Saint Vincent And The Grenadines Celebrates Expo 2020 Dubai National Day With Visit From Prime Minister And Delegation

DUBAI, February 14, 2022 – Saint Vincent and Grenadines celebrated its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day on Monday with the visit of Prime Minister Dr The Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Legal Affairs.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai welcomed the Prime Minister and other dignitaries at the official ceremony held at Al Wasl Plaza. H.E Sheikh Nahayan said: “Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ pavilion presents the country as an ideal destination for tourism and investment, inviting visitors to experience the stunning attractions and rich culture of the islands through films, literature, and art.

“The UAE is pleased to enjoy flourishing bilateral relations with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly given our shared commitment towards fostering socio-economic growth through sustainable initiatives such as the UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund. We are confident that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ presence at Expo 2020 Dubai will enable us to explore further opportunities for collaboration in various fields of mutual priority.”

Describing Saint Vincent and Grenadines as “a small economy awash with possibilities”, Prime Minister Gonsalves said: “The UAE and Saint Vincent and Grenadines have built a quality partnership that goes beyond the usual diplomatic relations. We have removed visa restrictions for travel to our respective countries. We have engaged each other meaningfully in collaboration, diplomacy and international relations. “We have benefited from the UAE in respect of renewable energy and from Dubai itself on matters of targeted care in local communities. We are pleased to announce that very shortly Saint Vincent and Grenadines will be establishing a permanent diplomatic mission here in the United Arab Emirates.”

The National Day ceremony included a colourful cultural performance that recalled the country’s experience following a volcanic eruption in April 2021; while also portraying the beauty of the Caribbean island nation in music and song.The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Pavilion highlights the islands’ rich culture through films, 3D images and literature. Visitors can enjoy a cultural display of artworks by local artists and ‘groove’ to local music. The pavilion also showcases the island as a business-friendly luxury tourism hub.

National Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of the 200-plus international participants, highlighting their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming. Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

[Photo credit: D. Jimesha Prince]