Twenty-one years ago, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Poland; however, ties were cemented with the inauguration of its Consulate on Monday, 20th November.  The inauguration ceremony took place at the Alliance Française.

Barrister at Law, Mr. Julian Jack, has been appointed to serve as Honourary Consul of the Republic of Poland to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.  To this end, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Caracas, Venezuela, Miss Milena Łukasiewicz; stated, “we are so proud we can have representation in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and more proud that Poland will be represented by Mr. Julian Jack”.  

The Chargé d'affaires read a letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Minister Witold Waszczykowski.   Minister Waszczykowski wrote that he is “convinced that you [Mr. Julian Jack], will fulllfil with honour the assigned functions, strengthening the friendly relations between the Republic of Poland and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.”

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sir Louis Straker, stated that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has arrived at a milestone in our relationship with the Republic of Poland.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs described Poland as a very important country in the European Union.

Minister Straker also expressed pride that the Republic of Poland has “chosen one of our own – decent and upright, progressive young man – to be their Honourary Consul.”  According to Minister Straker, he has worked with Mr. Jack in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and can say that “he’s a man of some worth and merit. I am absolutely sure that he’s going to represent the interests of Poland here in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines very well.”

Minister Straker used the opportunity to say that the strengthening of ties between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of Poland offer good prospects for this country's tourism.  He envisioned that soon our country will welcome persons from Poland to our shores.

Honourary Consul of the Republic of Poland to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Mr. Julian Jack, described the inauguration as a special day for bilateralism in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.  “I recognise Poland to be one of the very important countries in the European Union”, said Jack, echoing the sentiments of the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sir Louis Straker.  The Honourary Consul referred to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ strong traditional and historical ties with the European Union, through multilateral mechanisms.  He stressed that engagement in multilateral issues calls for important allies and close friends.  

According to Jack,  he is tremendously humbled to have been chosen by the Government and People of Poland and “[he is] I am equally humbled by the fact that the Government and People of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have so seen it fit and proper to appoint and confirm my [his] nomination”.   Jack said the Consulate is located at the corner of Bay and Higginson Streets, 3rd floor of the Bayview Plaza.  He added that it will be opened to the public next week.

Consul of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Caracas, Venezuela, Mr. Pawel Szymanczak, chaired the inauguration ceremony.  The inauguration ceremony was attended by staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Senator Carlos Williams; the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Dr. Godwin Friday; members of the Diplomatic Corps, and friends of the newly appointed Consul.  

The inauguration also included an exhibition of Poland’s history and a film showing the effects of World War 2 on Poland.

 

SOURCE: API