experience… We were treated with dignity and respect wherever we went.”

A framework agreement in relation to the International Solar Alliance was signed between India and St Vincent and the Grenadines

Rodriguez also held discussions with Cenio Lewis, SVG High Commissioner in the UK, who said he was happy there was an outstanding, functioning Indian Foundation in SVG.

“He was impressed by the work of the Foundation,” Rodriguez reported.

“He would like to see all Indians in SVG unite and actively participate in the events put on by the Foundation. He will be meeting with the Indian communities in the U.K. to solicit assistance for the Foundation and for research and teaching of the Hindi language. He is planning a visit to SVG later this year.”

“Overall, this visit was a miracle for me; an impressive, successful one, which has enhanced the image of the SVG Indian Heritage Foundation and the Indian community,” Rodriguez said.

“It has helped to bring awareness of our existence and our work. We have been able to forge linkages with India, Motherland and home of our ancestors. In time, there will be opportunities for us to learn more about our heritage and culture. As a result of that trip, several influential persons are available to us now to help us with our programmes.”

Rodriguez also thanked Vincentian Dr Richard Byron Cox, who she described as a “knowledgeable, professional, friendly, helpful, expert in several areas; a Vincentian doing outstanding work in the International field.”

The St Vincent and the Grenadines delegation poses for another picture

Byron-Cox, who was the liaison officer to the delegation, was also in India as an employee of the United Nations for the 14th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

A release from the SVG IHF said the Foundation is pleased that their representative was able to meet with the Head of the country Prime Minister Modi, was introduced to officials in various Ministries, and spoke to persons connected to many Diasporas.

“Our Foundation and the Indian community received exposure at the highest level. We look forward to any further announcements by Prime Minister Gonsalves that would benefit the Foundation and to any assistance and guidance he might offer us,” the release said.

The SVG IHF also expressed thanks to the Government and people of India for hosting Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and his delegation.

Other members of the SVG delegation included Luke Browne, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment and Fitzgerald Providence, Director of Forestry SVG.