Germany, Barbados relationship remains strong

“Pride and industry is the motto of Barbados. Pride and industry is also the summary of the first 50 years of our diplomatic relations and I believe we will have pride and industry, partnership and peace for at least another 50 years.”

This was the word coming from Lutz H Görgens, non-resident German Ambassador of Barbados.

He was speaking yesterday at the Clubhouse at Royal Westmoreland, at the celebration of 50 years of Diplomatic Relations between Barbados and the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Ambassador indicated, “The 50th anniversary of the relations between two sovereign nations is a good moment to recall that we do not lose our identities when we integrate. We enhance our identities, and we provide a larger platform for our respective identities. We prosper more when we do not limit our perspectives, and consider the global effects of our local actions.”

“I submit that the citizens of Germany and Barbados are served better when our governments leverage their actions through regional cooperation. Look at one example of cooperation between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the European Union (EU)….”

Görgens highlighted, “The importance of travel and tourism extends far beyond figures of how many cruise ship passengers arrived today, and how many dollars were spent today in hotels, shops and restaurants. The love for your island produces amazing and unexpected results at a personal level. Jost Reinhold, a grandfather of nine, has been a repeat visitor to Barbados for almost 40 years. Two weeks ago, like in anticipation of our celebration, Jost & Denise Reinhold presented the Paediatric Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital with a cardiac ultrasound machine and two critical care cribs.”

The Ambassador stated, “Whether we work with CERMES for fisherfolk in Oistins, or with the CDB for energy efficiency – which might well contribute to the solution of budgetary deficits in the region – or with IMPACS and the Barbados police force for
better security: We strongly believe in joint responsibility for a better future with every single one of our partners. The ambitious sustainable development goals for 2030 can only be reached through joint action… .Let us coordinate our action for peace and global justice.” (NB)