L-R: Acting HC Trinidad and Tobago; HC Barbados; HC Grenada; MSP George
Foulkes; HC Guyana; MSP Linda Fabiani; HC Antigua & Barbuda

LONDON, England -- A group of Caribbbean High Commissioners in London this week paid a visit to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood in Edinburgh, with the aim of fostering a deeper relationship with members of the Scottish Parliament with the proposed establishment of a Cross-Party Parliamentary Group.

The meeting was in response to an initial discussion held with a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), George Foulkes which resulted in a visit by High Commissioners on 12th June 2008.

MSPs present hailed from the Labour, Conservative, Scottish National Party, Green, Parties, and all pledged their support to the convening of such a group working together with Caribbean High Commissioners to strengthen relationships in a range of areas.

The Caribbean High Commissioners present at the meeting included Laleshwar Singh, High Commissioner for Guyana and Dean of the Caribbean Corps in the UK; Carl Roberts, High Commissioner for Antigua & Barbuda;  Hugh Anthony Arthur, High Commissioner for Barbados; Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, High Commissioner for Grenada and Gail Guy, Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

The areas discussed focused on Educational and Cultural Exchanges between the Caribbean and Scotland, Trade, Tourism and Investment opportunities, Renewable Energy, Sports, among others.

High Commissioners were pleased with the outcome of the meeting and pledged their desire to work towards a goal which would prove beneficial for both Scotland and the Caribbean.

Convenor, MSP George Foulkes, is expected to take the matter through the Parliamentary Procedure and is confident that a date can soon be announced for the Launch of the Group.