Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698836305401.pdf (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE Saint Vincent and the Grenadines April 2021| Issue No.

1 Jan -- April 2021| Issue No.

1 Jan | Biography Senator The Hon.

Keisal M. Peters Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Biography of Dr.

The Hon.
The Hon.

Ralph E. Gonsalves Prime Minister Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Security, Legal Affairs and Information On November 5th 2020, Dr. the Honourable Ralph E. Gonsalves was elected to serve Saint Vincent and the Grenadines after a his- toric victory to secure a fifth term as Prime Minister.

He won the general elections of 2001, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020.
In this country’s history, Prime Minister Gonsalves is the longest continu- ously serving Head of Government since Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became independent in 1979.

In the immediate years leading up to his appointment as Prime Minister in 2001, it is notable that on December 6 1998, Dr. Gonsalves was elected as the Political Leader of the Unity Labour Party (ULP) and was appointed by His Excellency the Governor- General to the Office of Leader of the Opposition with effect from October 1, 1999.
Dr. Gonsalves succeeded the distinguished statesman, the Honourable Vincent Ian Beache, who voluntarily demitted that Office.

For the first time in his twenty years as Prime Minister, Dr. Gonsalves holds the portfolio of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade as a component of his wider designation; Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Security, Legal Affairs and Information.
Funda- mentally, under his administration, the underpinning philosophi- cal principle that guides foreign policy for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is “Friends of All; Enemies of None…”.

Dr. Gonsalves, known affectionately as "Comrade Ralph" was born in a rural village of Colonaire, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, on August 8, 1946 to his father, Alban Gonsalves (a farmer and small businessman, now deceased) and his mother, Theresa Fran- cis (a small business woman, also now deceased).
His foreparents came to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 1845 as indentured servants from the Portuguese-ruled island of Madeira, some 300 kilometers off the north-west coast of Morocco in North West Africa.

During his doctoral studies at Manchester, he spent one year at Makerere University in Uganda (East Africa) as a Research Associate conducting research work for his doctoral dissertation entitled "The Political Economy of Trade Unions and Industrial Relations in Ugan- da, 1950 – 1971.
At Gray’s Inn (London), he obtained his Degree of Utter Barrister (professional law qualification).

Throughout his years of study, Dr. Gonsalves was always actively involved in leadership and building communities.

It was therefore no surprise that he become actively involved in politics at home.
Concurrently, while pursuing his political career and prior to becom- ing the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Gonsalves practised law extensively and successfully before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in a wide range of matters, but particularly in the fields of constitutional law, criminal law, adminis- trative law, matrimonial law, real property law, law of tort general- ly, and the law of contract.
Dr. Gonsalves has researched, written, and published literature on an extensive range of matters touching upon the Caribbean, Africa, trade unionism, comparative political economy, and development issues generally.
Among his publications are: The Trial of George McIntosh and the 1935 Uprising in Saint Vincent and the Grena- dines, October 6, 2020; The Political Economy of the Labour Move- ment in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, April 16, 2019; The Mak- ing of a National Hero: Law and Practice in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Caribbean Ideas), May 29, 2018; The Rodney Affair and Its Aftermath: A 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Protests in Jamaica on October 16, 1968 (Caribbean Ideas), October 4, 2018; Our Caribbean and Global Insecurity: Seven Essays (Caribbean Ide- as), January 31, 2017; Our Caribbean Civilisation and Its Political Prospects, November 15, 2014; The Case for Caribbean Reparatory Justice, November 14, 2014; and History and the future: A Caribbe- an perspective, January 1, 1994.
Dr. Gonsalves’ earliest years of formal educational development were at the Colonaire Roman Catholic Primary School and then the Saint Vincent Boys’ Grammar School.

Thereafter, he was edu- cated at the following tertiary institutions: University of the West Indies (U.W.I.)

(Jamaica) from which he obtained the BSc.

(Econ.)

and MSc.

(Govt.)

degrees; and the University of Manchester (England) from which he secured his Ph.D. degree in Government.
He is married to Eloise Gonsalves nee Harris, a Trinidadian of Do- minican parentage, who is a graduate of the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill Campus), having majored in English and French and who is also a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in Designing.

Dr. Gonsalves is the father of five children (Camillo, Adam, Isis, Storm, and Soleil).

He and his wife are practic- ing Roman Catholics.

| 2 Biography Senator The Hon.


Keisal M. Peters Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade On November 30th 2020, the first female Senator to have the honour of serving Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade was sworn in at Government House.

Honourable Keisal M. Peters, affectionately known as “KMP” is a daughter of the soil who hails from the vibrant village of Campden Park.
Minister Peters’ formal schooling commenced at the Lowmans Leeward Anglican School.

In 1998, after successfully completing the Common Entrance Examination, Ms. Peters earned herself a spot at the St. Vincent Girls’High School (GHS) where in addition to her academics, she took part in student government as a Student Council Representative and maintained membership in a number of oth- er groups such as the GHS Choir, the GHS Steel Orchestra, and served as a Patrol Leader in the No.
11 Kingstown (GHS) Guide Company of the Girl Guides Association of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

In 2003, Ms. Peters completed her secondary education having attained 10 CXC O’ Level passes.

Ms. Peters went on to the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College (SVGCC) where she enrolled in studies of Law, History, Sociology, and General Paper from 2003 to 2005.
While at the SVGCC, she was elected as the President of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Community College Heritage Club and also held membership in the SVGCC Law Society and SVGCC Sociology Club.

As an avid music lover and songstress, it was only fitting that in 2004, Ms. Peters won the Best Soloist Award during the 2004 SVG Gos- pel Festival.
While pursuing her Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B), at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus, Barbados, Ms. Peters was elected President of the Vincentian Students’ Association and served from 2007-2008.

Ms. Peters also served in other clubs and committees on campus and was selected as a UWI STAT Member & Vice Chancellor’s Ambassador.
In 2009, Ms. Peters graduated with honours from UWI and then enrolled at the Hugh Wooding Law School (HWLS) in Trinidad and To- bago to obtain her legal professional training.

During her second year at Hugh Wooding Law School, Ms. Peters became the first Vin- centian to earn a spot on the prestigious HWLS Margaret Forte Mooting Team where she and her teammates successfully defended HWLS’ championship title and emerged as winners of the 2011 Margaret Forte Criminal Law Moot.
In October 2011, Ms. Peters earned her Legal Education Certificate and graduated on the Principal’s Roll of Honour.

Ms. Peters was also the recipient of the Princi- pal’s Award for Trial Advocacy and the Robert Mathieu Sellier Award for Best Performance in Trial Advocacy.
On October 25th 2011, Ms. Peters was admitted to practice as a Barrister-at-Law & Solicitor in the State of Saint Vincent and the Gren- adines and in October 2017, Ms. Peters was appointed by the Chief Justice to be a Notary Public for the State of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

In 2013, Ms. Peters was honoured by the Lowmans Leeward Anglican School with the Alice Sutherland Award for outstanding perfor- mance in education.
For almost a decade, Ms. Peters practised law at Elizabeth Law Chambers in Kingstown, where she was engaged on various areas of law including but not limited to Family Law, Company Law, Property Law, Insurance Law, Estate and Succession Law.

| 3 Hon.

Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, and Information Technology Introduction Dean Moshen al Attar, congratulations on the creation of this program.

And thank you for your kind invitation.


I was very surprised to receive it, but hum- bled to be included to share what little I know with your distinguished faculty and student body.

Thank you, Dr Haynes for your very kind introduction as a fellow Vincentian, I am proud to be in- troduced by a brilliant son of the soil, you are forgiven and I thank you also for the opportunity to present my thoughts on this important issue.
“Third World Approaches to Interna- tional Law (TWAIL) scholars in particu- lar, and Critical International Legal The- ory (CILT) scholars in general, expose the role of European imperialism and colonialism, of plunder and prejudice, of bigotry and barbarity in shaping the ar- chitecture of International law.

They have also uncovered the legacies of Eu- rocentrism in the operation of interna- tional law, legacies that persist in privi- leging some states at the expense of others.
CILT scholars conclude that the international legal edifice is hopelessly tainted by original sin and thus destined to reproduce the same prejudicial out- comes.” … So says Dr Moshen al Attar, the distin- guished Dean of Law at UWI, Cave Hill, in his paper entitled —Subverting Euro- centric Epistemology: The Value of Nonsense When Designing Counterfac- tuals.
“ To many critical international legal scholars, however, Dr Moshe al Attar continues, the only thing more damned than a world with international law is a world without it.” This argument serves, at once, as a sound basis of the urgent need for the reform of the Security Council and the reason why Saint Vincent and the Gren- adines embarked on a ten year journey to sit on the Security Council.
Ladies and gentlemen, on June 7, 2019, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines be- came the smallest country ever to be elected to the Security Council and only the fourth CARICOM country to sit there — Guyana from 1975-1976 and again in1982 – 1983; Jamaica from 1979- 1980 and again in 2000-2001; and Trini- dad and Tobago 1985 -1986.

