53 years of diplomatic ties with Venezuela celebrated

Barbados’ diplomatic relationship with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, which has spanned more than half a century, was celebrated on Friday evening with a cultural event.

Held at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre in Queen’s Park, the 53rd commemorative event was attended by Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development, Sandra Husbands; Special Advisor for Culture and Heritage in the Prime Minister’s Office, Senator John King; and Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong.

It also featured performances by Cultural Ambassador, Dr Anthony “Gabby” Carter; the S-T-N Drummers Group; Dancing Africa and the IVCC Cuatro Group.

In her remarks, Minister Husbands pointed out that Venezuela was the fourth country, globally, and the first country in Latin America, to establish a resident embassy in Barbados and described the relationship between the two countries over the years as being a “longstanding, friendly and fruitful” one.

She noted that one of the most significant milestones achieved during the 53 years of diplomatic relations has been the establishment of the Venezuelan Institute of Culture and Cooperation, which, on September 7, 2022, celebrated 44 years of operation in Barbados. To date, the institute has taught over 10,000 Barbadians Spanish, as well as Venezuelan culture.

“I applaud the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its continued commitment to sharing the Spanish language with the people of Barbados.

“Language is the medium through which the story of one’s culture is transmitted, and it is through the acquisition of the Spanish language, by every Barbadian, that our two countries will achieve mutual understanding, and deepen our bonds of friendship,” the Minister stated.

She stressed that Barbados has always strived to develop and build meaningful bilateral relationships across the world, especially with its neighbours, and now, more than ever, was the time “to strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation” as the country sought to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, confront the worsening effects of climate change, deal with inflationary pressures, rising oil and gas prices, and increasing food insecurity.

The Minister gave the assurance that Barbados would continue its friendship with Venezuela and extended best wishes for the continued well-being of its people.

Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Martha Ortega Peraza, stated that her country would continue to work with Barbados to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood that they shared.

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela celebrates this milestone between our countries, vowing to remain firm in the strengthening of South-South relations, solidarity and integration with a view to the effective implementation of a multipolar world,” she affirmed.

During the evening’s proceedings, a moment of silence was observed for the life of the late Robert “Bobby” Clarke, who was said to be a staunch supporter and comrade of the country of Venezuela.

Barbados established diplomatic relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on September 25, 1969.  (BGIS)