Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis (June 25, 2018):Thursday 21st June, widely identified as the longest day of the year, was a red letter day for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Canadian publication of “Maple Leaves and Caribbean Seas” was launched under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Tapley Seaton GCMG, CVO, QC, JP. His Excellency was joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon Mark Brantley, the High Commissioner of Canada to St. Kitts and Nevis, Her Excellency Marie Legault, and High Commissioner of St. Kitts and Nevis to Canada, Her Excellency Sherry Tross, who, together, led the evening’s celebration of 35 years of diplomatic relations between both countries.
The book, which is a salute to Canada’s 150 years of relationship with Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, highlights their common story, heritage and partnerships in development. During her remarks, H.E. Legault indicated that St. Kitts and Nevis was the first country they chose to commence this launch. This was by no coincidence, she said, as St. Kitts and Nevis and Canada have enjoyed a very fruitful relationship that has redounded to the benefit of the citizens of both countries. Additionally, Her Excellency enumerated a number of cooperation initiatives and programmes between the two countries spanning almost four decades. She identified core values promoted by Canada in the practice of international relations such as, inter alia: promotion of democracy, diversity, gender equality, combating climate change and human resource development.
Consistent with H.E. Legault’s message, Minister Brantley highlighted the significance of the strong people-to-people ties that cemented the friendly relations between both countries. This, he said, is one of the main aspects of this relationship that the government is working hard to keep strong. He further added, “This includes addressing the visa issue as I did during my recent visit to Canada; attracting more Canadian visitors and investors through aggressive tourism outreach and by working with airlines such as Air Canada to achieve more airlift; supporting two-way study opportunities…”
Sharing in this momentous occasion were members of the St. Kitts and Nevis and the Canadian Diaspora, diplomatic and consular corps, senior government officials and other specially invited guests.
