During the official visit to India in September 2019 of Dr. The Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), India announced a total grant of USD 200,000 for four Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in SVG – a first for the Latin and the Caribbean region. Subsequently, India and SVG signed an umbrella agreement on 13 November 2019 for implementing the projects. The four projects taken up for execution were:
(1) Rehabilitation and Transforming the Derelict Chatuebelair Agriculture Deport into a processing and training facility at a cost of USD 40,740/-;
(2) Refurbishment of the Old Calder Community Center at USD 40,863/-
(3) “Community Development Project for Glenside Village Marriaqua” at USD 39,796/- and
(4) Port Elizabeth Bequia Market Repairs and Restoration at USD 30,000/-
The four projects stand completed.
Coinciding with the Mahatma Gandhi’s 154th Birth Anniversary on 2nd October 2023, the Government of SVG organised a formal ceremony to mark the completion of the four projects and official opening of the Glenside Recreation Centre. Hon’ble Ministers St.Clair Prince, Frederick Stephenson and Keisal Peters spoke on the occasion thanking India.
High Commissioner Dr.Shankar Balachandran, in his speech, commended the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the implementing agency, the Roads, Buildings and General Service Authority (BRAGSA) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for their dedicated efforts and unremitting commitment in ensuring the project completion on time and within the estimated costs. He observed how a barren patch of land at Glenside village had transformed into a day and night recreational facility for the benefit of the community. The High Commissioner noted that the unveiling could not have taken place on a more appropriate day than Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. He offered to consider more such projects in SVG.
The SVG Prime Minister Dr.The Hon. Ralph Gonsalves was the Guest speaker. He expressed appreciation and gratitude to India for its invaluable support and generosity emphasizing the importance of the Quick Impact Projects in bringing immediate benefit to the community.
There were cultural performances. The Prime Minister accompanied by the Ministers and the High Commissioner joined the cutting of the ribbon by Ms.Cassita Ambris.
Over 100 people including PIOs and NRIs attended the function.
Some representative photographs of the event are enclosed.
Kingstown,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
02 October 2023