We began our two-year tenure on January 1st, 2020 and we held the presidency of the Security Council for the month of No- vember 2020.
I will endeavor to give a snap shot of our tenure on the Council thus far, in- cluding a few highlights of the debate of our signature event during our presiden- cy last November.

This, I hope will serve as a backdrop for contemplating the stalled so-called security reform negotiations and hopefully stimulate ideas and discussion around how we might instill new life into the reform negotiations.

Our tenure on the Security Council began with a sense of awe, humility and a healthy dose of idealism.
Ever mindful that the biggest contribution the United Nations made to us as small states is that it has become illegal for major and medium powers to invade and occupy small states, with only a few exceptions, small states have been able to live in peace.

Buoyed by this fact, we keep our ide- alism and optimism alive.

We came to the task with a team that large- ly comprises young, well-educated enthusias- tic and creative thinkers.

The entire leader- ship is female, indeed, we are 75 percent female.
That, too, is probably historic.

However, let us be clear, the UN Security Council is but one theatre for big power clashes and intrigue.

The composition of the Council, the rights and privileges of some over others, combined with a retreat from multilateralism by powerful states, whether overt or not, and a rejection of the key ten- ets of international law and the United Na- tions Charter all conspire to create some difficulty for small states on the Council.
But more importantly, this rejection of the key tenets of international law and the United Nations Charter creates precarious condi- tions and results the world over.

It could be easy for us to feel defeated and frustrated and despair in the face of divisive and unpro- ductive power plays.

Sure, we cannot adopt any resolution to which a P5 member ob- jects and the powerful may exert undue in- fluence on others.
Still, small states are in a unique position where our National inter- ests and the upholding of international law fully align.

We are therefore staunch defend- ers of international law and the United Na- tions Charter including the principles of non- interference, non-intervention and sovereign equality.

During times, like these, when poli- tics and self-interest overshadow upholding international law, the small state becomes the moral compass, the principled voice of reason.

| 4 H.E.
| 4 H.E.

Inga Rhonda King delivering her presentation at the Virtual UWI Eminent Speaker Series on 28th January , 2021 lic of the Con- Central go, Africa, peace- keeping oper- ations, Great Lakes Region, Guinea- Su- Bissau, dan, South Sudan, Haiti and Colom- bia.

We believe in African solu- tions for Afri- can problems there- and fore, when Africa speaks, we must listen.
We believe that it is criti- cally important to listen keenly to the country affected and their neighbours so that we do not impose solutions from afar without a good understanding of the situa- tion on the ground.

As part of the sixth region of Africa (the African diaspora) we are extremely proud of this partnership.

It has been a partner- ship of equals.

We see immense potential in this unity for many reasons: -It allows for the amplification of voices and common interests — thus expanding ambitions.
-There is the incidental benefit of creating efficiencies .

-It is grounded in mutual respect, which means we listen to each other.

Genuine listening allows us to better understand the perspective of the other.

We don’t presume to know what is better for the other.

Listening facilitates real dialogue and meaningful exchanges which increase the chances of finding lasting solutions.

The result is increased trust which opens up possibilities, it does not close doors.
These are the components necessary for strengthening multilateralism.

We also note that in 2020 Indonesia and Vietnam as ASEAN members on the Coun- cil also cooperate and have made some joint statements.

And as always, the EU cooperation and the EU voice on the Coun- cil remains as strong as ever (despite BREX- IT).
In fact we heard recently at Germany’s event to celebrate the end of their tenure last December that the EU voice is even stronger and more united in the Council than elsewhere — they emphasised that the informal coordination of EU members is quite strong within the Security Council and very effective in defending values they hold near and dear.
I would like to add that there are those that wish to suggest and indeed have sug- gested and indeed cautioned that the A3 plus One formula, the basis of which I just laid out for you, may lend itself to greater divisions within the Council.

Could you im- agine?

Another excellent example of a concentric circle of cooperation on the Council is the recent creation of the Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security.
Because of the growing number of countries prioritis- ing climate and security on the Council, this IEG came into existence in 2020 and SVG became one of the founding members of this Informal Expert Group.
It is important to note also that this hap- pened despite tremendous resistance from some quarters, however, we are confident that the group will find creative ways to exist and get its work done, breathing new life into the critical work to identify and address the consequences of climate change for international peace and securi- ty.
The E10 will always be a diverse grouping and from year to year the dynamics will differ, the unity will fluctuate, but it re- mains the best hope the Council has for being effective in lieu of reform.
We have been able to keep our common positions on working methods and delivered, again, in 2020, a joint E10 statement at the work- ing methods debate in May last year when Saint Vincent and the Grenadines as Chair of the Informal Working Group on Docu- mentation and Other Procedural Matters — in short the Working Methods of the Security Council called the IWG— joined with Estonia, the President of the Council in May, also a Vice chair of the IWG, to convene the annual debate working meth- ods with the theme: Ensuring Transparen- cy, Efficiency, and Effectiveness.
We remain seized of any and all opportunities to im- prove the efficiency, accountability, trans- parency, and effectiveness of the Security Council through its working methods.

Since the pandemic we have added the need for agility in the face of unforeseen circum- stances — like the pandemic.. | 5 Her Excellency Inga Rhonda King is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Ambassador to the United Nations in New York.
On Jan- uary 28, 2021, she had the honour to pre- sent on the topic “UN Security Council Re- form—A Stalled Process: Can the pandemic instill new life” at the Eminent Speaker Series hosted by the UWI Faculty of Law.

Some of her presentation is shared below.


Before delving into Security Council Reform allow me to give a brief broad overview of our tenure on the Council which endeavors to touch on efforts of the elected members toward gradual transformation even as we advocate within the General Assembly for Comprehensive Security Council Reform.

A positive amidst negative trends in multi- lateralism is perhaps the establishment or expansion of concentric circles of coopera- tion in 2020 within the Elected 10.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has always indi- cated that while on the Council we will be the fourth voice for Africa.

There are always three elected African countries on the Council and SVG worked closely with these members, known as the A3, from day one.

Very early during our tenure, I think as early as week two, we proposed and with the three elected African member states, formed a configuration called the A3+SVG or A3+1.
Through this grouping, we deliver joint statements, coordinate positions for negotiations on African issues and meet levels to share regularly at all infor- mation.

To date, the A3+1 has deliv- ered 41 joint statements on the many issues including: Cooperation between the UNSC and the African Union; Libya, Children and armed conflict; Central African Republic, Somalia, the Sahel, Mali, Democratic Repub- cil, the General Assem- bly and the Economic and Social Council and matters of shared con- cern.
For those who the may not know Com- Peacebuilding mission (PBC) is an intergovernmental that advisory body supports peace efforts in conflict affected countries and is a key addition to the capaci- ty of the International Community in the broad peace agenda.

The PBC is com- posed by 31 Member States, elected from the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Economic and Social Council.
The top financial contributing countries and the top troop contributing countries to the United Nations system are also members.

SVG was co-facilitator, along with New Zealand, on the Peacebuilding Architec- ture Review that concluded at the end of December.

SVG worked with member states to get agreement on a resolution which was successfully adopted in De- cember 2020.

Let me turn now to our presidency for the month of November 2020.
On 3 No- vember 2020, Security Council held an open debate via video tele-conference entitled sustaining peace: “Peacebuilding and Contemporary Drivers of Conflict and Insecurity”.

This was our signature event.

Allow me to tarry here a while because, I believe, we can pull strands from this debate into our reform discus- sion later, since it endeavors to treat with Contemporary Drivers of Conflict.

briefers It was chaired by H.E.

the Hon.


Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in his capac- ity as President of the Security Council.

included The H.E.

Amina Mohammed, Deputy- Secretary-General of the United Nations; Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, Chief Executive Officer of the African Union Develop- ment Agency; Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies; and H.E.
Munir Akram, Perma- nent Representative of Pakistan in his capacity as President of the Economic and Social Council.

