Her Excellency Governor General of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Dame Susan Dougan
Hon’ble Prime Minister of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves
Hon’ble Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Works, Lands and Surveys and Physical Planning, Mr. Montgomery Daniel
Hon’ble Minister of the Public Service, Consumer Affairs, and Sports, Mr. Frederick Stephenson
President of SVG Indian Heritage Foundation, Mr. Junior Bacchus
Executive Committee members of the Foundation
Members of the Indian community
Ladies and gentlemen
Namaskar!
1. I am delighted to meet you today in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. I bring with me the greetings from your brothers and sisters in India. Right from the time I landed in your beautiful country, my delegation and I have been received with tremendous warmth and affection and you have made us feel really special. I am truly grateful for your hospitality.
Friends,
2. In the last 42 years, the people of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines have created a democratic, plural and multi-ethnic society full of optimism and progress. The economic achievements of this small but vibrant country are laudable. Under the wise guidance of generations of far-sighted leaders, the people of Saint Vincent & the Grenadines have transformed this island nation into an impressive example of peace and prosperity in the Caribbean.
3. I am glad to know that members of the Indian community living here have adopted this land as their own. They live in peace and harmony with other communities and are making rich contribution to the development of SVG. As a result of their positive approach, the Indian diaspora commands respect and affection in SVG. The declaration of 1st June as Indian Arrival Day in Saint Vincent and 7th October as Indian Heritage Day marks the importance that this country attaches to its Indian connection. Indeed it will be a proud moment for me and the Indian community when I will unveil the sign renaming Calder road to ‘India drive’ shortly.
4. Our developmental partnership with Saint Vincent & the Grenadines is based on the spirit of universal brotherhood. We want to support our brothers and sisters here, in building a stronger Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, with infrastructure projects that add value to the well-being of the people. I would also urge all of you to connect with the new India, its immense energy and rapid economic growth
Ladies and Gentlemen,
5. I once again express my heartiest appreciation to the Indian Diaspora and Indians living in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines . You reflect India’s rich diversity, cultural heritage and traditions. We are proud of you and your achievements.
6. I wish you and members of your families a very bright future, full of prosperity, peace and health. We look forward to welcoming our Pravasi Bhartiya brothers and sisters to your own country of origin, that is, India.
Thank you,
Jai Hind!