Canada Day celebrations highlight areas of cooperation

THE rich shared history between Barbados and Canada was celebrated in fine style on Sunday evening during Canada Day celebrations, held at the new residence of the Canadian High Commissioner Marie Legault.

The event was attended by Chief Justice Sir Marston Gibson, ambassador at Large and Plenipotentiary Dame Billie Miller also brought together Cabinet Ministers, Senators, members of the diplomatic corps and other specially invited guests to celebrate Canada’s 151st anniversary of Confederation.

It also coincided with the launch of the book put together by the team from the High Commission called: Maple Leaves and Caribbean Seas. Written in English and French, the book explores the common heritage between Canada and the Caribbean which was described as a love story. It was also revealed that ties were very close and in 1884 Barbados was officially asked to join Canada’s confederation.

Giving a synopsis of the work carried out by Canada over the past year including the G7 Summit and its outcomes, High Commissioner Legault also highlighted the work carried out specifically between Canada and Barbados.

She noted that over the past year Barbados has undergone some changes, acknowledging the victory of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.

“Although she is not here today, I will to congratulate Barbados for joining the still too select club of countries having elected its first female Prime Minister. I think that Barbadians have agreed with me that gender should not be an issue for selecting a Prime Minister,” she said.

Legault acknowledged the “bold” agenda set out by the new government from the Throne Speech which she said will create further joint opportunities for collaboration.

She told the guests that the government has engaged on the South Coast Sewage situation and the judgment to transition Barbados to 100 percent Renewable energy by 2030. “To provide incentives for the ownership of alternative energy vehicles and to undertake extensive restoration of coral reefs are all measures that are closely aligned with our priorities,” she said.

The High Commissioner also lauded the creation of a Ministry of Innovation, which is headed by Senator Kay McConney which she says will also has the potential to create opportunities in the field of STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics). She revealed that a similar Ministry was created back in 2015 in Canada.

High Commissioner Legault also commended the creation of a Maritime Affairs and Blue Economy Ministry in Barbados will also create opportunities for collaboration.

“Globally the Blue Economy represents a potential for untapped growth of three trillion dollars per year by 2020. As countries bordered by oceans, both Canada and Barbados can be a part of that growth which we intend to do,” she said. That Ministry, is ironically headed by Minister Kirk Humphrey who was an employee at the High Commission prior to the May 24 general elections. He was also a part of the team that worked tirelessly to see the book through to completion.

Minister Humphrey also described the relationship between Canada and Barbados as a love affair. He remarked that Canada has made a substantial contribution to the region over the years, which is often not recognised or known because in true Canadian style, work carried out is never boasted.

The well-attended event featured local performers and also featured world-renowned Montreal-based world music singer Lorraine Klaasen who amazed the audience with her trademark dynamic stage presence and performance. (JH)