The debate highlight- ed that the COVID-19 pandemic has exac- erbated the fragility and instability of many existing conflicts, making global peace and security more elusive.

It is clear that peacebuilding and sustaining peace are increasingly multifaceted and interconnected.

This is made evident as Member States work to combat the effects of the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the vulnerabilities and structural flaws in many systems once deemed reliable.

The most vulnera- ble people suffer disproportionately.

The President of the Economic and Social Council warned that the poorest coun- tries are likely to face economic collapse if they are not given the proper assistance.

This includes providing debt relief and debt cancellation for the poorest coun- tries.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Member States that highlighted that forced between many countries are providing public resources or paying their debt.

Low-income countries could suffer permanent economic and development losses, which will negatively affect their pursuit to achieve the Sustainable Devel- opment Goals.
Ever mindful, Dean al Attar, quoting once again from your paper, I quote: Calling for justice, equality, fairness does next to nothing to advance these struggles when the forms of justice, equality, and fairness are drawn from the same Eurocentric epistemology and knowledge that precipi- tates the injustice, and unfairness, la- ments Third World Approaches to Inter- national Law.

End of quote.
End of quote.

Sir Hila- ry Beckles highlighted rap- id decolonisation of the 20th century did not entirely eliminate the legacy and mentality of colonialism.

that the Its present day effects led to unsustaina- ble economies and security challenges in many former colonies.

For these coun- threat tries, to peacebuilding and maintaining peace.

remains a major this | 6 Recovering from the pandemic presents a unique opportunity to address inequali- ties that have been prevalent in societies around the world.
The Deputy-Secretary- General highlighted this by stating that recovery pandemic the United Nations must prioritise good governance and hu- man rights.

She urged governments not to return to the failed frameworks that caused fragility and instability.

from the These concentric circles of cooperation within the E10 and sometimes even includ- ing some P5 members, have amplified the voices and positions of smaller states and it is a very good thing overall.
I would like to emphasise that we no longer refer to those who serve for only two years as non permanent members but rather we are now increasingly referred to as Elected Members, underscoring the legitimacy of our presence.

Another priority on the Council is what we call the Nexus Project.
In addition and, related to our priority on climate and, it is our aim to enhance the cooperation and collaboration between the main organs of the United Nations and to recognise the important linkages between peace and security and development.

This priority is highlighted throughout our statements and positions on the Council.
We put forward a number of ways in which we can strengthen this important nexus: by inviting the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission, President of Economic and Social Council and the President of the General Assembly to Security Council meetings; and, by emphasising the need to address development problems if we want an enduring/sustaining peace.

Military efforts do not provide long-term solutions to conflicts, terrorism and fragility.
For example, in the case of Haiti we emphasise the need for this whole-of-system ap- proach.

We also reiterate our call for repa- rations to be paid to Haiti since slavery and colonisation were key factors in its under- development.

We are now, for the year 2021, one of two Council members that represent the Secu- rity Council on the Peace building Commis- sion for a one- year term, the other is Ken- ya.
The Peacebuilding Commission should act as a bridge between the Security Coun- The reparatory justice movement seeks to address the legacies of slavery, vio- lent colonisation and institutional racism.

Sir Hilary Beckles cited reparations as a means to repair the wounds of colonised nations, particularly in Africa.

The abhor- rent violation of civil and human rights for those who were colonised has resulted in a lasting legacy of instability.
Reparations will lead to further development, a neces- sary step for sustainable peace.

In this regard, reparatory justice is a means to reconciliation and peace for the Caribbe- an, Africa, and its Diaspora.

Many Member States cited climate change and environmental degradation as major drivers of global insecurity.

In sev- eral regions of the world, environmental degradation has caused significant insta- bility.

Extreme weather events have led to food insecurity and forced displace- ment.
Furthermore, natural disasters tend to exacerbate existing conflicts, making it more difficult to establish sus- tainable peace.

African nations and the Deputy Secretary-General cited the cli- mate and security challenges in the Sahel region of Africa as an example of this.

Similarly, Small Island Developing States face a significant threat due to climate change.
Overall, Member States emphasised the importance of multilateral partnerships in combating threats to peace and security and the need for synergies across the UN system.

The COVID-19 pandemic has em- phasised the need to “build back better”, and as countries recover, it is important to invest in systems that prioritise resili- ent, inclusive, and accountable institu- tions.

There can be no development with- out lasting peace, and no peace without development.
The primary theme that emerged from this High-Level event was the need for coherence and complementarity across peace and security, development, human rights and humanitarian nexus.

Opera- tionalising this nexus requires enhanced cooperation between the UN Security Council and the other main organs of the United Nations system.
The Peacebuilding Commission's bridging role is critical to this "whole-of-system" approach, but effectively addressing the root causes of conflict through sustainable development initiatives will require the political will of Member States to meaningfully confront the fundamental chal- lenges of inequality, including those that have been left largely unaddressed by the rapid process of de- colonisation.
Sir Hilary Beckles, also called for the comple- tion of the work on the Com- Special mittee on Decolonisa- tion (the C-24).

He also emphasised that "this mandate will not be completed until the matter of repa- rations has been settled, allowing those who suffer harm today to move forward with justice and equality."

The root causes of insecurity, both historical and contem- porary, must be adequately addressed.
Ladies and Gentlemen, these are but a few of our modest contributions thus far dur- ing our tenure on the Security Council to the maintenance of international peace and security.

There is time still to contrib- ute more and to unpack and provide a real in-depth analysis of the various areas and elements of that contribution.
Security Council reform Nevertheless, with multilateralism and the international rules-based order under threat, and with rising powers and emerg- ing markets increasingly shaping world events, there is ample evidence that the current construct of the Security Council is not fit for purpose.

The reform endeavour presents, therefore, an opportunity for Member States to refashion the Council in a manner that is better suited to 21st cen- tury geo-political realities.
implications that Concerns about the Council reform will have on global power relations are not the sole cause for the lack of progress, as the procedures of the IGN create their own obstruction.

Some insist that decisions taken should be made on the basis of overwhelming consensus if not unanimity.

Though we must recall that Decision 62/557 which still guides the re- form efforts says “widest possible political acceptance”.
However, this has served to deepen the gridlock that has impeded ad- vancement of negotiations over the years.

Such procedural obstacles could be re- moved if Member States adopt modus operandi whereby deadlocks on important matters are decided via a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.

This would be in line with the Charter’s and GA’s two- thirds majority rule regarding deci- sions on “important questions”.
It would also be consistent with GA resolution 53/30 of 1st December 1998, which stipulates that no reso- lution on the question of Security Council reform can be adopted without the agreement of at least two thirds of its members ---not to put too fine a point on the im- portance of adjusting the IGN’s pro- cedural mechanisms.

It is indeed an issue to which the L69, the group for which I have the privilege of being the Chair/Spokesperson de- votes considerable energy.
Real movement will only take place if sufficient political will is brought to bear at higher levels.

This is as the framers of the UN Charter en- visaged, for the Council was in- tended to serve as the sentinel of international peace and security; which it accomplishes through the exercise of politically-influenced collective decision-making.

As such, its inherently political nature stimulates questions that merit politically astute responses.
For instance, given that the effec- tiveness of the Council is measured by its ability to maintain interna- tional peace and security, how would this be enhanced by the en- largement of its membership?

| 7 SVG RECEIVES 40,000 DOSES OF THE COVISHIELD ASTRA- ZENECA VACCINE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Monday 1st March, 2021 received 40,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses from the Government and People of India under the Vaccine Maitri initiative.
The Vaccine Initiative s a humanitarian initiative undertaken by the Indian govern- ment to provide COVID-19 vaccines to countries around the world.

The government started providing vaccines from 20th January 2021.

As of 9 May 2021, India had delivered around 66.3 million doses of vaccines to 95 countries.

Of these, 10.7 million doses were gifted to 47 countries by the Government of India.

The remaining 54 million were supplied by the Serum Institute of India under its commercial and COVAX obligations.
The vaccines distributed to the Caribbean are part of a shipment of 175,000 vaccines which landed in Antigua on Monday and the vaccines were distributed to Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

The vaccines arrived on a chartered flight from Mumbai and were distributed to the islands by a Regional Security System (RSS) aircraft which landed at the Argyle Inter- national Airport (AIA) around noon on March 1.

Prime Minister Dr. Hon.


Ralph E. Gonsalves and his wife Mrs. Eloise Gonsalves, Minister of Health, Hon.

