Prime Minister Dr Godwin Friday left St. Vincent and the Grenadines for New York on Friday, where he will represent the country at the first general debate of the United Nations General Assembly since he was elected to office in November.
“Prime Minister Friday’s participation will place Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at the centre of important global discussions shaping the country’s future, particularly on climate vulnerability, sustainable development, economic resilience, investment and international cooperation,”t eh Office of the Prime Minister said in a press statement.
The visit to New York will last through Sept. 27. Key engagements include the Climate Vulnerable Forum Leaders Meeting at which SVG is expected to join the Climate Vulnerable Forum as a new member.
The prime minsiter will also attend the high-level event on climate action and the just transition and the high-level plenary meeting to address the existential threats posed by sea level rise.
He will also deliver SVG’s national statement during the General Debate of the 81st Session of the UNGA.
“For Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, these engagements are particularly significant. As a Small Island Developing State, the country remains highly exposed to the effects of climate change while continuing to pursue economic growth, stronger infrastructure, greater investment, job creation and improved opportunities for Vincentians,” the press release said.
“The Prime Minister’s engagements will provide an opportunity to advocate greater access to climate and development financing, deepen bilateral and multilateral partnerships, strengthen diplomatic ties, and advance the Government’s message that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is open for business and ready to build partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for its people.”
The programme in New York will also include meetings with international partners, investors, and other heads of government.
On Saturday, the prime minister will participate in the Diaspora Outreach and Investment Forum, held in collaboration with Invest SVG.
The OPM said this provides an important platform to engage members of the Vincentian diaspora, prospective investors and development partners on opportunities for investment and economic participation in SVG.
“The forum will support the government’s wider effort to deepen the relationship between the diaspora and the country’s development agenda, promote St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a destination for serious investment, and encourage Vincentians overseas to participate more directly in the country’s economic growth.”
The prime minister will also participate in a town hall meeting with Vincentians in New York, providing an opportunity to speak directly with members of the diaspora about the government’s work, the country’s direction and the role Vincentians overseas can play in shaping SVG’s future.
The prime minister said his participation in the week will remain centred on ensuring Vincentians’ interests are represented in every engagement.
“We are going to New York to represent the interests of our people. Whether we are speaking about climate financing, investment, jobs, development or international cooperation, the question for us must always be: how does this help us make life better for Vincentians? Saint Vincent and the Grenadines must be present in these conversations, and we must be prepared to turn those conversations into opportunities for our people,” Friday said.
The prime minister’s delegation is made up of Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment and Diaspora Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble; Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Jemalie John, Senator Chelsea Alexander, Ambassador and Senior Advisor Kevin Hope, Senior Advisor on Diaspora Affairs Sharon Jones, Administrative Cadet in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shadeisha George, Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Danielle Veira, Communications Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Claris Ann Joseph and Head of the Prime Minister’s Security Detail, Corporal Desrick Quashie.
While in New York, the delegation will also be supported by Vynnette Frederick, SVG’s UN Ambassador and the team at the Permanent Mission of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the United Nations.
The press release said that the government views the prime minister’s participation in the UNGA as an important opportunity to strengthen the country’s international relationships, pursue investment and development opportunities, expand its diplomatic reach, and ensure that SVG’s concerns and priorities remain firmly represented on the global stage.
“The visit is also intended to ensure that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does more than participate in international discussions; it will use those engagements to build relationships, attract opportunities, and pursue outcomes that can directly contribute to economic growth and improved lives for Vincentians at home,” the release said.
The general debate brings together heads of state and government from around the world and provides countries with an opportunity to present their national priorities to the international community.
The 81st Session is being held under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
Deputy Prime Minister Major St. Clair Leacock will act as prime minister during Friday’s absence.