Yesterday, Barbadian employee at the High Commission of Canada, Edson Garnes (center) was recognised for his 43 years of service by Canadian High Commissioner, Richard Hanley and Senator, the Hon. Maxine McClean, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
STRONG TIES LAUDED
The year, 2016, is of special significance as Barbados celebrates 50 years of Independence and 50 years of diplomatic relations with Canada.
The relationship between the two countries was established on November 30, 1966, immediately upon Barbados becoming an independent country.
Yesterday, the High Commission of Canada commemorated this milestone receiving the Commemorative Broken Trident, during a ceremony held at the High Commission’s headquarters at Bishop’s Court Hill.
Congratulating the Government and people of Barbados on the 50th anniversary of Independence, Canadian High Commissioner, Richard Hanley expressed that it is a special year, one in which Barbadians are celebrating and reflecting on their success.
“Barbados has confronted challenges with faith, with courage and resolve, and has put in place remarkable accomplishments as a nation. And with the confidence, resourcefulness and resilience of the Barbadian people, your best years are ahead,” he stated.
The High Commissioner noted that Canada was one of the first countries to recognise Barbados’ Independence, and is therefore proud to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
“It is a celebration as we have strong and abiding ties, and a friendship that will last,” he stressed, also pointing out that the two countries have had business, cultural, education links, and most importantly the people-to-people ties, that make the relationship special.
“Canada has always been proud to have been part of the development of Barbados, and we continue to be part of the journey.
Everywhere I go here, and everyone I have spoken to in my over three years in Barbados, has a story about Canadian participation in the development of this beautiful country. And they do this because Barbadians are a welcoming and generous people,” he stated.
The High Commission also marked Canada’s national day (Canada Day) which falls on July 1. Celebrating Canada’s 149th birthday, High Commissioner Hanley revealed that this week Canadians will take time to reflect on how far they have come as a country.
“From early days when Aboriginals, French and British, came together to form Canada, our national identity has been shaped by our diversity,” he explained.
“Today, Canadians believe in a tolerant peaceful pluralism in protecting human rights, in gender equality, in internationalism, in a democratic society and in helping those in need around the world,” he said. (TL)