St. Clair ‘Jimmy’ Prince, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Simone Keizer Beache and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Cuthbert Knights were at the Argyle International Airport to receive the vaccines.

Representatives from the Indian High Commission and the Indian Heritage Foundation were also on hand to witness the event.
As of March, 1, 2021 the Caribbean region which includes 35 countries and territories includ- ing the 26 CARPHA Member States) reported 537,610 COVID-19 cases and and 7,703 deaths.

Caribbean leaders extolled Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching an exemplary initiative to help other nations get stronger during the global health crisis.

reforms of its working methods?


The initiatives taken by some coun- tries to garner support for a collec- tive and voluntary undertaking to refrain from using the veto in situa- tions involving mass atrocities is a case in point.

There are other pertinent questions that arise, such as: how would the inclusion of new permanent mem- bers affect the internal dynamics of the P5?
It is entirely appropriate for such questions to be debated with- in the IGN, an inclusive multilateral fo- rum for the exchange of ideas and view- points on critical issues.

There are some who believe that the IGN should be opened to broad- er multi-stakeholder involvement, so that grass-roots perspectives and transparency can be injected into this the negotiations.

Whether would be a feasible way to proceed is debatable.
What is certain, how- ever, is that the consequence of maintaining the current approach, in which well-known positions and proposals are repeated seriatim year after year, is that the reform “negotiations” will continue to me- ander along devoid of any sense of urgency.
its desultory path, | 8 On the other hand, as the Council’s efficien- cy is not solely related to its size, could this not be achieved through more wide-ranging SVG CONSULATE IN TORONTO, CANADA DONATES TO THE NATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES GOLDEN YEARS ACTIVITY CENTRES IN SVG Senator The Hon.

Keisal M. Peters delivering brief remarks On Tuesday 9th March, 2021, the National Insurance Services Golden Years Activity Centres in SVG received 100 chairs and sofas from the Vincentian Dias- pora in Toronto, Canada.
The donation was made through the SVG Consulate in Toronto, Canada under the auspices of Mr. Fitzgerald Huggins.

The Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, The Hon.

Sena- tor Keisal Peters, handed over the items to Ms. Joy Matthews, Manager of the National Insurance Services Golden Years Activity Centres.

The items are valued at approximately CAN$25,000.00.
The donors who wish to remain anonymous also donated 35 mattresses to be distributed by the Ministry of Health, Well- ness and the Environment, 10 wheelchairs consigned to the Office of the Prime Minister at a value of CAN$9,000.00 and 1 keyboard which was handed over to the South Rivers Methodist School.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on behalf of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, thanks the Vincentian Diaspora in Canada for its generous donation in giving back to this country.

| 9 EXCERPTS FROM 2021 BUDGET SPEECH DELIVERED BY SENATOR THE HON.
KEISAL M. PETERS MINISTER OF STATE WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE ON THE 4TH FEBRUARY, 2021 AT THE HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT The 2021 budget is being presented at the time when the local economy, the regional economy and the international economy is under serious pressure!

What is the Ministry’s mandate?

To safeguard the national interests in Foreign Policy and Foreign Trade through our foreign engagements for the sustainable development of the Vincentian society.
How is the Ministry assisting SVG to navigate through these current circumstances?

The Ministry will assist through the Government’s Foreign Policy, Foreign Trade and by means of our Foreign Engagements.

To put it in context, in the United Nations there are 193 countries and 2 Observer States being Palestine and the Vatican.

So this means that SVG has diplomatic relations with over 70% of the UN membership.

So, we have strategically placed ourselves on the world stage.
And, the icing on the cake Madam Speaker is when we attained a seat as a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council.

SVG’s delegation has done amazing work in negotiating interventions, drafting resolutions and statements on various matters.

We have strength- ened our alliance with the three African Countries on the Security Council namely Niger, South Africa and Tunisia (The A3), in 2020, in the A3+1 A3+SVG) formulation.
Since the beginning of 2021, South Africa was replaced by Kenya on the Council and within he A3+1 formulation.

Madam Speaker, our strengthened alliances with countries of the African Union is very important, especially given the historical context and significance.

With this A3+1 Alliance our delegation has been able to advocate on issues affecting our part of the world.
We have brought to the forefront oth- er threats to security namely: Food Security; Climate Change (includes hurricanes, drought, Saharan Dust).

The Pandemic – COVID-19 - access to medical equipment, vaccines etcetera.

Larger countries imposing their might to withhold equipment from less developed states.

With regard to our other overseas diplomats, they too must be commended for their hard work.
The task of our overseas missions is to implement SVG’s foreign policy and with the guidance of the foreign policy department, our diplomats seek out opportunities for the development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Some of the programmes that have been successfully negotiated as a result of the work of our diplomats include:  The Nursing Recruitment Program in the UK;  The Army and Navy recruitment Programmes in the UK;  The Canadian Agricultural Work Programme;  Temporary Agriculture Programme in the United States, which is currently in the pipeline;  The “Teach English in Asia Programme”;  The “Teach English in Latin America Programme” which is currently on hold due to COVID19.
And many other initiatives which are in the pipeline which will be rolled out in due course.

Let me take this opportunity to state as the Minister of State that if a recruitment programme is not announced by the Foreign Affairs Ministry or any other line Ministry, chances are it is not genuine.
Which brings me to the Ministry’s Public Diplomacy Programme whereby we strive to en- lighten the Vincentian public about our initiatives by virtue of the Ministry’s Annual Essay Writing competition; our social media platforms; weekly Radio Programmes on NBC Radio, a monthly API programme, and the quarterly Diplomatic Courier.
Foreign Engagement I have noted in the budget that by virtue of our foreign engagements, there have been Capital Receipts (Page VII of the estimates) in the sum of $55.9 million by way of grants.

On a bilateral level – (Country to Country) – the receipts total $24.99 million; on a Multilateral level – Organisations – the receipts total $30.9 million.
On a review of the budget, let us see how the work of the Ministry translates to dollars and cents as it relates to some of the projects that have been or will be realised as a result of our foreign policy and diplomatic relations:  The Barrouallie Blackfish Facilities Enhancement Project – by virtue of Japan;  The Arrowroot Factory in Orange Hill – by virtue of India;  The Soil Fertility Mapping Project – by virtue of Morocco;  The Pedestrian Access Village Enhancement Project (PAVE) by virtue of the United Arab Emirates;  Construction of secondary village roads primarily on the windward side of the island—by virtue of Kuwait;  The Bequia Desalination plant—by virtue of Italy; and  The Grenadines Airport Rehabilitation Project by virtue of The Republic of China on Taiwan.
Madam Speaker, it is good to have good friends.

The Republic of China (Taiwan) – Madam Speaker, in August, 2021 will mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China on Taiwan.

Madam Speaker that relationship is longer than I have been alive.

Talk about diplomatic rela- tionship goals!


This amazing country has contributed to the development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in many sectors including but not limited to education, agriculture, and health.

To mark the 40th anniversary we are planning a number of activities bearing in mind always the COVID-19 restrictions.

But, it is our intention to celebrate.


| 10 Britain and France – Quite recently Madam Speaker, in January, the Ministry was able to utilise our diplomatic channels to procure the use of 2 helicopters which transported members of the UWI Seismic Research team to the La Soufriere volcano to conduct further re- search and this was made possible by the French Government and the British Government respectively ...and we are grateful.
The Bolivarian of Republic of Venezuela continues to offer financial assistance to SVG by way of grants and soft loans; more recently financial facilities have been made available to SVG and other East- ern Caribbean states through the ALBA TCP of which Venezuela and Cuba is a member.

The Republic of Cuba continues to provide support for our health sector by way of the Cuban Medical Brigade which comprises of 7,400 members, 45 of which are stationed in SVG.
When the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by storm in 2020, the Cuban Medical Brigade, immediately provided medical response to countries all over the world, including Saint Vincent and the Grena- dines.

Madam Speaker it is not lost on me that in June 2020, the Trump Administration issued a scathing report wherein it was alleged that Cuba’s medical programme through its medical brigade, consti- tuted human trafficking and forced labour.
It is also not lost on me Madam Speaker, that the Brigade, officially known as the Henry Reeves International Medical Brigade is world renowned for its con- tinuous medical service to the global community.

