Prime Minister Godwin Friday is leading the St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda from Sunday to Wednesday.
“The Prime Minister’s participation will focus on advancing St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ economic and development priorities through investment, expanded trade, international cooperation and partnerships that can create meaningful opportunities for Vincentian businesses and workers,” the Office of the Prime Minister said in a press statement.
The meeting, which brings together leaders from the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries, will be held under the theme “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth”.
Discussions will focus on economic cooperation, trade and investment, climate resilience, development financing, and other priorities particularly important to small island developing states.
“For St. Vincent and the Grenadines, CHOGM offers an important opportunity to engage directly with international leaders, investors, and development partners as the government continues efforts to stimulate economic growth, encourage private-sector development, attract productive investment, and build a more resilient economy,” the release said.
It said the prime minister is scheduled to participate in several high-level engagements, including the Commonwealth Leaders and CEOs’ Summit, the heads of government executive sessions, the Commonwealth and business leaders’ breakfast meeting and the heads of government retreat.
“These engagements will provide opportunities to explore practical partnerships, advocate improved access to climate and development financing, and advance initiatives that support sustainable economic development.”
The delegation also includes the prime minister’s wife, Ave Friday; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investments and Diaspora Affairs, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble; Kevin Hope, senior adviser to the prime minister and ambassador for finance, climate and Investment; Randy Cato, senior adviser to the prime minister; Danielle Veira, press secretary to the prime minister; Shadeisha George, administrative cadet in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Inspector Desrick Quashie, head of the prime minister’s security detail.
High Commissioner of SVG to the United Kingdom, J.M. Brereton Horne, will join the delegation in Antigua and Barbuda and provide additional diplomatic support during the meeting.
The prime minister’s wife will participate in official engagements for spouses and partners.
Bramble will lead the delegation’s participation in foreign ministerial discussions and support diplomatic engagements.
He will join a series of ministerial engagements, including the Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small States, the Pre-CHOGM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and other discussions aimed at advancing SVG’s interests within the Commonwealth.
Hope will provide strategic advice on finance, climate and investment, while Cato will provide policy and strategic advisory support, the release said.
Veira will coordinate communications and media coverage, Ms George will assist with administrative and delegation coordination, and Quashie will provide security support.
“The Government’s participation in CHOGM reflects its continued commitment to pursuing opportunities that can contribute to job creation, business expansion, economic resilience and an improved quality of life for the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,” the press release said.
“It also provides an important platform for keeping the challenges and development priorities of small island states central to Commonwealth discussions.”
During the Prime Minister’s absence from the State, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Disaster Management and Immigration, St. Clair Leacock, will act as prime minister.