BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IT was a historic moment last evening (May 5) when “adopted son of the soil” and Vice President of the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce Jose Rosa Santory was officially named Honorary Consul to Mexico.
The auspicious event took place at the beautiful Palm Court Restaurant in the presence of government officials, including Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Shawn Richards, Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Mark Brantley and members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, including Mexican Ambassador to the Eastern Caribbean His Excellency Luis Manuel Lopez Moreno. Members of the Opposition including former Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas were also present.
It was a historic event in that it is the first time in the history of the twin-island that a Mexican Consulate Mexico has been opened on St. Kitts and Nevis.
In delivering remarks, Brantley explained that relations between Mexico and St. Kitts-Nevis are extensive and, as far back as 1974, Mexico has been a reliable partner of Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
He said the Federation has regular interactions with Mexico in various for a, including the Associations of Caribbean States, the United Nations and the Organisation of American States.
He described Mexico as a proven and reliable partner and indicated that the implications of the establishment of a consulate headed by Santory are significant, far-reaching and symbolise the value Mexico places in St. Kitts-Nevis.
Santory – a Puerto Rican by birth and a resident of St. Kitts and Nevis for the past 10 years – said it is an honour and privilege to be selected as Mexico’s Honorary Consul and that he appreciates the confidence that the Government of Mexico placed within him and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis acceptance of his designation.
“I also commit to assist Mexican residents in St. Kitts and Nevis and Mexicans visiting the Federation in any area for which, in their minds, I can be of service for their time in the Federation. In essence, I give my word to all Mexican residents that you have an Honorary Consul on whom you can depend.”
Referring to him as “a treasured adopted son of the soil”, Brantley said Santory possesses contacts and credentials which would “render him a most able representative in the pursuit of enhanced linkages between our two countries, particularly in the areas of commerce and people to people exchanges. I am confident that the experience and business savvy that Mr. Santory brings to his new role will allow the strategic partnership between our two countries to flourish and bear much fruit well into the future.
“I am confident that the establishment of the Consulate under the leadership of Mr. Santory would serve as a watershed moment in the history of the relations between St. Kitts and Nevis and Mexico as we work together to pursue new horizons of prosperity and success for the people of our two countries.”
Remarks were also given by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Mexican Ambassador.