It is on this basis Madam Speaker, that Cabinet gave its approval and overwhelming blessing for the State of Saint of St Vincent and the Grenadines to nominate the Cuban Medical Brigade for the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize and on the 26th January, 2021.
I, as the Minister of State with the assistance of my research team, lodged the said nomination on be- half of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Madam Speaker, we wish the Cuban Medical Brigade best wishes in the selection process!
United States of America - Madam Speaker as it relates to the United States of America with which we have diplomatic relations, I think I speak for many when I say I am pleased with the outcome of the 2020 US Elections and I congratulate the President Biden and Vice President Harris on their victory.

Madam Speaker, as the Minister of State, I will not easily forget, the attempts by the Trump Administra- tion to divide and conquer the membership of CARICOM.
Neither will I forget the Trump Administration’s exclusion of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines from diplomatic discussions whilst at the same time conducting dialogue with some of our CARICOM neighbours.

With that being said, it is my sincere hope and fervent prayer that the diplomatic relations with the USA will continue to grow from strength to strength as it relates to ALL CARICOM MEMBERS whilst acknowledging CARICOM’s relationship with Cuba and our relation- ship with Venezuela.
Additionally, CARICOM was required to issue a statement denouncing the classification of Cuba as a State which funds terrorism which made by the Trump Administration, 6 days after president Trump activated his domestic sleeper cells to storm the Capitol building.
Madam Speaker, with regard to Foreign Trade, I wish to note the following: Madam Speaker, in times like these where money has to be spent wisely, this administration has crystalised consumer rights, by virtue of the Consumer Protection Act which was passed in 2020.

I encour- age all stakeholders to obtain a copy and read it.
Although the local trade portfolio is no longer with us, I felt it necessary to highlight one of the Ministry’s crowning achievements under the guidance my predecessor the Honourable Sir Louis Straker Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce and we salute him for his hard work.
As it relates to international trade, we have all heard about Brexit, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines along with other CARICOM Countries has the unique opportunity to redefine our trade position with the United Kingdom and the European Union by virtue of re- spective Economic Partnership Agreements.

I am particularly pleased that the United Kingdom has recently estab- lished a High Commission here in SVG which will no doubt facilitate trade discussions between the two countries.
I note with great interest that the budget makes provisions for a Trade Investment Promotion Officer in the New York Consulate.

It is my hope that in time all of our overseas missions will have a Trade Investment Promotion Officer in order to identify trade opportuni- ties.

I am also happy to report that the Ministry has completed the First Draft of SVG’s National Export Strategy which will assist us in contin- ually revitalising our economy.
Lady Soufrière I am woman hear me roar, this is not new, I have done this before.

I have stayed in silence for far too long, I have cleared my throat to sing my song.

For decades you have walked up and down my trails, some of you as quick as hares, some of you as slow as snails.

I admired your effort, I admired your drive, But did you stop to think that I was still alive?

The pressure was on, I needed release, I tried my best to keep the peace.
For months I oozed to ease my pain, But the hurt I felt could not be contained.

I did what I did, I said what I said, I apologise for causing you worry and dread.

My ash plumes are beautiful, their downfall is a nightmare.

In the sky or on the ground you can't help but stare.

News of my outburst has spread all across the world, now everybody is talking about this little ole girl.

In many ways I was a sleeping beauty, but did you really think I would not celebrate my anniversary?!
I wish you the best, and I am being sincere.

Yours truly, Lady Soufrière.

Written by: Senator The Hon.

Keisal M. Peters 13.4.2021 © 2021 A POEM ENTITLED “LADY SOUFRIÈRE” Excepts from 2021 Budget Speech Delivered by Senator The Hon.

Keisal M. Peters | 11 Hon.


Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, and Information Technology LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) On Wednesday, 10th March 2021, the Hon.
Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, Sustainable Develop- ment and Information Technology signed a Loan Agreement for US$20,000,000 with the Export-Import Bank of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to finance the construction of the Modern Parliament and Modern Court House Projects.

These projects are expected to commence in the last quarter.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (Taiwan), over the years have developed close bilateral cooperation in the areas of agriculture, education, health, social development, infrastructure development, and people- to-people exchanges.

In 2019, Saint Vin- cent and the Grenadines and the Repub- lic of China (Taiwan) also signed a Loan Agreement for Fifty Million United States Dollars (US$50,000,000) for the Mount Wynne Hotel Project which is on the western flank of the island.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of Chi- na (Taiwan) established diplomatic relations on August 15, 1981.

Both countries share very close diplomatic ties and the Republic of China (Taiwan) is considered as one of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ closest allies.

This year, both countries celebrate 40 years of bilateral relations.

| 12 SVG RECEIVES ADDITIONAL FACE MASKS AND PPES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC Above Photo L-R: Mr. Ken Boyea, Standard Shippers Inc., Hon.
St. Clair Jimmy Prince, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Hon.
Keisal Peters, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and Ms. Fern Dopwell, Member Representative Liaison for SVG Relief USA Inc. On March 22 2021, emergency supplies in the form of facial masks and Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs) were handed over to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment at a ceremony held at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
The donation was made by Vincentians living in the USA through two USA-based organisations – SVG Relief Inc. and the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Disaster Relief Platform (SVG-DRIP).

Senator The Hon.

Keisal Peters, Minister of State in the Min- istry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade handed over the items to Hon.

Jimmy Prince, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environ- ment.
Ms. Fern Dopwell, Member Representative Liaison for SVG Relief USA Inc. was in attendance to bring brief remarks on behalf of SVG Relief Inc. and gave the assurance that the organisation will continue its efforts to seek opportunities to assist their fellowmen in SVG.

The Minister of Health, Hon.

Jimmy Prince thanked Ms. Dopwell and the SVG Relief Inc. and SVG DRIP for their generous donation.
Min- ister Prince in his remarks also highlighted other organisations that have assisted during the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by providing emergency supplies and reassured the public that the health centres are properly equipped with facial masks and PPEs needed for the safety of our health workers.

Hon.
Hon.

Minister Peters also in her remarks thanked our Embassies and Consu- lates, the Vincentian Diaspora groups (SVG Relief Inc. and SVG-DRIP) and Mr. Keith Boyea of Amerijet for providing the financial support needed to ensure that the emergency supplies arrived here in SVG.
Mr. Fessy Yorke of Standard Shippers NY provided storage and shipping of the items and there were also other partnering organisations on the SVG Joint Relief Effort such as CARICOM -SVG, National Council of SVG Associations UK, SVG Relief Inc. USA and SVG Central Florida Organization Inc. for making this initiative a success.
Minister Peters reminded that in unprecedented times like this, it is important for the Vincentian Diaspora and our respective Embassies and Consulates to work closely to ensure that projects such as these in the midst of a crisis can assist us here in SVG.

Minister Peters further reiterated the call of Prime Minister Dr. the Hon.

Ralph E. Gonsalves to “Be Our Brother’s Keeper” now more than ev- er.
The donation of 50,000 masks and PPEs from the SVG Relief Inc. and SVGDRIP handed over to the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment will add to the safety net in protecting citizens of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The donation includes: 39,200 surgical (3 ply) face masks, 2,450 KN95 masks, 10,420 kids masks, 300 N95 face masks, 5,500 gloves, 792 face shields, 400 shoe covers, and 100 caps.
| 13 SVG CONSULATE , TORONTO CANADA PARTNERS WITH SVGDRIP TO DONATE INFUSION PUMPS TO MMDC Photo Above (L_R): Deputy Hospital Administrator Ms. Idinger Miller, Oncologist at the MMDC, Dr. Aimee Taylor, Minister of State with Responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator The Hon.
Keisal M. Peters, and Departmental Manager at the MMDC, Ms. Agatha Stay The Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre (MMDC) located in Georgetown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines received a do- nation of four (4) infusion pumps, which will boost Centre’s ability to handle more cancer patients seeking chemotherapy treatment at the Centre.

The four infusion pumps are valued at US$4,896.00.


and were handed over to the MMDC on Thursday, March 25, 2021 compliments a donation of the Consulate of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Toronto, Canada, headed by Consul General Fitzgerald Huggins, in conjunction with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Disaster Relief Initiative Platform (SVGDRIP).

Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator The Hon.

Keisal M. Peters handed over the donation to the MMDC.
During her remarks, Senator Peters thanked the donors of SVGDRIP for continuing to use their influence and network to assist in the development of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in various sectors.

Senator Peters also remarked that the organisation raised half of the financial resources to purchase the equipment and must be commended for their efforts.

