Big names, fond memories

LONG-SERVING Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves joined British Caribbean Chamber (BCCC) Patron Lord Howard of Lympne (right), BCCC Chief Executive Dr Ian Kelly (left), British Commissioner Steve Moore (second left) and Invest SVG Executive Director Annette Mark at a dinner on island to discuss future trade links.

The convivial evening was dominated by the distinguished elder statesmen swapping stories and capturing moments of important world history and the great political leaders they had encountered. Fidel Castro, Margaret Thatcher, Hugo Chavez and Edward Heath were touched upon to name but a few.

But as the affectionately known “Comrade Ralph” took the chance to celebrate St Vincent’s new role as a peacemaker on the UN Security Council and Lord Howard celebrated a new “post Brexit Britain” optimism in international affairs, especially in the Caribbean, it was hoped 2020 would auger in new hope and opportunity for peace, trade and prosperity everywhere over the next decade.