DUBLIN, Ireland — Honorary Consul for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Northern Ireland and Chair of Fairtrade Belfast, Dr Christopher Stange was part of a select Fairtrade delegation invited to the Áras an Uachtaráin, official residence of the President of Ireland, hosted by the newly elected President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.
The event was part of Fairtrade Fortnight 2012 and facilitated by Fairtrade Ireland.
Stange conveyed best wishes from Governor General, Sir Frederick Ballantyne, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Foreign Minister Dr. Douglas Slater, High Commissioner in London Cenio Lewis, President of Guyana Donald Ramotar whom holds the CARICOM portfolio for Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security, and the Windward Islands National Farming Association (WINFA) registered banana farmers.
Discussion was held on the importance of Fairtrade, agricultural diversification, Argyle International Airport, economic and social development, with the necessity for developing Caribbean countries to be able to compete and access markets for their own future and sustainability.
Stange presented the Irish President with a signed copy of Prime Minister’s Gonsalves’ authored book: “Diary of a Prime Minister: Ten Days Amongst Benedictine Monks” and the need for continued development and strengthening of relations with the Caribbean.