The organisation’s membership spans from the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, the US Virgin Islands, among other territories.
Senator Peters emphasised that SVGDRIP is “a dynamic platform to bring together Vincentians across the globe to rally around collective initiatives to increase the impact and reach of localised efforts to support SVG before and after major disaster and crisis.” Senator Peters also congratulated the Consulate under the leadership of Consul General, Fitzgerald Huggins, for their consistent efforts in giving back to SVG, noting that this is evidence of the bonds this country shares with other countries and organisations throughout the world.
Senator Peters further pointed out that this country is now in a better place to expand its reach in health care offered to its citizens affected by cancer.
The Deputy Hospital Administrator, Idinger Miller underscored the importance of the machines to chemotherapy treat- ment and shared that the donation allows the treatment to be administered in a more efficient and effective manner, and added that while small in size the machines will “provide life-saving treatment to patients or prolong the life of persons suffering from cancer.” Dr. Aimee Taylor, oncologist at the Modern Medical Diagnostic Centre identified a range of bene- fits derived from the use of infusion pumps which include precision dosage of medication to patients, and the administer- ing of different medications that will be pumped into the bloodstream through the exact passage.
Dr. Taylor said that this is a timely and much needed donation to the MMDC and extended appreciation to the donors.

The Centre’s Departmental Manager Agatha Stay, also extended thanks to Consul General Huggins and said they can now increase the number of patients receiving chemotherapy daily from two persons to 10, thus significantly reducing the waiting list of scheduled patients.

The Modern Medical Complex is made up of surgical, dialysis and outpatient units.
Services currently offered include Renal Dialysis for adults and children, Intensive Care, Endoscopy, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Ultrasound, Laboratory and General Medical and Surgical Consultations.

| 14 SVG CONSULATE , TORONTO CANADA PARTNERS WITH SVGDRIP TO DONATE INFUSION PUMPS TO MMDC TAIWAN ASSISTS SVG IN UPGRADING ITS BUS SYSTEM TO AN INTELLIGENT BUS MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING SYSTEM Photo Above: L-R: Hon.

Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning, and Information Technology and H.E.
Calvin Ho, Ambassador, Republic of China Taiwan From 2011 to 2020, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines launched three (3) Information Commu- nication Technology (ICT) Cooperation projects.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology on behalf of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Intelligent Bus Management and Monitoring System Project’s Implementation Note was signed on January 25th, 2019 between the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Gov- ernment of the Republic of China (Taiwan) as part of the on-going thrust to develop Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Intelligent Bus Management and Monitoring System Project.
The objectives of the project are to improve the management of the public transportation sector (eBus phase), and enhance surveillance in public areas (CCTV Phase) in the country.

The CCTV Phase is completed with a fully func- tional surveillance system currently in operation.
The main components of the project are the installation of smart bus stops at approximately forty (40) locations throughout the country, and the installation of approximately 200 Telematic Control Units (TCUs) on Government-owned and contracted buses, and also privately owned buses that agree to come on board.
The full operation of the ICT Cooperation projects will be extremely beneficial to the People of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in advancing the transportation sector making it more effective and efficient.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic and La Soufrière volcano eruptions caused unforeseen challenges during the project implementation period, project team members from both countries have overcome the difficulties and launched the project successfully.
The main implementing agencies of this project are the Republic of China (Taiwan) (ICDF), Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, and Information Technology (Information Technology Services Division), and the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.
The government says that this project is expected to yield tremendous divi- dends to all stakeholders, not least of which will be the much-needed relief to the travelling public by greatly reducing the waiting time for buses, as commuters will be in a position to determine the buses’ location, and therefore know when to get to the bus stop at an appropriate time, and avoid long waits.
The eBus phase is being implemented by two teams com- from Askey company of Taiwan; and staff prising consultants of TaiwanICDF; Information Technology Services Division (ITSD), in the Ministry Finance, Economic Planning and Information Tech- nology; Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; and Ministry of Transport.
Installation of one of the bus management and monitoring systems being done by personnel from the ITSD, & ICDF and RSVGPF | 15 SALUTE TO MS. MICHELLE FORBES DIRECTOR, NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION (NEMO) On April 13 2021, the Embassy of the United States in Bridge- town, Barbados saluted Ms. Michelle Forbes in her capacity as Director of the National Emergency Management Organisation.
Ms. Forbes is a former Fulbright awardee was recognised for her outstanding leadership as the Director of the National Emergen- cy Management Organisation (NEMO) of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Ms. Michelle Forbes joined the staff of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) on December 1, 2004 as the Deputy Director.

Prior to joining the staff at NEMO, Ms. Forbes was an Air Traffic Controller at the E. T. Joshua Airport.
Ms. Forbes says she is truly blessed by having a career that she thor- oughly enjoys.

Ms. Forbes holds a Bachelors of Science (Honours) in Interna- tional Disaster Engineering and Management from Coventry University in the United Kingdom.

Ms. Forbes was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship in 2008 and went on to complete her Masters in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Management from the Andrew Young School of Poli- cy Studies, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Ms. Forbes was appointed to the post of Director on May 27, 2017.

The Ministry and by extension the Government and People of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines salute Ms. Michelle Forbes as Director of NEMO, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for lead- ing the charge on the emergency response to the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
| 16 SALUTE TO MS. MICHELLE FORBES MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION (NEMO) DIRECTOR, NATIONAL EMERGENCY CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS. SAFIYA HORNE-BIQUE ON HER APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECRETARIAT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CARIBBEAN STATES (ACS) Mrs. Safiya Horne-Bique, a Vincentian National, assumed her duties as Director of Trade and Sustainable Development at the Secretariat of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) on Monday, November 2 2020.
The ACS is a regional organi- sation established in 1994 with its headquarters located in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

The ACS aims to develop trade, enhance transportation, develop sustainable tourism, and facilitate greater and more effective responses to natu- ral disasters between the nations of the Greater Caribbean.

Prior to assuming this senior post, Mrs. Horne-Bique was employed at the ACS as an Advisor within the Directorate of Trade and Sustainable Development.
Mrs. Horne-Bique was previously employed as an Economist in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade before being seconded.

During this period, Mrs. Horne-Bique worked as the Senior Implementation Officer for the European Union (EU) - Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) Implementation Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce from 2011-2013.
From 2016 - 2018, Mrs. Horne-Bique held the post of Economist with the responsibilities of the Desk Officer for the OECS, CARICOM, and ACS at the Ministry.

Between 2013 – 2016, Mrs. Horne-Bique was seconded to the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission in the capacity of Programme Officer III.
Mrs. Horne-Bique demon- strated an unshakeable commitment to the project of regional integration as well as the development and ennoblement of the Caribbean Civilisation.

Mrs. Horne-Bique has been very instrumental in her research and policy development at both the regional and national levels.
Mrs. Horne-Bique holds a Bachelors of Science in Economics from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus and a Masters of Arts in International Relations from the Alliant International Universi- ty, Mexico and is currently pursuing a Masters in Law from the University of London.
The Ministry and by extension the Government applaud Mrs. Safiya Horne-Bique on her achievement as the Director of Trade and Sustainable Development of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) and wish her immense successes throughout her tenure.
Headquarters of the Association of Caribbean States in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago For more information on the ACS visit: http://www.acs-aec.org/index.php?q=about-the-acs | 17 SVG USES VIRTUAL MECHANISMS TO ACCREDIT SEVEN (7) COUNTRIES TO THE STATE OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused a drastic shift in the ways of conducting business, it has also impacted the movement of people and how we communicate and interact with each other.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines accepted Letters of Credence and Letters of Introduction only through face-to-face interaction.

However, due to certain restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with the aim of continuing the accreditation of countries and strengthen- ing relationships, moved to accepting Letters of Credence and Letters of Introduction online using the platform “Zoom”.
The process is as follows: Following the granting of agrément by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a date for the presentation is given from the Head of State or Head of Government for presentation of Letters of Credence or Letters of Introduction.

After presenta- tion, Ambassador and High Commissioners pay a virtual courtesy call on Speaker of the House of Assembly and Leader of the Opposition.

H.E.

Mr. Raphael Varga Kingdom of Netherlands Presented on 29th March, 2021 H.E.
Mr. Hugo Verbist Kingdom of Belgium Presented on 31st March, 2021 H.E.

Ms. Martha Cecilia Pinilla-Perdomo Republic of Colombia Presented on 14th April, 2021 H.E.
Mr. Jacques-Henry Heuls French Republic Presented on 16th April, 2021 | 18 SVG USES VIRTUAL MECHANISMS TO ACCREDIT SEVEN (7) COUNTRIES TO THE STATE OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused a drastic shift in the ways of conducting business, it has also impacted the movement of people and how we communicate and interact with each other.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines accepted Letters of Credence and Letters of Introduction only through face-to-face interaction.

