Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the USA

MAY 29TH 2026

The Consul General was pleased to welcome members of the Pueblos Originarios Inc. delegation to the Consulate for discussions regarding their planned visit to Yurumein (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) in March 2027. The meeting also focused on preparations for the Garifuna Mass scheduled for March 13, 2027.

The delegation included Dr. Martin Bermudez, Nilso Gamboa, Clemente Bermudez, and Yolanda Solorzano. Discussions highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating Garifuna culture, heritage, and traditions, while fostering stronger connections among Caribbean, Latin American, and Indigenous communities.

The Consul General thanked the delegation for their visit and expressed his appreciation for their ongoing efforts to promote Garifuna history and culture. He also reaffirmed the Consulate’s support for this meaningful cultural and spiritual event and looked forward to continued collaboration in the months ahead.

Today, Fenimore Street United Methodist Church celebrated its annual All Nations Day. A special invitation was extended to Consul General Matthews by his former teacher and renowned journalist, Dr. Nelson King, who also serves as a lay preacher at the church.

During the event, Consul General Matthews had the opportunity to interact with members of the congregation, including many Vincentian church members. He described the occasion as spiritually uplifting and expressed his sincere gratitude to the church for the invitation and warm welcome.

The Consul General also thanked the congregation for its generous support of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines during the La Soufrière volcanic eruption and in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. He commended the church for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, which was beautifully showcased through the All Nations Day celebration.

The event highlighted the rich cultural backgrounds of the congregation, with more than ten countries represented, reflecting the church’s vibrant multicultural community and spirit of unity.

On May 16th, Consul General Roland Matthews had the distinct honor of participating in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Progressive Organization of New York (SPOONY) “Tribute to Mothers” celebration held in Brooklyn. The special occasion was also attended by H.E. Ambassador Vynette Frederick, distinguished local officials, and members of the Vincentian and wider Caribbean community, all gathered in recognition of the remarkable contributions and enduring influence of mothers.

During the event, Consul General Matthews delivered a heartfelt reflection honoring the life and sacrifice of his mother, Grace Matthews, whose unwavering belief in education, service, and perseverance helped shape his journey and commitment to national service. His moving tribute reminded all in attendance of the immeasurable contributions mothers make in shaping families, communities, and future generations.

The event served as a meaningful occasion of reflection, appreciation, and recognition for the enduring role of mothers within our families and communities

On May 20th, we had the pleasure of spending a truly enlightening and productive afternoon with Stanley and Patrice Thornton, developers of innovative soil and plant amendments designed to support sustainable agriculture and enhanced crop production. The Consulate also acknowledges Mr. Clive Bishop (Bish-I), who was instrumental in facilitating the connection and encouraging outreach regarding these discussions and potential areas of collaboration.

The discussions explored potential applications and benefits for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly in light of agricultural challenges, including the widespread impact of sargassum and the need to strengthen soil health, crop resilience, and sustainable farming practices.

Their company’s work focuses on developing solutions that increase crop yields, improve soil structure, relieve soil compaction, enhance soil oxygenation, reduce dependence on nitrogen and phosphorus inputs, promote efficient water utilization, and suppress foliage and root diseases.

It was an insightful exchange on innovation, sustainability, and the future of agricultural development, and we look forward to continued dialogue and possible collaboration in support of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ agricultural sector.

MAY 19TH 2026

Yesterday, the Consulate General had the pleasure of meeting with brothers, Michael and Adrian Rose, principals of Cane Garden Rum Punch, a proudly Vincentian brand inspired by family traditions from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Cane Garden Rum Punch is a handcrafted, small-batch ready-to-drink cocktail designed to deliver a sophisticated and authentic Caribbean experience, while showcasing the vibrant flavours and culture of our homeland.

The meeting explored opportunities for collaboration and strengthening the visibility of Vincentian products within the diaspora and wider international markets.

We are immensely proud to witness our nationals continuing to make remarkable strides abroad and serving as shining examples of Vincentian entrepreneurship, innovation, and excellence. Cane Garden Rum Punch represents yet another Vincentian success story that reflects the creativity, resilience, and global potential of our people.

The Consulate looks forward to continued collaborative discussions and partnership opportunities aimed at promoting Vincentian culture, trade, investment, and diaspora engagement initiatives. 🇻🇨

https://www.stvincenttimes.com/unctad-pledges-support-to-st-vincent-diaspora-investment-initiative/

UNCTAD pledges support to SVG new diaspora investment initiative The Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in New York recently secured a formal commitment from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to support the nation…

(Read Full story below: )
https://www.nbcsvg.com/2026/05/08/svg-to-strengthen-global-partnerships-with-unctad-support-for-diaspora-investment-drive/

The Consulate General of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in New York recently welcomed Mr. Ian Richards of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). That engagement has since translated into a formal commitment from UNCTAD to provide technical and potential financial support to the Government’s efforts to strengthen investment facilitation and deepen diaspora engagement through the initiative, Engaging the Vincentian Diaspora in National Development Through Trade and Investment.

As part of this collaboration, UNCTAD has identified several areas of potential support, including providing technical input on the draft investment legislation with a view to
incorporating a diaspora investment component; undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the national investment framework; supporting the development of targeted investment promotion strategies for diplomats, particularly in relation to diaspora engagement; delivering specialized training to strengthen diplomatic capacity; and coordinating with the Consulate in New York in preparation for its participation in the government's upcoming high-level diaspora investment engagement.

This latest development represents the continuation of ongoing engagement with UNCTAD, building on the organization’s initial collaboration with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, through its Consulate in New York, in 2018/2019 to support the development of the IGuide to Doing Business in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The IGuide was officially launched in 2020 with the aim of enhancing the country’s investment environment and promoting sustainable economic growth

Photos: Consul General Roland Matthews, Bernadette Ambrose (Consul, Foreign Direct Investments), Economist, Development Finance & Digital Government - Ian Richards (UNCTAD)