The Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Saint Lucia, Leiff Escalona, presented her credentials on Thursday, August 4, 2022 before the Acting Governor General of Saint Lucia, His Excellency Mr. Cyril Errol Melchiades Charles, a ceremony that took place in the Official Residence of the Governor in the city of Castries. Accompanying the H.E. Leiff Escalona were the Ambassador to Venezuela, Mexico ALBA-TCP & CELAC, H.E. Ambassador Peter Lansiquot as well as Sophia Ramos, daughter of the H.E. Ambassador Leiff Escalona.
After the delivery of credential letters by Ambassador Escalona, a very pleasant conversation began with Governor Charles, in which the importance for both countries strengthening relations of cooperation and friendship that have existed for more than 40 years.
In this regard, the Governor stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1980, our countries have maintained a cordial relationship at the regional, bilateral and international levels, observing a common thread in these spheres, as well as the invaluable contribution from the cultural point of view which has remained to this day.
In this sense, he added that the Venezuelan mission in Saint Lucia has always been at the forefront of the efforts of our two nations in cooperation through the arts and humanities, recalling the number of students who were trained in the Spanish language, as well as the students of the Santa Lucia School of Music, who were supported through their musical pursuits. Today, beneficiaries of the Spanish language classes, many of those who are gainfully employed in the tourism industry, and in various occupations commensurate with their training, have seen very positive results of this bilateral cooperation.
Later, Ambassador Escalona was received by the Prime Minister, the honorable Phillip J. Pierre in his Office, in which he expressed his resounding support for the Government of President Nicolás Maduro, highlighting the importance of the struggle for the sovereignty of Venezuela, in which Saint Lucia will continue to raise its voice on the various international platforms.
As part of the conversation, the Prime Minister expressed his interest in activating the ALBA integration scheme as soon as possible, as well as taking the necessary steps to incorporate Saint Lucia as a full member of Petrocaribe. For her part, Ambassador Escalona thanked the Prime Minister for his words of welcome and the interest shown in being part of the integration schemes of Alba and Petrocaribe. The Ambassador to Venezuela thanked him for the support and solidarity shown by Saint Lucia towards the Government and people of Venezuela in all international spaces since his arrival to his government in July 2021.
Prior to the delivery of Credentials, Ambassador Leiff Escalona held a meeting with the Head of the Economic and Political Section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saint Lucia, Mrs. Nancy Nicolas, where topics related to education, specifically the teaching of the Spanish language. Also highlighted was the possibility of increased commercial exchange from the hopefully futuristic air interconnectivity that is being looked into for St. Lucia and the region by way of the Venezuelan airline CONVIASA.
And finally, to close off the visiting day that is customary on the day of the presentation of credentials, H.E.Ambassador Escalona paid a visit to the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and was attended to by Hon. Bradley Félix. There was the cordiality and mutual respect that characterizes our diplomatic relations.