However, due to certain restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with the aim of continuing the accreditation of countries and strengthen- ing relationships, moved to accepting Letters of Credence and Letters of Introduction online using the platform “Zoom”.
The process is as follows: Following the granting of agrément by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a date for the presentation is given from the Head of State or Head of Government for presentation of Letters of Credence or Letters of Introduction.

After presenta- tion, Ambassador and High Commissioners pay a virtual courtesy call on Speaker of the House of Assembly and Leader of the Opposition.

H.E.

Mrs. Bengü Yiğitgüden Republic of Turkey Presented on 19th April, 2021 H.E.
Mr. Reuben Rahming Commonwealth of Bahamas Presented on 27th April, 2021 The Government and People of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines welcome the newly appointed Ambassadors to this country and wish them great success throughout their tenure as our countries work together for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

H.E.
H.E.

Mr. Carlos De Sousa Amaro Republic of Portugal Presented on 28th April, 2021 | 19 LAUNCH OF THE GLOBAL APPEAL FUND INITIATIVE L-R Mr. Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator, Prime Minister, Dr.

The Hon.

Ralph E. Gonsalves and Mr. Regis Chapman, Head of Office of World Food Programme, Caribbean On April 9, 2021, after months of heightened activity, the La Soufrière volcano entered an explosive state on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
To date, it is estimated that 20,000 persons have been displaced through mandatory evacua- tion of the red and orange zones, which commenced on April 8.

However, the vast majority of the population has been adversely impacted by this disas- ter.

The eruption of the La Soufrière volcano comes as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is recovering from its largest COVID-19 surge amid the pandemic, and the region’s worst dengue outbreak in recent history.
La Soufrière is likely to continue to erupt in the coming weeks and maybe even months.

The long-term effects of a protracted eruption on agriculture and tourism, which are the mainstays of the Vincentian economy contributing to approximately half of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), will further exacerbate the extant challenges nationally, regionally, and internationally.

It will also reduce capaci- ty for recovery and erode hard-earned development gains.
A rapid response that effectively links immediate humanitarian assistance to early recovery and rehabilitation is urgently needed, as the fast -approaching hurricane season poses an additional threat to an already vulnerable popula- tion.

On April 20 2021, the UN Resident Coordinator, Didier Trebucq launched the $US 29.2M Global Funding Appeal with Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Gren- adines, Dr.

The Hon.
The Hon.

Ralph E. Gonsalves, Head of Office of World Food Programme Caribbean, Mr. Regis Chapman and Representative from UNICEF Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mr. Aloys Kamuragiye.
The funding raised through the UN $29.2M Global Funding Appeal for the La Soufrière Volcano Response Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and affected countries will provide immediate lifesaving humanitarian aid including cash assistance and clean water and support a sustainable recovery, including through repairs to homes and support for livelihoods.
The UN and partners will also assess the economic, social, and environmental impact on countries affect- ed by the volcano, supporting with ash removal and improving environmental health conditions.

Another priority is to continue preventing the spread of COVID-19 as part of the shelter management work and all humanitarian and recovery efforts.

Dr.

The Hon.
Dr.

The Hon.

Ralph E. Gonsalves Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Mr. Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator For more information on how to contribute to the UN Appeal contact::Tia Browne, Development Coordination Officer, Partnerships and Development, Finance, Resident Coordinator Office, UN Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean at Email: tia.browne@un.org or Phone: +1 (246) 832-6107.
Photo Credit: Bajanpro/UN Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean | 20 LAUNCH OF THE GLOBAL APPEAL FUND INITIATIVE UNGA RESOLUTION EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES AND NEIGH- BOURING COUNTRIES AF- FECTED BY THE ERUP- TIONS OF THE LA SOUFRIÈRE VOLCANO Information sourced from: UN to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean website https://easterncaribbean.un.org/en The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday April 28, 2021 expressed solidarity with and support for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and neighboring countries that are affected by La Soufriere’s eruptions.
Her Excellency Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana and Chair of the CARICOM Caucus on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) introduced the new resolution at the UNGA.

The Permanent Mission of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations said 174 Member States co-sponsored the Resolution.

The Resolution expressed “deep concern” over the “serious consequences of the explosive eruptions of La Soufrière volcano in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines since April 9, 2021”.
The resolution took into account that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the other affected countries were Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that had special needs and challenges.

| 21 Falls of Baleine before the eruptions of La Soufrière volcano Falls of Baleine after eruptions of La Soufrière volcano | 22 An aerial view of an ash-covered community in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ash-covered and damaged buildings in the community of Sandy Bay (red zone) area in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
| 23 Photograph of collapsed structures due to the thick ash deposits from the explosions in early April 2021 at Soufrière St. Vincent.

Photograph showing ash fall in Chateaubelair during the eruption of Soufrière St. Vincent on 9 April 2021.

Courtesy of UWI-SRC.

Courtesy of Thomas Christopher, MVO, UWI-SRC.

The Barbadian contingent was part of the RSS on the ground in SVG to provide humanitarian assistance following the aftermath of the eruption.
| 24 Her Excellency Dame Susan Dougan, Governor General of Saint Vincent and the Grena- dines pictured as Her Excellen- cy visited the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) oper- ational base at the site of the decommissioned E.T.

Joshua Airport.

| 25 This river in Sandy Bay was totally blocked by debris.

Director of NEMO; Michelle Forbes is accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel; Jason Hills of the CDRU and CDEMA's Sylvan McIntyre, as they assessed the damage.
Owia Fancy CDRU members visited Owia and Fancy in the red zone area.

Here the Officers stood in awe of the damages to those communi- | 26 Regional and international partners assisting NEMO with the relief and recovery in the aftermath of the volcanic eruptions at La Soufriere.

A French Red cross vessel on 14th April, 2021 with humanitari- an supplies including 40,000 thousand bot- tles of water, 25 cubic meters of bulk stor- age, desalinated water.
Other items included cleaning kits, masks, sanitiser wipes, and gloves- all part of the French Red Cross support to the local National Society relief response to the volcanic eruption.
| 27 The Venezuelan Navy arriving to give aid to the People of St Vincent after the volcanic eruption (Photo credit: Bequiamarina) Shouts of ‘Viva Venezuela’ echoed at the Port in Kingstown as 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid arrived onboard the Bolivarian Navy Ship "AB Goajira (T-63) around midday on April 12, 2021 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The naval vessel assisted with the transportation of relief supplies from other OECS countries and Member States.
Raúl Li Causi, the Venezuelan Vice Minister for the Caribbean, says a humanitarian bridge is further ex- tended to bring relief items from Cuba.

He says: “Venezuela is always first and the ALBA.

This is not a competition; we are always trying to help the other.” Vice Minister Li Causi also stated that the vessel brought 17,000 litres of water, beds and health kits for persons in shelters.
“We know it is a tough time but know the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines are resili- ent and we are sure after this emergency and the rebuilding commences, you will come up strong- er under the like Prime Minister Gonsalves.

We want to transmit our hand and brotherhood and greetings from President Maduro and the people of Venezuela,” says Li Causi.
leadership of leaders Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves who was at the Port expressed thanks to President Nicolas Maduro and the people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and stated that “This is an example of solidarity with ALBA and is a wonderful thing to see, the Caribbean and Latin America family coming together to help the people of St Vin- cent and the Grenadines.
I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart.” Prime Minister Gonsalves noted that the People of St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela have very strong relations and they have been strengthened through the instrumentality of the ALBA, the Bolivarian alternative for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Prime Minister also noted that “It is not the first time Venezuela has been assisting us over the past years and I am not surprised they came so quickly given the volcanic eruption and terrible situation facing the country at the moment.” | 28 Prime Minister Dr.

The Hon.

