St Kitts and Nevis officially opens high commission in Canada

The foreign minister of St Kitts and Nevis has opened the federation’s high commission in Canada, heralding in an era of “heightened engagement” between the countries.

At a ceremony in the capital Ottawa, Mark Brantley joined High Commissioner Skerrit-Andrew to unveil the Caribbean nation’s first independent chancery in Canada.

Senior representatives of the host country, members of the Ottawa diplomatic establishment, nationals and friends of St Kitts and Nevis were among those gathered in the crowd.

In a speech, Brantley recalled St Kitts and Nevis and Canada`s long standing relationship, highlighting that it in fact predated the establishment of diplomatic relations in October 1983.

The foreign minister said that there remains a strong tradition of migration, investment and educational exchanges that anchors the strategic relationship.

“Many Canadians who have journeyed to our shores and have contributed to our own national development.

"Be it in the areas of hospitality, tourism or education. Renowned establishments such as the five-diamond Four Seasons Resort Nevis, the St Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino, the Royal St Kitts Hotel (formerly Jack Tar) as well as Windsor University are all Canadian in some shape or form.

“Investors hailing from Canada have often found opportunity on our shores and a home for their families.”

Return to diplomatic stage

Brantley used the opportunity to express the government`s desire to see such investments and positive contributions continued.

Matt Decourcey, the parliamentary secretary to Canada`s minister of foreign affairs, used the opportunity to express Canada`s own delight in welcoming St. Kitts and Nevis return to the Canadian diplomatic scene.

He underscored the importance of embassies in a changing world and the value of being on the ground to truly influence outcomes.

The brief ceremony saw violin renditions of both national anthems by Taiwanese musician Gifford Ko and a prayer by Reverend Tony Hadley before Brantley cut the ribbon to the new chancery.

According to the St Kitts and Nevis government, the opening of the new high commission marks a recalibration of St Kitts and Nevis foreign policy in line with Canada`s “increasing hemispheric and global leadership role”.