Ghana and Saint Vincent and Grenadines Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their common interest in collaborating to support the development of each country.
Both countries have the desire to assist in enhancing the bilateral relations through cooperation in the fields of agriculture, fisheries, health, education, scientific research, tourism, aviation, investment, arts and culture.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the maiden session of Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) in Accra, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey stated that Ghana endorsed the initiative of the government of St Vincent and Grenadines to establish the Africa, Brazil, Caribbean and Diaspora (ABCD) Commission.
She indicated that the two countries agreed to cooperate to train nurses in specialised areas, adding that Ghana offered to share technical expertise in plant medicine with the Vincentian country, while the country also proposed to sponsor two Ghanaian researchers to survey the various species of plants.
That, Ms Botchwey noted would allow for joint research in the cultivation of plants for the production of medicines as well as facilitating investment in the country’s pharmaceutical industry.
In boosting tourism, the Vincentian counterpart would skill Ghanaians in the areas of dressmaking and the production of cultural artefacts, while the country would sharpen their artistry.
According to Ms Botchwey, the two sides expressed interest in bridging the gap between the African Continent and the Caribbean country by expediting the signing of the bilateral Air Services Agreement.
“Arrangements are ongoing for Ghana’s soon-to-be launched national airline to include the Caribbean region to its routes,” she disclosed.
Sir Louis Straker, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Commerce of St Vincent and the Grenadines expressed his country’s commitment to offer five scholarships to Ghanaians.
He further stated that his outfit would collaborate with Ghana Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research as well the Animal Research Institute to increase production of black belly sheep and different species of yam.
Sir Straker commended the country for their warm reception and promised to act likewise when the country visits his country for the second session of the PJCC in the year 2022.
He also promised to work assiduously with the country to implement the proposals for the benefit of all.
BY JOYCELINE NATALLY CUDJOE
