Your Excellency José María Fernández López de Turiso, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain,
The Honourable the Chief Justice Mr. Justice Ivor Archie and Mrs. Archie,
Senator the Honourable Christine Kangaloo, President of the Senate,
The Honourable Bridgid Annisette-George, Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Ministerial Colleagues,
Your Excellencies, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, other Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Representatives of International Organisations resident in Trinidad and Tobago, and Other Specially Invited Guests
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening,
On behalf of Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Government and the People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, it is my pleasure to extend warm greetings and best wishes to the Government and the People of the Kingdom of Spain as you commemorate “La Fiesta Nacional de España”, the National Day of Spain.
Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the historic first encounter of Christopher Columbus with our region in 1492, a special period in the history of both our nations, which paved the way for our long and fruitful relationship.
For forty-eight years, Trinidad and Tobago and the Kingdom of Spain have enjoyed vibrant relations and strong diplomatic ties. We continue to strengthen our bilateral relations through technical and scientific cooperation in the fields of culture, education, health, security, trade, tourism, and energy. Our longstanding partnership is also evidenced by a history of mutual support in multilateral fora. There is no doubt that this relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the Kingdom of Spain has been and continues to be invaluable and indeed exemplary.
In June 2015, we welcomed the Secretary of State of the Kingdom of Spain for International Cooperation and Latin America and the Caribbean, His Excellency Jesús Manuel Gracia Aldaz. There was also a brief visit by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, His Excellency José Manuel García-Margallo y Marfil.
There is no doubt that the Spanish influence in Trinidad and Tobago, since 1498, has helped to shape our history and our culture. In May of this year, in honour of the Moruga Spanish Heritage Day, His Excellency José María Fernández Lopéz de Turiso, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, paid a visit to the southernmost district of Moruga. This community is of great significance and has a rich history, as many believe it to be the place where Columbus first arrived and saw the Trinity Hills. The tour involved a visit to the community’s museum in which early Spanish culture is depicted. There, as in many other areas of Trinidad and Tobago, the Spanish presence is evident. I wish to commend the Ambassador for his willingness to explore the rural villages and the Spanish influence in Trinidad and Tobago.
This year has indeed been one of progress for the Spanish economy, which has registered swift growth since the Spanish Government’s structural reforms. Consumer confidence is back to 2007 levels and new credit flows are also consistent with delivery, with GDP and employment growing at the same rate.
Spain has also generated 32.9% of all the employment created within the Eurozone since 2014, which is indeed admirable given the situation which existed in 2012. Spain is also among the leaders in Europe in its response to the migrants and refugees fleeing from conflict zones. As one mayor remarked “Either we deal with a human drama using the capacity to love that makes us human, or we will end up dehumanized.” The Government and People of the Kingdom of Spain must be commended for their humanitarian efforts, their achievements and most of all, their vitality and fortitude.
Let us take time to also recognize the Spanish sporting triumphs including those of the Spanish National Basketball team whose hard work and dedication to the sport earned their resounding victory at the EuroBasket 2015 championship games and ensured their qualification for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and the Spanish cyclists who participated at this year’s Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, whose outstanding performances earned their victories at the respective races. The list would not be complete if I did not mention the Barcelona Football Club which again won the European Cup as the champion club in Europe 2014-2015.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Government of Spain for their support in Trinidad and Tobago’s successful bid for Schengen visa waiver status. Without a doubt, the Short-Stay Visa Waiver Agreement will create a host of possibilities for linking tourists, creative entrepreneurs and investors, among others, from both sides of the Atlantic.
In closing, let me state that Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to building on the strong partnership with the Kingdom of Spain, particularly in the tourism and energy sectors. As we join with you to celebrate “La Fiesta Nacional de España”, let us continue to work to build upon deepened relations for the coming years.
On behalf of the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago, allow me to again wish continued success and prosperity to the Government and the People of the Kingdom of Spain, as we celebrate its National Day. Like all of you, I am eager to witness this evening’s performance, which I am sure will be spectacular.
Felicitaciones y muchas gracias!
