More Than A Dozen Diplomatic Allies Send Ambassadors To St. Kitts And Nevis During 33rd Independence Celebrations
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – Not only are notes of congratulations pouring in from near and far for St. Kitts and Nevis’ 33rd Anniversary of Independence, but so too are Ambassadors from some of St. Kitts and Nevis’ diplomatic allies, namely Argentina, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Jamaica, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Ms. Melina Erkekdjian, Deputy Permanent Representative at the Mission of the Argentine Republic based in Kingston, Jamaica, is representing Argentina. St. Kitts and Nevis and Argentina established diplomatic relations in December 1988.
Her Excellency Marie Legault, High Commissioner of Canada to St. Kitts and Nevis, who is based in Bridgetown, Barbados, presented her Letter of Introduction to Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris in his office at Government Headquarters yesterday, September 16th, National Heroes Day. Diplomatic relations with Canada were fully achieved when St. Kitts and Nevis attained Independence from Great Britain on September 19th, 1983.
On September 15th, 2016, the High Commission of Canada in Barbados posted photos of High Commissioner Legault presenting her Letter of Introduction to Barbados’ Prime Minister the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart.
On July 19th, 2016, the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Ms. Legault would be replacing Mr. Richard Hanley as High Commissioner in Barbados.
His Excellency Eric de La Moussaye, France’s Ambassador to the OECS based in Castries, St. Lucia, is in St. Kitts and Nevis for the Independence celebrations. France’s Honorary Consul in St. Kitts and Nevis is Ms. Shawna Lake.
His Excellency Lutz Görgens, Head of Mission at the German Embassy based in Port of Spain, Trinidad, is also in St. Kitts and Nevis. Germany’s Honorary Consul in St. Kitts and Nevis is Mrs. Denise Parris-Mertins.
Israel’s Ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Mordehai Amihai-Bivas, is in the Federation. The two countries established diplomatic ties just months after St. Kitts and Nevis achieved Independence. Israel’s Honorary Consul in St. Kitts and Nevis is Mr. Jacques Cramer.
His Excellency David Prendergast, High Commissioner of Jamaica to St. Kitts and Nevis, presented his Letter of Introduction to Prime Minister Harris in his office at Government Headquarters yesterday, September 16th, National Heroes Day. Mr. Arthur Sharpe is Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in St. Kitts and Nevis.
His Excellency E. Luis Manuel Lopez Moreno, Ambassador of Mexico to St. Kitts and Nevis, has also come for the 33rd Independence festivities. St. Kitts and Nevis and Mexico established diplomatic relations in July 1990. Mr. José Rosa is Mexico’s Honorary Consul in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Her Excellency Jan Henderson, High Commissioner of New Zealand to St. Kitts and Nevis, is also visiting the Federation for the special occasion. On January 20th, 2016, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) accredited her as the first Plenipotentiary Representative of New Zealand to the Community.
Mr. Jongikhaya Rabe, First Secretary of the High Commission of South Africa to St. Kitts and Nevis, who is based in Kingston, Jamaica, also traveled to the Federation to show solidarity during the 33rd Independence Anniversary celebrations.
His Excellency Ambassador Oh Hangu is representing South Korea. Mr. Thomas Williams is the Republic of Korea’s Honorary Consul in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Her Excellency Daniela Tramacere, Head of Delegation of the European Union to St. Kitts and Nevis, is scheduled to present her Credentials to His Excellency the Governor General of St. Kitts and Nevis, S.W. Tapley Seaton GCMG, CVO, QC, JP, over the Independence holiday weekend. Since 1984, St. Kitts and Nevis has held diplomatic ties with the European Union (then the European Economic Community).
On September 2nd, 2016, Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission, announced the appointment of Mrs. Tramacere as Head of the EU Delegation to Barbados, to Antigua and Barbuda, to Dominica, to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and to St. Kitts and Nevis. Mrs. Tramacere previously served as Chargé d’Affaires at the EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago.
His Excellency Colin Dick, Acting Head of Mission at the British High Commission to St. Kitts and Nevis, who is based in Bridgetown, Barbados, is also on island. Ms. Sarah Percival is the United Kingdom’s Honorary Consul in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The United States Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Her Excellency Linda Taglialatela, is in St. Kitts and Nevis this weekend. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1983 following St. Kitts and Nevis’ attainment of Independence.
Prime Minister Harris has said that forging and maintaining diplomatic relations is integral to his administration’s commitment to people-empowerment and to fulfilling its prosperity agenda.
In April 2016, the Team Unity Government reinstated Diplomatic Week, the brainchild of Dr. Harris dating back to when he served the country well as Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2001 and 2008. Prior to 2016, Diplomatic Week was held in 2007 and 2008. The theme for Diplomatic Week 2016 was Forging New Partnerships and Strengthening Networks for Sustainable Growth and Economic Development.
