On Thursday July 7th, the Embassy of the Argentine Republic to Saint Lucia and the OECS celebrated Argentina’s Bicentennial Independence, to commemorate the events of July 9th, 1816 and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which led to the emancipation of Argentina from Spanish colonial rule. The reception, held at the Sandals Halcyon hotel, was hosted by Mr. Ramiro Alfonso Hidalgo, Chargé d’Affaires of the Argentine Embassy, and honoured by the presence of H.E. the Governor General, Dame Pearlette Louisy, Heads of Diplomatic Missions and International Organisations, Government authorities, Argentine citizens, and other distinguished guests.
H.E. the Governor General, during her opening remarks, recalled the efforts and struggles of Saint Lucia and Argentina to achieve their independence, and underlined the mutual benefits of strengthening the bilateral relationship.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the Argentine Embassy, during his speech, highlighted the common challenges and opportunities that both Argentina and Saint Lucia face as developing countries and regional neighbours. He also emphasised the need to take full advantage of existing complementarities to enhance trade, deepen technical cooperation, explore language training programmes, among other areas with much potential for working together. With only two years since the establishment of the Argentine Embassy in Saint Lucia, Mr. Hidalgo stressed that this was only the beginning of a partnership with much space to grow.
The cultural event featured live folklore and tango performances by dancers Oscar Caballero and Karel Wolberg, and musicians Miguel Vettorello (bandoneon) and Jorge Pinillos (guitar). The guests also enjoyed a selection of artwork from Argentine painters Florencio Molina Campos and Nora Iniesta.
The Embassy of Argentina wishes to take this opportunity to thank all the guests for their presence, all the staff at Sandals Halcyon, and Barbay Ltd. and La Cantina Wines for their generous donation of Argentine wines.
