Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie has congratulated Bishop Ishmael Charles on his appointment as Honourary Consul to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

The announcement of Bishop Charles’ appointment comes days before the official opening of the country’s first consular office in the Territory on Friday, October 16 at 9:30 a.m.

Bishop Charles presented his credentials of appointment to Premier Fahie on October 14.

Premier Fahie said, “I extend heartfelt congratulations to Bishop Ishmael Charles on his appointment as Honourary Consul of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Virgin Islands. I was delighted to receive Bishop Charles as he presented his credentials to me today, in his official capacity as a Representative of the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I look forward to joining with St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the BVI community as the Consular Office is established.”

The Bishop was appointed by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce of the Government of St. Vincent and Grenadines, Honourable Sir Louis Straker. As Honourary Consul, Bishop Charles will be responsible for promoting the economic interests of SVG in the Virgin Islands in addition to identifying and facilitating opportunities for development of business relations, trade, commerce, tourism and culture, assisting nationals of SVG living in the BVI and enhancing the relationships between SVG and the Virgin Islands.

The ceremony for the opening of the office will feature remarks from Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce of the Government of St. Vincent and Grenadines, Honourable Sir Louis Straker; Honourary Consul of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bishop Ishmael Charles; and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce of the Government of St. Vincent and Grenadines, Mrs. Sandy Peters-Phillips.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Government of the Virgin Islands Facebook page: @BVIGovernment, and simulcasted via radio on ZBVI 780 AM and CBN 90.9 FM and via television on CBN on FLOW TV Channel 101.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

Photo 1:1- Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie and Honourary Consul of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bishop Ishmael Charles.

Photo 2:3- Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie and Honourary Consul of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bishop Ishmael Charles.

Photo 3:3- Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie and Honourary Consul of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Bishop Ishmael Charles.

Flyer 1:1- Opening of the  St. Vincent and the Grenadines Consular Office  in the Virgin Islands