Prime Minister, Honourable Dr. Kenny D. Anthony’s recent attendance at the Second Summit Meeting of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on January 28 and 29, 2014, has reaped tangible benefits for Saint Lucia. During the summit the island’s Prime Minister called for assistance as the country recovers from the 2013 Christmas Eve trough. 

The United Mexican States responded to the Prime Minister’s call by dispatching the country’s External Relations Minister, José Antonio Meade Kuribreña, and a small delegation to Saint Lucia on February 7, 2014 . It was the Mexican External Affairs Minister’s first visit to the island. 

Saint Lucia’s Minister for External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation, Hon. Alva Baptiste met the delegation at the George F.L Charles Airport, and escorted them to the Bel Jou Hotel for a meeting over lunch. Also in attendance at that meeting was Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony. 

Saint Lucia’s Minister for External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation, Hon. Alva Baptiste at a press briefing said the two countries are strengthening their existing relations and the island is soon to reap tangible benefits from that relationship. 

“In the Dennery North constituency we have had a water problem and today we are fast approaching the point where we will see an end to water being pumped directly from the river into people’s homes, impacting negatively on the health of the people in that area,” said Minister Baptiste. “In the next few weeks, our friends in Mexico will be making available, adequate resources to ensure that we have a proper treatment plant and other infrastructure that will protect the health of the people of the Dennery north constituency.” 

Mexico will also offer tangible support with the rebuilding of St Jude’s Hospital. 

For his part, the Mexican External Affairs Minister said he hopes the two countries can forge a renewed sense of neighbourhood and community.

“We want the bilateral relationship between Mexico and Saint Lucia to thrive,” said Mexico’s External Affairs Minister. “We want to see all of our values communicated clearly. Mexico will make its support felt because we want for the Caribbean region to be better prepared in terms of the collective challenges that we face; to take advantage of the opportunities that we share.” 

Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony added that Mexico is a competitor but a friendly competitor, as there is a lot Saint Lucia can learn from its friendly ally. 

“This is a historical visit...we are about to construct a wonderful and fascinating friendship,” said the Prime Minister. “The chemistry is just right. It is just perfect to strengthen the ties between Mexico and Saint Lucia.” 

In closing, Dr Anthony extended an invitation to the President of the United Mexican States to visit Saint Lucia.