Ralph E. Gonsalves (left) with Venezuelan Navy Officials and Head of Mission at the Embassy of Venezuela in SVG, H.E.
Mr. Francisco Manuel Perez Santana Prime Minister Gonsalves also thanked Venezuela for sending 15 technical professionals from various fields to assist the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and other ministries at this time of relief and as a prelude to when St Vincent and the Grenadines is going to reconstruct and rehabilitate the country.
The Navy Ship from Venezuela brought:  Drinking water: 1800 boxes - 17.280kg  Canned Sardines with Tomato sauce: 70 boxes - 294kg  Canned Tuna: 20 boxes - 89kg  Personal grooming kit: 1000 units - 41kg  Single springless mats: 50units -120kg  Single spring mats: 30units - 324kg  Blanket: 500 units - 320kg  Bed sheets: 500 units - 121kg  Hammocks: 500 units - 277kg  Mosquito nets: 600 units - 402kg Among other support being provided are human resources in the following areas:  One Chief of Mission  One Assistant Chief of Missions  Five Search and Rescue Technicians  Two Prehospital Emergency Technicians  Two Risks Assessment Technicians  Two Logistics Technicians  Two Communication Technicians.
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela tions; one Toyota Land Cruiser multipurpose and one Toyota Land Cruiser for Communications.

also provided two (2) specialised vehicles amongst the dona- | 29 SVG receives an outpouring of solidarity and support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano Over the past thirteen (13) months, the COVID—19 pandemic has upended the way we have become accustomed to live, work and socialise.
No country can say that it is immune from the deleterious health and socio- economic effects of the virus.

Thus, it is fair to state that the post-COVID era will be extreme- ly difficult and a challenging period for all economies but more so for Small Island Devel- oping States like those in the Caribbean re- gion.

In the Caribbean, all CARICOM Member States have reported positive COVID-19 cases; in some States the spread of the novel corona- virus has been widespread amongst the popu- lation.
Additionally, all if not most Caribbean countries have confirmed deaths.

In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the COVID-19 report as of 29th April, 2021 according to the Ministry of Helath, Wellness and the Environ- ment that there have been 1864 positive cas- es, of that number 1719 persons have recov- ered, 134 are still active and there are 11 con- firmed deaths.
As such, the need for strategic partnerships is even more critical to efficaciously address the challenges associated with our nation’s vulner- abilities, particularly in strengthening the pub- lic health systems in response to COVID-19 and the other emerging public health threats.

In this context, Saint Vincent and the Grena- dines not only reaffirm its commitment to fur- ther strengthen the valued friendship and soli- darity which exist with third states.
The result of these partnerships have yielded valuable contributions such as access to and the supply of vaccines, personal protective equipment, pharmaceutical supplies, medical equipment and monetary contributions.
While the Government and People of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have been battling with the novel coronavirus, a series of explo- sive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano com- menced on April 9, 2021 at approximately 8:41 a.m., with an ash plume reaching approxi- mately 10,000 m (32,000 ft) and drifting east- ward towards the Atlantic Ocean.
In the relief and recovery in the aftermath of eruptions, our bilateral partners, regional and multilateral organisations to which we are members stood united with the Government and People of Saint Vincent and the Grena- dines during this most challenging time.

Many nations provided humanitarian supplies, disas- ter risk experts, equipment and monetary con- tributions to aid relief and recovery efforts.
The explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano resulted in significant damage to prop- erties, loss of livelihoods and the evacuation and displacement of over twenty (20) thou- sand Vincentians from the red and orange zones around the volcano.
As a consequence of the ongoing health pan- demic and volcanic eruption affecting our na- tion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on behalf of the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is heartened by the prompt and generous solidarity expressed by our bilateral partners and views this as an expression of strong fraternal bonds that exist with States near and far.
Some of the countries which have assisted TO DATE in this regard are the OECS and CARICOM member states, Republic of China (Taiwan), the Republic of India, the United States of America, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Russian Federation, Canada, United Arab Emirates, the United Mexican States, the Republic of Colombia, the United Kingdom, Kingdom of Morocco, Vi- etnam, New Zealand, France, Norway, Spain, Italy, Malta, Germany, the European Union and Palestine.
Further, the Ministry recognises the invaluable contribution of the Vincentian Dias- pora Communities across the region and in major metropolitan centres in North America and Europe.

Likewise the support and partner- ship of various private and non-profit organisa- tions are very much appreciated and wel- comed in our recovery efforts.

With this con- tinual support and solidarity, we will beat this pandemic and we will rise from the ashes.
| 30 SVG receives an outpouring of solidarity and support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano Thank you!

From the Government and People of We say thank you to all our diplomatic partners and diaspora groups and organisations that contributed to the relief effort following the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano.
Though we cannot list all who assisted, the Ministry takes this opportunity on behalf of the Government and People of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to express much appreciation to all other groups, organisations, busi- ness places and individuals for your assistance towards the volcanic relief efforts in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Antigua and Barbuda Australlia Argentine Republic Barbados Belize Bermuda Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Canada Cuba Commonwealth of Bahamas Commonwealth of Dominica Cooperative Republic of Guyana Federal Republic of Germany French Republic Grenada Jamaica Japan Kingdom of Belgium Kingstom of Norway Kingdom of Spain Martinique & Guadeloupe Monsterrat Kingdom of Mexico Monsterrat New Zealand Palestine Puerto Rico Republic of China (Taiwan) Republic of Colombia Republic of Italy Republic of Korea (South Korea) Republic of Singapore Republic of Malta Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Republic of Turkey Socialist Republic of Vietnam Saint Kitts & Nevis Saint Lucia Suriname Turks & Caicos islands The State of Qatar United Arab Emirates (UAE) United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland United States of America | 31 Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) Simply Help Founation Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) UK-SVG Friendship Trust Multilateral Corporations UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Barbados Defence Force CARICOM IMPACS Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force CARICOM Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Association of Caribbean States (ACS) The Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (CLRAH) through the ACS The United Nations (UN) Organization of American States (OAS) Economic Commission for Latin America and Caribbean (ECLAC) OECS Mission in Brussels Association of Caribbean States—CADENA Mexican Pro Tempore Presidency (PTP) of CELAC in conjunction with the Mexican Government and International organization Direct Relief European Union SVG Relief USA Inc. SVG Disaster Relief Initiative Platform (SVGDRIP) Canadian Association of PPE Manufacturers (CAPPEM) Reverend Terrance Griffith, Foreign Mission Board and Pastor Dr. Randy Vaughn and members of the Mt.
Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.

World Food Programme (WFO) World Central Kitchen (WCK) St. Vincent Red Cross Association Retail Management Company SVG EMBASSY IN THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA (TAIWAN) ROLES OUT PLANS TO CELEBRATE SVG-TAIWAN RELATIONS On the 15th August 1981, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of China (Taiwan) established diplo- matic relations.
Since then, both countries have built a friendship based on mutual trust, shared values, respect for sovereignty, and cooperation for the mutual benefit our people in areas of common interest, and, for the de- velopment of our country in various sectors.
Over the years, the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has contributed to the enhancement of various sectors in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines such as agriculture, health, social development, transportation, infrastructure, and education among others.

Taiwan has contributed immensely to the relief and recovery efforts following the aftermath of the explosive eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano.
The Government and people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Taiwan for its unwavering support and solidarity to this country.

This year, in celebration of the SVG-Taiwan 40 years of diplomatic relations, the Embassy of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Republic of China (Taiwan) hosted several events to commemorate this milestone as follows: (1) A slogan competition open to all Vincentians.
The winning slogan captured the essence of the celebrations.

The slogan accompanied by its logo adorns the 40th Anniversary tokens like bags and stickers which are al- ready widely distributed.

The competition ended on Friday, 19th March, 2021.

More information on the slo- gan competition is available at the SVG Embassy in Taiwan Facebookpage at @svgroctw.
(2) 40th Anniversary Virtual Presentation by Bacchus Design & Construction of Mr. Lorenzo Bacchus’s final year award-wining project entitled “City Life Terminal: Before and After”.

(3) From 8th-15th August, 2021, congratulatory video presentations from Vincentian and Taiwanese officials and government agencies; Vincentians living in Taiwan present and former recipients of MOFA and ICDF scholar- ships will conduct several radio interviews and one television interview in recognition of this milestone.
Owing to the pandemic protocols in Taiwan, most interactive celebrations will take place virtually and will be launched on 8th August, 2021, the second anniversary of the opening of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' Em- bassy in Tapei, Taiwan.

| 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 TUNE IN TO NBC RADIO on 107.5 and 90.7 EVERY THRUSDAY AT 9:30 A.M. for the Ministry’s weekly radio segment as we educate on issues related to foreign affairs and foreign trade.
Visit our Facebook page: @mofasvg or Twitter page: @mofa_svg Produced by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, West Indies Phone: (784) 456 2060 (784) 456 2442 Fax: (784) 456 2610 E-mail: office.foreignaffairs@mail.gov.vc, svgforeign@gmail.com, office.trade@gov.vc Website: http://www.foreign.gov.vc/foreign/ | 36