The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Celebrates 40 years of Mutual Friendship with the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, October 31, 2023 (Press Secretary, PMO) – The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela held a wreath-laying ceremony earlier today, Tuesday October 31, to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

The ceremony, held at the National Heroes’ Park in Conaree, was attended by several notable dignitaries, which included Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew; Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley; Senior Minister, Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; Attorney General Hon Garth Wilkin; Senator Hon Isalean Phillip; Chargé d’ Affaires Ad Hoc of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Marco Antonio Guzman Adrian; Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, David Riviero Perez; Cabinet Secretary Dr, Marcus Natta; non-resident Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, His Excellency Dr. Norgen Wilson, Permanent Secretaries and other senior government officials.

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs delivering remarks at the Wreath Laying Ceremony

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the robust partnership between Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In the context of the mutual multifaceted collaboration spanning four decades, Dr. Douglas emphasized the significance of initiatives such as the Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) and the PetroCaribe Agreement, which facilitated the provision of high-quality, cost-effective oil and fuel to the Federation by Venezuela.

Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew delivering remarks at the Wreath laying Ceremony

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew in his remarks reflected on the “remarkable history” of the diplomatic relationship between Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and the bonds of friendship.

“Venezuela stands as one of the first countries to establish an embassy with a resident ambassador in Saint Kitts and Nevis. This early commitment to our friendship remains an example of Venezuela’s unwavering dedication to the continued nurturing of those bonds of friendship between our nations”, he stated.

He also recalled childhood memories of his introduction to Venezuela.

“One particularly touching memory of this journey is the generous gesture of distributing colouring books to all the primary schools within our Federation back in 1983 when we established diplomatic relations. I remember receiving the books which focused on the history and culture of Venezuela and marveling at the lessons on the culture and history, brought to life in a vibrant photo and a drawing outline which we delighted in colouring to match the accompanying photo”, he added, “These books educated our youth about the legacy of Simon Bolivar – a champion of human rights and social justice, known as El Libertador, the Liberator of most of Spanish South America. Simon Bolivar’s revolutionary thinking and his efforts to adapt democratic ideals and social reforms to the nations he liberated left a profound impact on our young minds”.

In his heartfelt remarks, Prime Minister Drew also expressed profound gratitude for the transformative impact of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

“We are deeply grateful for the educational, social, and cultural exchanges that have enriched our lives over the years… We are deeply grateful for the shared experiences, the mutual respect, and the commitment to a brighter future together. Here’s to 40 years of friendship and to many more years of collaboration and mutual growth.”

Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, and Chargé d’ Affaires Ad Hoc of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Marco Antonio Guzman Adrian pay homage to National Hero

The wreaths were placed by Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew and Chargé d’ Affaires Ad Hoc of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Marco Antonio Guzman Adrian, at the feet of the statues of the Federation’s National Heroes which include the late Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, the nation’s first national hero; the late Right Excellent Sir Caleb Paul Azarian Southwell; the late Right Excellent Sir Joseph Nathaniel France; the late Right Excellent Sir Simeon Daniel and the nation’s only living national hero, the Right Excellent and the Right Honourable Sir Kennedy Alphonse Simmonds.

Venezuela has played a pivotal role in helping to shape the cultural and socioeconomic landscape of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and remains a significant contributor to the nation’s ongoing progress.

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