Embassy Opens With Music.
ST. LUCIA has built a brand new bridge of alliance with the opening of Spain’s permanent diplomatic office here.
The launching which took place last Friday was noted as a double celebration as this day was also the National Day of the Kingdom of Spain.
The event at the Alliance Francaise Pyramid was held in the presence of Saint Lucia’s Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy, the Spanish Ambassador, Jose Maria Fernandez Lopez de Turiso and French Ambassador Eric de La Moussayewere among other invited guests.
This is the first Spanish embassy to conduct relations in St. Lucia and according to the Ambassador, this move is very important for Spain as this will be the first time that the country will be forging a partnership with any country of the OECS.
Lopez de Turiso said the embassy will be aiming to improve relations with St. Lucia in three particular areas, namely technical cooperation in tourism, technology and culture with special attention paid to incorporating the Spanish culture with St. Lucia’s.
Lopez de Turiso told The VOICE that currently, Spain is one of the non-permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations, adding, “We also want to be the voice of the small island countries in areas such as the environment, climate change, etc.”
One of the highlights of the evening was a musical performance by legendary Spanish guitarist, Armando Orbon who played a repertoire en titled “Music of Two Shores”.
Orbon who comes from a dynasty of Spanish music including his uncle Julian Orbon who is the composer of the iconic Cuban song “Guantanamera”, said he enjoyed every minute of his performance.
Orbon said although the Spanish and Saint Lucians speak different languages, his craft is one that all will understand. “Music is universal and speaks to the hearts of everyone so what better way to introduce the embassy here on their National Day than to celebrate through their music…it’s a language that everyone understands.
