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| Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss and Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados, Richard Hanley??in discussion during a recent courtesy call. (A.Miller/BGIS) |
In an effort to boost its already cordial relations with Barbados, Canada has pledged to work even closer with this country and its regional counterparts in a number of key areas.
Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados, Richard Hanley, gave this assurance during a recent courtesy call on Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, at his Reef Road, St. Michael office.
The Canadian envoy told the Minister that his country would continue to improve upon the already harmonious relationship between the two countries by working closely with Barbados to increase its economic prosperity; improving security in the region and strengthening cooperation between the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
He mentioned fostering relationships throughout the region as another area of priority. The High Commissioner, who has been based here since November last year, said they have started the process by facilitating trade group missions, academic exchanges for students, as well as funding for the University of the West Indies, which just announced a $20 million programme to help expand the campus.????????
In addition, Mr. Hanley pointed out that through their anti-crime capacity building programme they work with the Regional Security System (RSS) on improving security, CDEMA, as well as the Canadian High Commission in terms of funding local initiatives that involve economic empowerment for women and a Black Belly Sheep project.
In turn, Minister Inniss acknowledged the countries’ longstanding relationship, while adding that Canada has maintained a trade office in Barbados since 1907.?? He told the Commissioner that he also had fruitful discussions with Canadian investors that he met on a recent trip to Canada with Invest Barbados.
"Canada has quietly but steadfastly been a good friend of Barbados over the years and we really treasure that relationship.?? It is not one that either side shouts a lot about from the mountain tops but I think there is clear evidence that Canada’s friendship is deep and strong and very resilient… as Canada, still remains our main source for international business and financial services," Mr. Inniss underlined.??